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Manage empty link rows in grouped lists

Use the empty link row to clearly show when nothing is linked yet and provide an accessible way to add new items.

Audience

This guide is designed for project manager.

Steps​

Step 1: Review group labels and empty messages​

When a group has no linked items, check that the empty row shows the group label and a clear message explaining that nothing is currently linked.

Review group labels and empty messages

Step 2: Show additional qualifiers for the group​

Where needed, include a short qualifier (such as "Issued") so the empty row matches the wording used when items are present in that group.

Show additional qualifiers for the group

Step 3: Provide an accessible "add" button​

Configure the empty row with an "add" button label so users can easily add or link a new item directly from the empty state.

Provide an accessible "add" button

Step 4: Hide the add button when nothing can be added​

For groups where there is nothing available to add, use the empty row without an "add" button so users are not offered actions that will not work.

Hide the add button when nothing can be added

Step 5: Use the bordered variant within plain sections​

In sections without their own borders, use the default bordered empty row so the empty state is visually separated from surrounding content.

Use the bordered variant within plain sections

Step 6: Use the bare variant inside bordered sections​

In sections that already have their own visual chrome, use the bare variant so the empty row appears without an extra border or heading.

Use the bare variant inside bordered sections

Last updated: 2026-08-23