In plain English
It describes a tighter visual arrangement with less empty space between parts of the interface. This lets the interface fit into less screen area.
In context
Here, compact denotes the option for a layout in which interface elements are placed closer together so they use less screen space.
- Situation
- Using dashboards, tables, filters, sorting, views, and bulk controls
- What it communicates
- labels the tight-spacing option in the density menu
Meaning limits
By itself, compact does not indicate any change to what the interface elements are or do beyond their closer arrangement.
Examples
“The toolbar looks compact, with its buttons spaced more tightly and taking up less of the screen than before.”
“She switched the sidebar to compact before reopening the document.”