django-admin-collapse-apps — collapsible application sections for the Django admin

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1

Hi everyone!

I’ve released django-admin-collapse-apps, a small open-source package that adds collapsible application sections to the standard Django admin sidebar.

In projects with several installed applications, the admin navigation can become quite long. This package lets each user collapse the sections they do not currently need, while keeping the familiar appearance and behaviour of Django’s built-in admin.

Expanded and collapsed application sections in the Django admin sidebar
Expanded and collapsed application sections in the Django admin sidebar552×1618 26.9 KB

Features

  • Collapsible application sections in the standard Django admin sidebar

  • The collapsed state is remembered separately for each user in the browser

  • No database models or migrations

  • No external JavaScript dependencies

  • Progressive enhancement: the admin remains usable if JavaScript is unavailable

  • Support for Django’s light and dark themes

  • Optional configuration to enable collapsing only for selected applications

  • Customizable collapse and expand icons

  • Designed to preserve the native Django admin appearance

Installation

pip install django-admin-collapse-apps

Add the package before django.contrib.admin:

INSTALLED_APPS = [
    "admin_collapse_apps",
    "django.contrib.admin",
    # ...
]

By default, all application sections can be collapsed. Applications can also be selected explicitly through the package settings.

The package intentionally does one small thing and does not replace or redesign the Django admin.

Feedback is very welcome, especially regarding compatibility with customized admin templates, accessibility, and behaviour in larger Django projects.

2

Nice work! This looks like a simple but practical improvement, especially for larger Django projects where the admin sidebar can become difficult to navigate. Keeping the default Django admin experience while giving users the ability to collapse app sections seems like a clean approach. Looking forward to trying it out—thanks for sharing it with the community.

1 Like
3

Thank you very much! That’s exactly what I wanted to achieve — a small usability improvement for larger admin sites without changing the familiar Django interface or turning the package into a replacement for the standard admin.

I’d be very happy if you give it a try in a real project. I’m especially interested in any feedback about larger admin setups, compatibility with customized templates, and the overall user experience. And of course, if you have any ideas about what’s missing or what could be improved, I’d really appreciate your suggestions.

Thanks again for your interest in the project!

5

This looks really useful for larger Django projects. I like that it keeps the default admin interface instead of adding a completely different navigation system. The per-user collapsed state is a nice touch too. I’ll definitely give it a try.