iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
In TanStack Start, a pathless layout wraps related pages without adding a URL segment. Give the layout a filename beginning with an underscore, then place <Outlet /> where its matched child page should appear. For example, an _app layout can provide shared navigation for /dashboard and /settings.
How layouts fit into TanStack Start routing
TanStack Start uses TanStack Router. Its route tree matches a URL to nested route components, so a parent layout can render shared interface around a child page. The root route, conventionally src/routes/__root.tsx, sits at the top of the tree, has no URL path of its own, and is always matched. It is the place for application-level document structure.
A layout route is a parent route that supplies shared UI or route logic to its children. An ordinary layout has a URL path; a pathless layout adds a component layer without adding a path segment. A route group, by contrast, is an organizational grouping and does not itself provide a wrapper.
What makes a layout pathless?
In file-based routing, a leading underscore marks a pathless layout route. The route identifier still distinguishes the layout in the route tree, but that identifier does not appear in the child routes’ URLs. TanStack Router describes pathless layout route IDs as prefixed with an underscore: Routing Concepts | TanStack Router. The filename convention is documented in File Naming Conventions | TanStack Router.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Build a shared layout with Outlet
For the file-based routing convention, this route tree creates a shared application shell for two pages:
src/routes/
__root.tsx
_app.tsx
_app.dashboard.tsx
_app.settings.tsxThe underscore-prefixed _app route wraps its children but contributes no URL segment. The child routes can therefore match /dashboard and /settings, rather than URLs containing /_app.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
import { Outlet, createFileRoute } from '@tanstack/react-router'
export const Route = createFileRoute('/_app')({
component: AppLayout,
})
function AppLayout() {
return (
<div>
<nav>{/* shared navigation */}</nav>
<main><Outlet /></main>
</div>
)
}<Outlet /> is the insertion point for the next potentially matching child route. Put it inside the layout’s component tree at the location where the page content belongs—in this example, inside <main>. If no child route matches, Outlet renders nothing. It is neither a route of its own nor a URL token. See the TanStack Start routing guide.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Pathless versus ordinary layout routes
| Route type | URL contribution | Typical file or route ID | Can match a dynamic segment? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary layout | Its path contributes to child matching. | A path-bearing route such as posts.tsx. |
Yes, when the route path includes a dynamic segment. |
| Pathless layout | Adds no URL segment. | An underscore-prefixed route such as _app.tsx. |
No. It does not match URL path segments. |
Both kinds can wrap child routes and render an Outlet. Choose an ordinary layout when its URL path belongs in the child URLs; choose a pathless layout when you need the shared component layer without another segment.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What to do when a layout needs a URL parameter
A pathless layout cannot itself capture a dynamic path segment, because it does not match a segment in the URL. For a parameter such as a post ID, use a path-bearing dynamic route and place the pathless wrapper at a suitable parent level. TanStack Router’s routing-concepts guide explicitly rules out a dynamic pathless directory such as _$postId/ and describes using a separate dynamic directory alongside a pathless wrapper: Routing Concepts | TanStack Router.
Let the routing tools generate the route tree
In the documented file-based setup, TanStack Router’s bundler plugin or CLI generates route configuration from the route files. Treat those files as the source for the convention-based workflow; do not assume you must hand-maintain the generated route tree. The supported generation workflow is described in File-Based Routing | TanStack Router.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Recommended Free Tools
