A toggle is a simple user-interface component that lets people switch between two opposing states. It looks like a slider and uses visual cues to help users understand its current state. Toggles should be used for binary actions that affect the state of content, views, or settings. Other types of control, such as drop-down menus or radio buttons, should be used for more complex actions that require a user to select from an array of options.
When a toggle is pressed, its default state is off. When the button is released, it is back to the off state. For example, a toggle might be used to hide all sent messages on a messaging app. When a message is sent, the toggle is turned off and the message is hidden from view. Toggles can also be pressed to change the order of information displayed, such as displaying all recent messages first or showing only unread messages.
While toggles are commonly used to manage settings and content, they can be confusing when not placed in the right context. To avoid confusion, designers should ensure that a toggle’s labels make it clear what state the toggle is currently in and what state it will be in when pressed again. In addition, the directional movement of the toggle should be consistent and clear. Toggles that look more like sliders should use a standard visual design and deliver immediate results.
Labels are a crucial component in any interface, and especially for toggles. Ideally, toggle labels should be short and direct. They should explain what the toggle will do when pressed and what it will do when left alone. Using descriptive adjectives is better than vague nouns, such as “active” or “inactive”.
Contrasting colors are another important aspect of toggle design. In general, it is preferable to use a more saturated color to indicate the active state of the toggle. This color should be clearly visible and should contrast against the background of the toggle. In contrast, a lighter shade should be used to indicate the inactive or passive state of the toggle.
However, designers should be careful not to use too much contrast when designing toggles because this can negatively impact accessibility. Some people have vision problems that can be affected by high levels of contrast. For instance, 8% of males have red/green color blindness and may not see green as an obvious indicator of the active state of a toggle switch.
The word toggle comes from the English verb toggle, meaning to fasten or bind something temporarily. Historically, the word was also applied to pins passed through an eye or loop in a rope or chain so that they could be shifted between one position and another. More recently, it has been applied to software and hardware controls that enable users to turn on and off specific functions. For example, a toggle on a keyboard can be used to turn the caps lock or num lock function on and off.
