Toggle is a user interface control that allows users to update preferences, settings, and other types of information. Toggles are a common element in modern interfaces and should be used appropriately for maximum benefit. Toggles should provide direct labels, use standard visual design, and deliver immediate results. Additionally, toggles should be consistent with the surrounding context to avoid ambiguity. Inconsistent use of toggles can confuse and frustrate users, so be sure to carefully evaluate your context and make use of the appropriate visual cues to signal state change.
A toggle is a piece of hardware that can be pushed through a hole, eye, or loop in something such as a belt, hat, or bag to fasten it. Toggles can also be pressed to switch between different functions on machines such as computers and cars. In modern computer programming, toggles are used to control the behavior of software programs. Toggles can be set to run a single function, an entire program, or a subset of a program. When a toggle is set to execute a particular function, the program will be executed every time that the toggle is pressed. Toggles can also be triggered by specific events, such as button clicks, or by a timer. Toggles can be arranged in rows and columns to create complex controls.
In UX design, toggles are often used to show/hide elements on a page. Toggle switches are a common and effective tool for doing this. Toggle switches should always be presented with clear labeling, consistent visual design, and a meaningful animation to clearly indicate when the toggle is in a new state. Additionally, it’s important to consider societal and cultural implications when using color for toggle states. For example, using red to indicate an on state may be counterintuitive for some users because it is associated with danger or stop signs.
The ability to toggle content can be a useful feature in a web application, especially for complex pages. For example, you might want to allow your users to see a full-screen version of the site while hiding all other content. This could be useful for sites that require a subscription or other monetization models.
Feature toggles are similar to canary releases but more flexible in that the condition(s) that determine whether a feature is active or passive can be much more varied and dynamic. For example, a toggle can be based on fitness test results from other features in the codebase, a parameter passed to an external service such as a canary release or a Champagne Brunch feature flag, a property in a config file, or any other boolean variable.
The Toggle element has advanced options, similar to the overall element’s advanced options, including positioning, responsiveness, animation & delay, and the option to use the UI theme. Click the “Advanced Options” icon to open the left sidebar and adjust these parameters.
