The toggle is a user-interface component that helps users update preferences, settings, and other types of information. When used effectively, toggles help reduce cognitive load by simplifying choices and delivering immediate results. However, they can be confusing when misused or implemented inconsistently.

Toggles are most useful when a user must choose between two opposing values that affect the state of content or a view. They should not be used for actions that require a more complex selection, such as choosing items from a list, since they can lead to confusion about what is currently selected. Instead, use other UI components for these tasks, such as dropdowns or radio buttons.

The default toggle has two clickable areas: a toggle button and the associated label text. Users click the toggle button to switch between the “on” and “off” states. The toggle also has a visible focus state to ensure accessibility. Default toggles are larger in size than small toggles, which can be placed inline with other components.

A toggle’s “on” and “off” states should be clearly defined in the surrounding context. For example, the toggle might be accompanied by text that communicates the setting or view it controls, or an icon that represents the current state of the toggle. This contextual description can reduce the number of clicks required to perform a task, and it can clarify what is being done when the toggle is clicked.

The toggle’s “on” and “off” state should be consistent across the entire interface. This helps users understand what is being done, and it reduces visual clutter that can distract from the task at hand. The toggle should not change color between “on” and “off” states, as this can cause visual confusion and violate user expectations. Instead, use colors that are more easily recognizable in the context of other interface elements, such as green for on and red for off.

Toggles can be used for multiple purposes, including adjusting content or views, changing preferences, and managing permissions. They can be found in both desktop and mobile apps, in a variety of industries, and in different contexts—including on websites and in digital applications. However, they should not be confused with other similar UI components such as checkboxes or radio buttons, which have the same functionality but differ in terms of their interaction.

When implementing a toggle, it is important to consider its performance implications on the frontend and backend. If a toggle is based on a database query, every time the toggle changes state it can trigger thousands or millions of requests to the server. This can negatively impact production’s performance and increase the cost of the product. To avoid this, designers should make sure the toggle is only used when it is absolutely necessary and that all other options for selecting a value are available. For example, if you need to support both yes/no and multi-select options, use a dropdown or radio button in combination with a toggle.