Toggle is an UI component that allows users to select between two options. They can be a simple button or a complex widget that takes into account the state of other elements and has different behaviors depending on the selected option. They’re often used to update preferences, settings and other types of information.
Toggles are heavily used in modern interfaces. However, they can be confusing if not implemented correctly. They need to have clear labels, use standard visual design and deliver immediate results. They can be a useful element to have when the user needs to choose between opposing options, such as light or dark themes.
It’s important to understand the markup of a toggle and what that means for accessibility. If a toggle is only visible when checked, you can target it with input:checked. This will make the toggle behave like a checkbox and allow it to be styled properly. However, if the toggle is always visible, it’s better to use a
Toggles are commonly used in experiments or A/B testing. They are a great way to compare a new feature against the status quo to see if it improves customer engagement, user experience or overall performance metrics. They are also useful when practicing progressive delivery, where a change is rolled out to certain groups of users before it’s deployed to everyone.
