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A toggle is a control that allows users to update a setting, view, or piece of content. The best toggles are crafted with direct labels and standard interface icons that communicate their purpose and deliver immediate results. They also use a consistent appearance, updating their visual state (typically the background) based on their current state.

Many designers rely on color to indicate the current state of a toggle. However, WCAG guidance cautions against this: “Don’t rely on color alone to convey meaning.” Instead, consider adding a label to the switch that clearly indicates what will be enabled when it’s clicked. It’s also recommended to add a tooltip for each toggle that describes its state and what will be revealed when the toggle is clicked.

A common use of toggles is in A/B testing. When designing an experiment, a Toggle Router consistently sends a given user down one codepath or the other, based on their cohort. This enables a team to make data-driven optimizations to things like purchase flows, CTA wording, and even the color of interface elements.