Toggle is a feature that allows users to update preferences, settings, and other types of information. Toggles are commonly found in everyday technology, such as smartphones and tablets that allow users to enable or disable WiFi or Bluetooth. Toggles are also used in software applications to switch between different modes or settings.

Unlike checkboxes or radio buttons, toggle switches do not include text on/off. As such, they rely on visual cues to communicate state — which can be confusing for users if not designed correctly. To avoid confusion, ensure that your toggles have clear labels that describe the effect of activating and deactivating them. Also, use visual cues (such as movement and color changes) to convey the toggle’s current state. Finally, be sure to provide alternate text for screen readers and users with cognitive disabilities.

A toggle can be used to enable or disable features within an application, such as streaming video or maps. It can be a way to control the number of simultaneous connections, or whether users have access to data stored in the cloud. Toggles can be especially useful for managing bandwidth in a shared environment, or for creating a “guest” mode where visitors can enjoy limited functionality without risking the security of sensitive information.

Unlike Canary Releases, Champagne Brunch and other categories of Feature Toggles, a Permissioning Toggle can be long-lived. However, changing the toggling decision for a Permissioning Toggle should be done with care because it can impact large numbers of users and require a substantial amount of time to implement.