Toggle is a digital trade journal that highlights the vital role technology plays across industries—and the men and women who make it work. We cover the latest news, trends, and developments in everything from data analytics to cybersecurity, with a focus on technology solutions that drive business.

As a verb, toggle means to switch between two positions, such as when you toggle between screens as you video chat with multiple people at once. But toggle switches can also be used to change settings or modes—think turning Airplane Mode ON or OFF on your phone. These are the types of tasks that toggle switches are best suited to handle.

When designing a toggle, it’s important to consider its intended function and how the user will understand what it does. Toggles should be clearly labeled and use standard visual cues (like a slider) to avoid confusion or frustration. A good rule of thumb is to have the toggle’s default state be ON unless otherwise specified.

Toggle switches are a great way to update preferences, settings, and other types of information on the site or app. They take less space than a checkbox and deliver immediate results. However, it’s important to be thoughtful about how and when they are used—too many can lead to overcrowding and a confusing interface. A toggle should only be activated when it’s needed, and should never be used as a default option or forced upon the user without explanation or consent.