Toggle is a control that allows users to quickly switch between two states, such as on and off. It’s a good choice when you want to allow your user to make a binary decision, and a toggle is also often preferred over a checkbox because it takes less space.

Toggles are most useful in settings or preferences. For example, a toggle is the right control when you want your users to be able to turn their Airplane Mode ON or OFF. However, it’s important to consider how your users might be able to see what state they’re in and what they’re changing from before you implement a toggle. For instance, if your toggle has a background that shows the current state, you might want to consider adding a visual cue that makes it clear which state the toggle is in.

The word toggle comes from the 18th century definition of a pin passed transversely through an eye or loop in a rope to bind it temporarily. More recently, it’s been used to describe switching between screens as you video chat with two friends at once. It’s also a common verb: “I’m toggling between the baseball game and the news.”