In software, toggle is a control that allows you to switch between two opposite states (on and off). It is similar to the Caps Lock and Num Lock keys on your keyboard.

Togles are used in settings and preferences, where it is necessary to determine whether a system is in a certain state. They are often the most appropriate controls for these types of tasks because they take up less screen space than radio buttons.

Using toggles is good for updating user preferences and settings, because the results are immediate. They are also useful for limiting scrolling and making it easy for users to find content that they need.

A toggle should be clearly labeled to make it easy for users to understand what the switch does. The label should describe what the option is and what state the toggle is currently in.

When designing toggles, use colors to signal their state changes. For example, a red button indicates that the switch is on, while a green button means it’s off.

Color is an important visual signifier, but designers should keep in mind that color has a societal and cultural significance. To avoid confusion, use a high-contrast color to communicate the state change.

Choosing a state descriptor for the toggle will help people recognize the current state of the system and provide feedback about how the toggle is performing. State descriptors should be short, direct, and descriptive.

Toggles are a very powerful user interface tool, but they should be implemented consistently. They should be short, direct, and provide clear visibility of a system’s status.