What interface component would you use for selecting options from a large list? For most designers, checkboxes come to mind. But a long list of checkboxes looks intimidating to users and can cause them to abandon your form. Not only that, but checkboxes aren’t efficient or easy to use because they take up space, offer small tap targets, and increase the number of visual elements to manage.
A better component for option selection is toggle tokens. Toggle tokens conserve screen space, so you have room for more content, and users don’t have to scroll. Checkboxes require vertical stacking, but toggle tokens allow for both vertical and horizontal stacking. This creates a compact arrangement that looks less intimidating to users.
It’s possible to arrange checkboxes in columns, but this isn’t optimal for mobile given the combined widths of checkboxes and text labels. Even on desktop it’s not ideal due to the large width space it occupies.
Not only that, but toggle tokens don’t require a checkbox or checkmark with the label. As a result, there are fewer elements on the screen competing for the user’s attention. Minimizing visual noise allows users to focus on the options.
The small tap targets of checkboxes can also cause tapping issues. Toggle tokens offer larger tap targets so users can make selections with less chance of mistapping.
All these benefits make toggle tokens a better component for selecting options than checkboxes. However, there is an exception when checkboxes fare better.
If your options have long text labels that wrap to multiple lines, you should use checkboxes. Checkbox labels aren’t horizontally constrained and allow enough space for more text. On the other hand, toggle tokens are constrained by its shape and should only be used when your option labels are single text lines.
The name “toggle token” is as intuitive as the name “checkbox.” It comes from its token-like shape and toggle functionality. Next time you’re thinking about using checkboxes for option selection, consider toggle tokens instead. You’ll conserve screen space, simplify the interface, and prevent users from abandoning your form.
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FAQs
If you need a larger target size, go with toggle buttons. It's also easier to arrange them in a horizontal space. Checkboxes are more suitable for a vertical space and are a standard in forms.
When should you use a toggle over a checkbox? ›
Use Toggle when:
- An instant response of applied settings is required without explicit action.
- A setting requires an on/off or show/hide function to display the results.
- User needs to perform instantaneous actions that do not need a review or confirmation.
Checkboxes can be checked or not checked and can optionally also allow for a partially checked state. Toggle buttons can be pressed or not pressed and can optionally allow for a partially pressed state.
What is the difference between checkbox and toggle in material design? ›
Today, we'll dive into the world of user interface elements and shed some light on the differences between Switch, Checkbox, and Radio buttons. Tapping a toggle switch is a two-step action: selection and execution, whereas a checkbox is just a selection of an option and its execution usually requires another control.
What is the alternative to checkboxes in UX? ›
Multi-select chips — are a compact alternative to checkboxes. Allow users to select multiple options and are primarily used for filtering on mobile. Selection controls have been used in user interfaces for a long time, so we have formed strong expectations on how they should behave.
Why do we use toggle? ›
The toggle() method toggles between hide() and show() for the selected elements. This method checks the selected elements for visibility. show() is run if an element is hidden. hide() is run if an element is visible - This creates a toggle effect.
What is the purpose of a toggle? ›
Toggle is a feature or function that allows you to switch between two states or options. It is commonly used in technology, computing, programming, and communications to provide users with a way to toggle between different settings or modes.
What is the alternative to a toggle button? ›
Checkboxes allow the user to select multiple options, then submit in their own time, allowing the system to deal with multiple requests on submission. Radio buttons are similar in that they are a selection first and foremost, but not a selection and instance like a toggle button.
What is the best practice for toggle design? ›
UX Best Practices for Toggle Switches
Provide immediate visual feedback when the toggle state changes. Use clear "On/Off" labels that directly state the action. Avoid unfamiliar terms or asking questions. Descriptive labels for toggles should clearly indicate the system state triggered when the toggle is switched on.
What is the difference between radio and checkbox and toggle? ›
Use checkbox for single selections to confirm on/off selection. Use radio buttons to select mutually exclusive options. Use toggle for selections affecting system settings or changing status.
A switch has more visual weight than a checkbox, so it looks better when it controls more functionality than a checkbox typically does. For example, you might use a switch to let people turn on or off a group of settings, instead of just one setting. For developer guidance, see switch .
What is the difference between checkboxes and toggle buttons in Android? ›
Distinguishing Between Checkboxes and Toggle Switches
Checkboxes will usually require buttons such as “Submit, OK, Next, Apply” after the boxes have been checked. A toggle switch represents a physical switch and is an “either/or” control that allows users to turn things on or off, like a light switch.
Why are toggle buttons confusing? ›
1. Toggles are ambiguous. Toggles are notoriously unclear; It is unclear whether the labels are indicating the current state, or the action that will happen when the toggle is interacted with. The colour goes some way in helping to explain, but colour should never be solely relied on in order to communicate meaning.
What can I use instead of checkboxes? ›
If you have an option that can be turned on or off, but whose two different states are difficult to explain using a single option, you should use a radio button list with two options, rather than a checkbox.
What is the difference between toggle switch and checkbox in UX? ›
Toggle: use it for actions or options that have an immediate effect on the UI. They usually do not need to be confirmed or reviewed. Checkbox: use it when there are additional changes, they are inside a form or they need to be reviewed before continuing.
In what situations might you use a toggle button vs a switch control vs a checkbox? ›
Toggle switches are best used for changing the state of system functionalities and preferences. Toggles may replace two radio buttons or a single checkbox to allow users to choose between two opposing states. Sometimes deciding which user interface element to use — radio buttons, checkboxes, or toggles — can be tough.
What is the best practice of toggle button? ›
The toggle button should only be used as a control when there is an immediate effect, without hitting Save, Submit, or any other input. Apply them only when the setting has a default value. In other cases, radio buttons or checkboxes may be the better option.
What is the purpose of a toggle in Excel? ›
Toggle buttons indicate a state between an enabled or disabled state when the button is clicked. To add an ActiveX control, you'll need the Developer tab on your Ribbon.
