Switch

v2.1

Switches provide a binary on/off choice. Their input is immediate and requires no additional action.

Skin
Marko
React

Stylized artwork of two switches with labels.

Anatomy

Label
Switch

Properties

Label

Switches should always have a label associated with them. The label should clearly indicate what is being activated.

Selected

Switches appear as either selected (on) or unselected (off). Switches cannot be in an indefinite state.

Disabled

Switches can be disabled in either a selected or unselected state if there is a prerequisite to altering its state.

Behavior

Immediate

Switches immediately update the state of the application when their state changes. If a delay is necessary, a loading indicator should be used to inform the user that the process is taking longer.

A ‘Face ID sign in’ selected switch sits in the security section of the eBay app.

Labels

Avoid using the words “on” or “off” within the label. Switches imply an on/off state so including it in the label is redundant.

It is okay to use labels with verbs that clarify the decision if it isn’t a clear on/off decision, like “Show” or “Notify”.

Platforms

Platform-specific

Native platforms use the operating system’s default visual treatment. The behavior and options remain the same across platforms.

Web, Android, and iOS switches are shown with examples of their selected and unselected states.

Best practices

Labels

Do use clear and concise labels.

Avoid using action-related verbs with “on” or “off” when adding labels to controls. Switches imply an on/off state so including it in the label is redundant.

Placement

Do use switches as trailing elements.

Don’t use switches as leading elements.

Do ensure switches are either aligned with the grid or with each other when multiple switches are stacked.

Don’t misalign switches by placing them immediately after labels when multiple switches are stacked, as this can affect legibility.

Checkbox or switch

If the action is part of a larger form, use a checkbox instead. The items will be submitted with the rest of the form details.

Switches apply changes immediately and don’t require the user to submit anything. If you need to include the data in form content, use a checkbox set.