Checkbox vs Toggle Switch

7 Use-Cases of Forms Design

Switch VS Checkbox in User Interface Design

Forms provide several controls that make it easier to collect input from users. Using the right control at right place is a challenge while designing forms.

A checkbox control has three states: unselected, selected, and indeterminate. The last state represents a situation where a list of sub-options is grouped under a parent option and sub-options are in both selected and unselected states.

A toggle switch represents a physical switch that allows users to turn things on or off, like a light switch.

Tapping a toggle switch is a two-step action: selection and execution, whereas checkbox is just selection of an option and its execution usually requires another control.

When deciding between a checkbox and toggle switch control, it is better to focus on the usage context instead of their function.

Below are few use-cases along with guidelines to decide between these two controls while designing form experience.

Case 1: Instant response

Use Toggle switch when,

• An instant response of applied settings is required without an 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.

The options that require instant response are best selected using a toggle switch.

Case 2: Settings confirmation

Use Checkbox when,

• Applied settings need to be confirmed and reviewed by user before they are submitted.
• Defined settings require an action like Submit, OK, Next, Apply before displaying results.
• User has to perform additional steps for changes to become effective.

Checkboxes are preferred when an explicit action is required to apply settings.

Case 3: Multiple choices