# Toggle or Checkbox
> Toggles act immediately. Checkboxes wait for a submit.

## Situation

Does it take effect right away, or after Save?

## Decision

### Use Toggle when

A setting that switches on or off the moment it’s flipped, like a light switch.

- Takes effect immediately
- Standalone setting
- No Save button nearby
- Clear on and off states

### Use Checkbox when

A choice that’s part of a form and applies on submit, or one of several options people can select together.

- Part of a form with Submit or Save
- Multiple selections from a list
- Agreeing to terms
- Nothing happens until confirmed

**The numbers:** If flipping it changes something before any button is pressed, it’s a toggle. If it waits for Save or Submit, it’s a checkbox. A toggle never sits inside a form with a Save button.

## Why

Dark mode changes the moment you flip it, so it’s a toggle. The notification preferences are saved together at the bottom, so they’re checkboxes.

## Edge cases

A toggle whose action takes a few seconds, like connecting an integration, needs a loading state on the toggle itself, or people will flip it again.

Source: https://productfordesigners.com/cards/toggle-checkbox
Author: Alex Dovhyi