Concept cluster

Choices and binary states

Compare an independent form choice, one exclusive choice in a group, and an on/off setting.

Try the 3 concepts, compare what changes, then use the Pack that fits your need.

Choices and binary states

Try it

Is this an independent value, one exclusive grouped choice, or an on/off setting?

Shared trial context

A settings flow asks the user to make a choice and understand whether it is independent, exclusive, or an on/off setting.

Checkbox

Toggle two preferences with Space, then use the parent checkbox to demonstrate the mixed state.

Information preferencesSelect all

Product updatesMonthly tips

None

Step 1 of 3

Try

Try the component. Your live result appears just above. Move on at your own pace.

Behavior and edge case

What to observe: Each labeled option exposes its own checked state and can be submitted with the form.
Edge case: The Select all parent becomes indeterminate when only some child choices are checked.

What this example shows

Checkbox represents an independent checked choice; Radio group enforces one choice, while Switch expresses an on or off state. Commit timing is product policy, not the semantic distinction.

Use the Pack — Checkbox

Which fits your need?

Checkbox

Selecting any number of independent options

Radio group

Choosing one shipping method from visible alternatives

Which component will you use here?Use CheckboxUse Radio group

Read the full Pack Verify the result

Difference and sources

Checkbox represents an independent checked choice; Radio group enforces one choice, while Switch expresses an on or off state. Commit timing is product policy, not the semantic distinction.

Read the sources

Parts of the specimen

Select a numbered marker on the schematic, or use the list below, to see its role. The schematic shows the concept's representative state.

Control

The interactive element that receives input and exposes state.

The three concepts

ConceptCheckboxAn independent binary choice that can be checked, unchecked, or sometimes indeterminate.Open ConceptRadio groupA named set of mutually exclusive choices where selecting one option clears the previous selection.Open ConceptSwitchA binary control that exposes a setting as on or off.Open

The three comparisons

ComparisonCheckbox vs Radio group ComparisonCheckbox vs Switch ComparisonRadio group vs Switch

Signals you are confusing them

These descriptions fit every concept in the cluster, so none of them is enough to decide.

a control represents a selected unselected or on off state
the choice may be independent exclusive within a group or applied immediately

Other concept clusters

Concept clusterMotion & Effects Concept clusterSmall contextual surfaces Concept clusterModal surfaces Concept clusterEdge-attached surfaces Concept clusterChoose from a list Concept clusterChange view or reveal content Concept clusterInform the user Concept clusterWait and track progress Concept clusterTrigger or navigate Concept clusterEnter text Concept clusterOrient within a journey Concept clusterStructure and explore data