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Scheme dropdown Since v4.2.0

OverviewStyleGuidelinesCodeAccessibilityDemos
UsageLayoutBehaviorBest practicesUsageLayoutBehaviorBest practices

Usage

Use a scheme dropdown to quickly switch between color schemes.

Layout

Placement

A scheme dropdown can change the look of a page or interface in one click, so it should be placed somewhere highly-visible. It is also recommended to place a scheme dropdown in an element or pattern that scrolls with the user, so they always have access to it.

Two expanded scheme dropdowns in a main navigation, right aligned on light and dark color schemes Two expanded scheme dropdowns on light and dark color schemes in a bar below a main navigation Two expanded scheme dropdowns on light and dark color schemes in a bar below a main navigation but shown in a mobile viewport

Behavior

Light and dark color schemes

When users interact with either light or dark color schemes, the following should happen:

  • Available color schemes are displayed
  • The color scheme changes immediately (if the color scheme that is being toggled is different)
  • Their selected color scheme is saved so it persists across browser sessions
  • Their saved preference is restored on page load

System default color scheme

When users select the System default color scheme, the following should happen:

  • The browser or operating system determines the appropriate color scheme
  • The color scheme updates automatically if system preferences change

Best practices

Other icons

A collapsed and expanded scheme dropdown showing the default included icons

Maintain the same icons that are included.

A collapsed and expanded scheme dropdown showing a location icon for the currently selected item, then a microphone, atom symbol, and wrench for the various options.

Do not change the icons, it will cause confusion about what will happen when each color scheme is selected.

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