Spectrum
Slider
Sliders allow users to quickly select a value within a range. They should be used when the upper and lower bounds to the range are invariable.
Table of contents#
Anatomy#
Options#
Label#
Sliders should always have a label. In rare cases where context is sufficient and an accessibility expert has reviewed the design, the label could be undefined. These sliders should still include an aria-label in HTML (depending on the context, “aria-label” or “aria-labelledby”).
Label position#
Labels can be placed either on top or on the side. Top labels are the default and are recommended because they work better with long copy, localization, and responsive layouts. Side labels are most useful when vertical space is limited.
Value, min value, max value, step#
The value is the number selected within the slider’s range, from the min value to max value.
The min and max values can also be customized appropriately for whatever the slider is showing. By default, the min value starts at 0 and the max value is set to 100.
The step is the increment by which these values increase or decrease. A step value of 1 (the default) lets a user only select whole numbers within the min and max range.
Value format#
Sometimes a value needs to be formatted for localization or for clearer communication (e.g., currencies or percentages). Formatting can involve rounding, mathematical transformations, number formatting, or displaying a prefix or suffix (e.g., “+/-” or “px”).
Progression scale#
Sliders use a linear progression scale by default which means that value is directly correlated to the position of the handle along the track. In some cases, sliders can use a logarithmic (log) progression scale, which is helpful when users need finer control over small values.
Width#
The width of a slider can be customized appropriately for its context.
Fill#
The track of the slider can have a fill. By default, the fill originates from the left side of the track.
Fill start#
If the value represents an offset, the fill start can be set to represent the point of origin. This allows the slider fill to start from inside the track.
Gradient#
A gradient can be added to the track of any slider to give more meaning to the range of values. Tracks with a gradient can also have a fill. A gradient track should not be used for choosing a precise color; use a color slider, color area, or color wheel instead.
Editable#
In situations where users should be able to precisely input a value, the value can be editable within a text field.
Disabled#
A slider in a disabled state shows that an input exists, but is not available in that circumstance. This can be used to maintain layout continuity and communicate that a slider may become available later.
Table of options#
From the design point of view, each component has a number of options. These options and their names are platform agnostic, and each implementation should adapt these to fit into their framework.
| Property | Values | Default Value |
|---|---|---|
| label | text / nothing | – |
| label position | top / side | top |
| value | number (from min to max) | – |
| min value | number | 0 |
| max value | number | 100 |
| step | number | 1 |
| value format | – This will vary depending on implementation. | – |
| progression scale | linear / log | linear |
| width | number | – |
| has fill | yes / no | no |
| fill start | number | 0 |
| has gradient | yes / no | no |
| is editable | yes / no | no |
| is disabled | yes / no | no |
Behaviors#
Keyboard focus#
A slider can be navigated using a keyboard. The keyboard focus state takes the slider’s visual hover state and adds a blue ring to the slider handle in focus.
Value placement#
The value follows the placement of the label: on top when the label is on top, and on the side when the label is on the side. There is an exception to this rule when the value is editable, shown within a text field (standard or quiet style); in this case, the editable input is always placed on the side. This editable input should be labelled using "aria-labelledby" or "aria-label" as well.
Text overflow#
When the label is too long for the available horizontal space, it wraps to form another line.
Windows high contrast mode#
In Windows high contrast mode, sliders should be displayed using the high contrast theme-specified colors for buttons. By default, track and handle border colors should be the same as the button text color and labels should use default text color. In hover and keyboard focus states, the track and handle border colors should display as the button border color. In the disabled state, border and text color should display as the disabled color.
Usage guidelines#
Include a label#
Every slider should have a label. A slider without a label is ambiguous and not accessible. Write the label in sentence case.
Review label-less designs#
In rare cases where context is sufficient and a label could be absent, make sure to have the design reviewed and approved by an accessibility expert. These should still include an aria-label in HTML (depending on the context, “aria-label” or “aria-labelledby”).
Allow a hot text option when needed#
In addition to dragging the handle, sliders can provide more ways to change the value (known as “hot text”) either by clicking on the value text and dragging up/down, or by scrolling up/down while hovering over the value text.
Show value units to help provide context#
Slider values can be shown with a unit when it helps provide context (e.g., “%” or “px”). When the value is shown within a text field, the unit disappears on focus.
Prefix positive/negative values#
If the value ranges from negative to positive, prefix the value with a plus (+) or minus (-) sign. When the sign is shown within a text field, it remains visible on focus. When the sign is shown outside the text field, there should be a space between the sign and the numerical value for readability.
Internationalization#
RTL#
For RTL (right-to-left) languages, the layout of the slider is mirrored. The label is right-aligned, the value is left-aligned, and the fill progresses from right to left. Keep in mind that the placement of the percent sign differs depending on the locale.
Keyboard interactions#
| Key | Interaction |
|---|---|
| Up or Right Arrow | Increases the value |
| Down or Left Arrow | Decreases the value |
Changelog#
| Date | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 20, 2021 | 5.3.0 |
|
| Jun 16, 2021 | 5.2.0 |
|
| Apr 13, 2020 | 5.1.1 |
|
| Aug 22, 2019 | 5.1.0 |
|
| Apr 20, 2019 | 5.0.0 |
|
Design checklist#
All interactive states
Includes all interactive states that are applicable (hover, down, focus, keyboard focus, disabled).
All color themes
Works properly across all four color themes (lightest, light, dark, darkest).
All platform scales
Includes a desktop scale (UWP, macOS, web desktop) and a mobile scale (iOS, Android, web mobile).
Accessible use of color
Color is not used as the only visual means of conveying information (WCAG 2.0 1.4.1).
Accessible contrast for text
Text has a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for small text and at least 3:1 for large text (WCAG 2.0 1.4.3).
Accessible contrast for UI components
Visual information required to identify components and states (except inactive components) has a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 (WCAG 2.1 1.4.11).
Content design
UI language and information design considerations have been incorporated into component design.
Defined options
Includes relevant options (variant, style, size, orientation, optional iconography, decorations, selection, error state, etc.)
Defined behaviors
Includes guidelines for keyboard focus, layout (wrapping, truncation, overflow), animation, interactions, etc.
Usage guidelines
Includes a list of dos and don'ts that highlight best practices and common mistakes.
Writing guidelines
Includes content standards or usage guidelines for how to write or format in-product content for the component.
Internationalization guidelines
Works properly across various locales and includes guidelines for bi-directionality (RTL).
Keyboard interactions
Follows WCAG 2.0 standards for keyboard accessibility guidelines and includes a description of the keyboard interactions.
Design tokens
All design attributes (color, typography, layout, animation, etc.) are available as design tokens.
UI kit
Includes a downloadable XD file that shows multiple options, states, color themes, and platform scales.
Generated UI kit
Includes a downloadable XD file, generated by code using design tokens defined in Spectrum DNA, and shows multiple options, states, color themes, and platform scales.
In Spectrum for Adobe XD plugin
Component is included in the Spectrum for Adobe XD plugin.
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