Segmented control
A row of joined buttons that act as a mutually-exclusive selector — exactly one segment is active at a time.
Visually a horizontal pill with internal dividers. Tapping a segment selects it and (usually) updates the view. Functionally it's a styled radio group. Best for 2-5 short options that fit on one line; longer lists belong in a dropdown or tabs.
Also called
segmented buttonstoggle grouppill switch
When to use
- Switching between 2-5 mutually exclusive views or filters
- Compact filter switches above a list or chart
- Mobile UIs where tabs would feel too heavy
When not to use
- More than ~5 options — use tabs or a dropdown
- Independent toggles (use switches or checkboxes instead)
Related
Source
Apple HIG ('Segmented control'). Material Design has the equivalent 'segmented buttons'.