Read-only states

A read-only state is applied only to components the user can modify when toggled to enabled. Read-only states are considered active, and the data they contain can be used in an application’s processes. This state change transforms a component’s purpose to be purely informative rather than interactive.

There are three main use cases that initiate a read-only state:

Read-only states use subtle changes to a component’s style to emphasize critical information and de-emphasize or remove icon signifiers.

Components should maintain the same structure and spacing used in the component’s enabled state. In most cases, elements in the enabled state are present in the read-only state.

Selection controls offer users a selection from pre-determined options. Common selection controls include: checkboxes, radio buttons, toggles, dropdowns, selects, combo boxes, and multiselects.

Bound entry controls allow users to input numeric data, like dates, times, and numeric values. Common bound entry controls include: number inputs, sliders, date pickers, and time pickers.

Interactive elements included in a component’s enabled state should be removed or modified for its read-only state. Changes to color are used to indicate a modification to interactive elements and a change in their purpose from interactive to informative. Color changes to field backgrounds, interactive elements, and icon signifiers are used to de-emphasize unavailable affordances in a component’s read-only state. The color of key informational elements (text, icons, and visualizations) should remain the same as the component’s enabled state. Below are a few examples of components comparing their read-only and enabled states.

Fixed component field background colors blend in with the overall UI or layer background for read-only states, whereas fluid component field backgrounds retain the same enabled state background color.

In some cases, the border of controls in components changes color to emphasize selected items for read-only states and de-emphasizes control interactivity.

Signifier icons included in a component’s enabled state, like chevron arrow icons, close icons, and calendar icons, should use the $icon-disabled color token.

Don’t use a disabled state for components if they need to be read by the user. Unlike read-only states, disabled states are not read by screen readers and do not pass visual contrast, making them inaccessible if they need to be interpreted.

Do maintain a component’s disabled state when in a read-only view. Don’t change a component’s state from disabled to read-only because of an active read-only view; some states should remain disabled depending on the use case.

Do use a disabled state when a component is temporarily unavailable pending user action. Don’t change a component’s state from disabled to a read-only state. Alternatively, don’t use a read-only state to replace a disabled state.

The arrow cursor reinforces that a component is in a read-only state and is not interactive. The cursor’s state reflects a component’s shift in focus from interactive to informative.

Interactive operations included in a component’s enabled state should be removed or modified for its read-only state. The component should remain navigable with a keyboard.

Components should include the same content used in the component’s enabled state. However, when the content in the enabled state is instructive, like a dropdown with no current selection, the content may need to change to be informative.

When considering keyboard accessibility,  it can be helpful to distinguish between navigation and operation. A component that can be reached by keyboard is navigable. Read-only components remain navigable so that users can review the information they contain. This contrasts with disabled components, which cannot be reached by a keyboard. However, read-only components are not operable, meaning users can neither manipulate nor alter their values.

Disabled states

Read-only canvas

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