Punctuation
This topic covers standard rules of punctuation for user-interface elements. For information about punctuating text for specific types of controls, see the individual entries for those controls.
Mark | Usage | Examples |
---|---|---|
Colon (:) |
Use after labels for drop-down, list, text, and spin boxes; sliders; and text areas. Place a colon after labels for check boxes or option buttons only if they precede another control. Use a colon to introduce a list of items. Exception: For Web forms only, if all of the following conditions are met, the colons following the labels may be dropped:
For more information, see the MSTP. |
Open: ...the following: ...type C:
|
Comma (,) |
In a series of three or more elements, separate the elements with commas. To clarify other comma uses, see the Harbrace College Handbook. |
Use this list to change the color, size, or style of your font. |
Ellipsis (...) |
Use at the end of a menu item or button label for a command that opens a dialog box rather than immediately performing an action. The ellipsis is a visual cue that the user has to supply additional information to complete the command, not simply that a message, dialog box, or window opens (hence, Properties does not use an ellipsis). Always use an ellipsis on Browse buttons. Also, ellipses are used in progress indicator labels to indicate a continuing action. |
Rename... Updating links... |
End punctuation (. ? !) |
Place a period (.) at the end of complete sentences. Exceptions: Control labels and ToolTips never have ending punctuation. For questions, use a question mark (?). Do not use questions as control labels. Do not use exclamation points (!).
|
Is the printer attached to your computer? |
Slashes (/) |
Use a trailing slash in a URL as end punctuation unless the final element is a file name, such as "filename.htm." |
For more information, visit the Microsoft Accessibility Web site at: https://www.microsoft.com/enable/ |
Spaces |
Separate sentences with one space after the ending punctuation, not two. |
Is the printer attached to your computer? If so... |
See Also
Concepts
Command Buttons
Check Boxes
Labels
Option Buttons
Progress Indicators