Capitalization
Correct capitalization helps readers identify important words and breaks in text. Two styles of capitalization appear in user interfaces: title caps (also referred to as book title capitalization) and sentence caps (also known as sentence-style capitalization).
Title Caps
Capitalize the first letter of the first and last words. Capitalize the first letter of all words in between, with the exception of articles (a, an, and the); coordinating conjunctions (and, but, for, nor, or, so, and yet); and prepositions of four letters or fewer (at, for, with, into, etc.).
Examples |
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Insert Object |
Go To |
Always on Top |
By Name |
Use title caps for:
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Sentence Caps
Capitalize only the first letter of the first word, and capitalize only those other words that are normally capitalized in sentences, such as proper nouns.
Examples |
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Working folder |
Print to |
Use PostScript driver |
Use sentence caps for:
- Alternate text (ALT text) used to describe images
- Check box labels
- Dialog box introductory or explanatory text
- File names
- Group box labels
- InfoTips
- List box entries
- List box labels
- Messages
- Option (radio) button labels
- Status bar tips
- Text box labels
Quick Reference
You can print this at-a-glance reference that demonstrates when and where to capitalize in the UI.