Labels 

A label (do not use the word "caption") is text attached to any option, box, command, etc. Refer to any option, box, and so on by its label. For accessibility purposes, all list- and text-box controls should have labels, as well as any object, window, image (use alt text), or other kind of box.

Additional information about labels appears in the topics about their corresponding controls.

• Write a clear, concise label for every control on a surface.
  Exception: Sometimes two or more controls can share a label, such as when a spin box is subordinate to an option button or when two drop-down list boxes are logical subsets of the same concept. An example is Start time in the following image).
  Related drop-down list boxes sharing one label
  
  When controls are subordinate to (nested under) an option button or check box, the label for the option button or check box can also serve as the label for subordinate controls.
  Option button and its subordinate control sharing one label
  You may also specify units (seconds, connections, and so on) in parentheses after the label. Do not place the units label to the right of the subordinate control, as it is problematic for localization. Do not make the contents of the subordinate control (or its units label) part of a sentence, because this will not be localizable.
  Correct
  
  Incorrect
  
  Incorrect
  
  When clarity would be compromised, create separate labels for the superior and subordinate controls.

• Do not put periods at the ends of labels, even if the text constitutes a complete sentence.

• Include a colon at the end of the label except when labeling a command button, tab, group box, option button, or check box.
  Exception: If an option button or check box label also introduces subordinate controls, include a colon.

  Correct:

  Incorrect:

• Do not repeat words unnecessarily at the beginning of option-button or check-box labels. Repetition makes it harder for the reader to scan the text and differentiate among the options.

  Correct:

  Incorrect:

• Make sure there isalt text for graphics labels or unlabeled controls.

• Additional information that is helpful but not necessary should be kept short. Place this information either in parentheses between the label and the colon following it or without parentheses below the text box.

• Always spell out for example and that is; never use i.e. or e.g.

• Avoid writing labels as questions.

See Also

Concepts

Check Boxes
Command Buttons
Group Boxes
List Boxes
List View Controls
Option Buttons
Property Sheets