Button

Use with the following verbs:

• Click for desktop applications.

• Tap for mobile applications.

If you need an input-neutral term, you can use select, but click and tap are the most common.

• Desktop: Click OK.

• Mobile: Tap OK.

Check box

Use with the following verbs:

• Select to mean enabling the check box.

• Clear to mean disabling the check box.

• Select the Format check box.

• Clear the Scope and Type check boxes.

Dialog box or notification

Use the preposition in for a dialog box.

In most cases, do not include the word pop-up to describe a window, dialog box, or notification.

In the confirmation dialog box, click Yes to confirm.

Drop-down menu or list

Use a list to select an option.

A menu is navigational. The items in a menu are usually clickable.

You can use the preposition from for a list or menu.

Use the word drop-down as an adjective where required for clarity. Do not use drop-down to describe a menu in a simple navigation pane or a clearly-marked list on a page or window with few other elements.

Select an audio device from the Output Devices list.

Field

Use with the preposition in.

When the user can both type and select an option, use the verb enter. If the user can only type in the field, use the verb type.

• In the Search field, enter the name of a colleague.

• In the Port field, type the port number.

Switch

Use with the verb enable or disable to mean turning the switch on or off.

If the name of the switch starts with Enable, use the verb toggle on.

Toggle on the Enable A.I. noise removal switch.

Tab

In most cases, use the preposition on. You can use from to indicate a starting point.

Use the wintitle tag for tab names unless instructing the user to click the tab.

• On the Meetings tab, set your default meeting settings.

• Click the General tab.

Window

Use the preposition on when first accessing a window.

On the User Preferences window, click the Notifications tab.