A dialog box is the small rectangular box that you use to confirm an action. A notification is an informational message that the UI displays.
You do not need to use the word pop-up to describe a dialog box, notification, or window. This adjective is usually redundant.
You can use pop-up if the interface you are describing uses this word. For example, when describing a web browser that uses the term pop-up, do the same in your documentation to prevent confusion.
Preferred |
Discouraged |
A confirmation dialog box is displayed. |
A confirmation dialog box pops up. |
Use the incoming call notification to answer the call. |
Use the incoming call pop-up toast to answer the call. |
The application displays the following message: Do you want to migrate your local contacts? |
The application displays the following pop-up: Do you want to migrate your local contacts? |
Click Pop-ups and redirects to change the default pop-up settings in your Google Chrome browser. |
Click Pop-ups and redirects to manage notifications and windows in your Google Chrome browser. |
