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Punctuation

The following table shows standard rules of punctuation for user interface controls.

Mark Usage
Colon (:)
  • In most cases, labels for controls such as text boxes, drop-down lists, progress bars, and spin boxes end with a colon.
  • Do not end the label with a colon when the text box or drop-down list is embedded in a sentence or when the drop-down list appears in a main window.
Comma (,)
  • In a series of three or more controls, separate the controls with commas.
Ellipsis (...)
  • Use an ellipsis at the end of a menu command and at the end of a button command that opens another dialog box instead of performing an action.
  • Use an ellipsis in a progress bar label to indicate a continuing action.
End punctuation (. ? !)
  • Use ending punctuation only in instructional text.
  • Add only one space after ending punctuation to separate sentences.

See Also

User Interface Controls

User Interface Text

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