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Capitalizing texts in user interface

I'd like to ask you if there is a reason to capitalize all items in menus, etc in application user interface, for example

  • File->Page Setup
  • Edit->Select All
  • Help->Technical Support

Why shouldn't I just label these items as File->Page setup etc.? This kind of capitalization just seems wrong to me - but I am not a native English speaker, so I just might not dig it.

like image 258
Axarydax Avatar asked Mar 03 '10 12:03

Axarydax


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1 Answers

In English, generally titles have all words capitalised except for conjunctions (of, for, and etc.) and prepositions (like with.) User interface elements (buttons, titles, menu items) are formatted like titles.

I have a piece of software I'm using right now which has a "Tasks" menu and 3 items as follows:

  • New task
  • Delete Task
  • Task Properties

The difference in capitalisation on "new task" stands out a mile for me - it just doesn't look "correct."

like image 167
Andy Shellam Avatar answered Sep 23 '22 01:09

Andy Shellam