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When to use ellipsis in command names #44

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nateclicks opened this issue Apr 5, 2018 · 1 comment
Open

When to use ellipsis in command names #44

nateclicks opened this issue Apr 5, 2018 · 1 comment
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@nateclicks
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There are some basic guidelines provided by Microsoft for Windows applications here, https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/dn742402(v=vs.85).aspx#designconcepts

It would be good for us to provide a little more detail for our applications.
Some uses cases to address (not exhaustive):

  1. Clicking a command requires the user confirm an action (Delete command with a confirmation dialog)
  2. Clicking a command shows a dialog but doesn't require interaction. (A command that shows a progress dialog that can be canceled)
  3. Clicking a command opens a window. The command was to open that window. (Opening a preferences or options dialog)
  4. Clicking a command requires some other action/information from the user. (like a wizard or clicking "save as")

Should ellipses be shown in tips for icon buttons? I think so, but worth discussing.

Are there other uses cases to consider?
@M-Turcotte

@nateclicks nateclicks self-assigned this Apr 5, 2018
@M-Turcotte
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I think those are the primary use cases.

It is interesting that Microsoft has shifted their guidance a bit in recent years—they now explicitly call out the case where something can be canceled as a case where ellipses should be used:

"Proper use of ellipses is important to indicate that users can make further choices before performing the action, or even cancel the action entirely. The visual cue offered by an ellipsis allows users to explore your software without fear."

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