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Microcopy

Microcopy

Microcopy includes text that clearly directs people to tasks, affirms their actions, or provides context for an interaction.

Like other design elements, words can satisfy functional requirements. They can improve design interactions, enhance interfaces, and help users on their journey. From The Craft of Words, "Words are critical to communication. When used well, words amplify the message, moving beyond merely conveying information and serving a function, towards improving communication and delighting our users."

Microcopy generally refers to words and sentences that are used as part of the interface. This includes, but isn't limited to:

  • Button labels
  • Success, alert, and error messages
  • Page names
  • Link text
  • Interaction prompts
  • Help and instruction text
  • Interface labels to aid the display of complex data

Examples


Messages and Notifications

Well-written messages and notifications draw attention to important content or actions the user needs to take. Includes success, error, alert, or general information messages.

Examples of messages

Read more about messages and notifications.

Links

Linked text should be understandable on its own, outside the context of the surrounding text.

Example of descriptive link text

Read more about links.

Error Pages

An error page gives the user important context when something unexpected happens.

404 Error example


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