doc/development/ux_guide/copy.md


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# Copy

The copy and messaging is a core part of the experience of GitLab and the conversation with our users. Follow the below conventions throughout GitLab.

>**Note:**
We are currently inconsistent with this guidance. Images below are created to illustrate the point. As this guidance is refined, we will ensure that our experiences align.

## Contents
* [Brevity](#brevity)
* [Forms](#forms)
* [Terminology](#terminology)

---

## Brevity
Users will skim content, rather than read text carefully.
When familiar with a web app, users rely on muscle memory, and may read even less when moving quickly.
A good experience should quickly orient a user, regardless of their experience, to the purpose of the current screen. This should happen without the user having to consciously read long strings of text.
In general, text is burdensome and adds cognitive load. This is especially pronounced in a powerful productivity tool such as GitLab.
We should _not_ rely on words as a crutch to explain the purpose of a screen.
The current navigation and composition of the elements on the screen should get the user 95% there, with the remaining 5% being specific elements such as text.
This means that, as a rule, copy should be very short. A long message or label is a red flag hinting at design that needs improvement.

>**Example:**
Use `Add` instead of `Add issue` as a button label.
Preferrably use context and placement of controls to make it obvious what clicking on them will do.

---

## Forms

### Adding items

When viewing a list of issues, there is a button that is labeled `Add`. Given the context in the example, it is clearly referring to issues. If the context were not clear enough, the label could be `Add issue`. Clicking the button will bring you to the `Add issue` form. Other add flows should be similar.

![Add issue button](img/copy-form-addissuebutton.png)

The form should be titled `Add issue`. The submit button should be labeled `Save` or `Submit`. Do not use `Add`, `Create`, `New`, or `Save Changes`. The cancel button should be labeled `Cancel`. Do not use `Back`.

![Add issue form](img/copy-form-addissueform.png)

### Editing items

When in context of an issue, the affordance to edit it is labeled `Edit`. If the context is not clear enough, `Edit issue` could be considered. Other edit flows should be similar.

![Edit issue button](img/copy-form-editissuebutton.png)

The form should be titled `Edit Issue`. The submit button should be labeled `Save`. Do not use `Edit`, `Update`, `New`, or `Save Changes`. The cancel button should be labeled `Cancel`. Do not use `Back`.

![Edit issue form](img/copy-form-editissueform.png)

---

## Terminology

### Issues

#### Adjectives (states)

| Term | Use |
| ---- | --- |
| Open | Issue is active |
| Closed | Issue is no longer active |

>**Example:**
Use `5 open issues` and do not use `5 pending issues`.
Only use the adjectives in the table above.

#### Verbs (actions)

| Term | Use |
| ---- | --- |
| Add | For adding an issue. Do not use `create` or `new` |
| View | View an issue |
| Edit | Edit an issue. Do not use `update` |
| Close | Closing an issue |
| Re-open | Re-open an issue. There should never be a need to use `open` as a verb |
| Delete | Deleting an issue. Do not use `remove` |