user-interfacecapitalization

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

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.


Solution

  • 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:

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