Sentence Case for UI Text

Table of Contents

• Rule: Always Use Sentence Case
• Examples
• Exceptions
• Common UI Elements
• Why Sentence Case?
• Quick Reference
• When in Doubt

Rule: Always Use Sentence Case

Always use sentence case for UI copy, not title case.

Sentence case means only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.

Examples

Correct - Sentence Case

• "Payment provider options"
• "Complete setup"
• "Add new gateway"
• "Configure payment settings"
• "Save changes"
• "View documentation"
• "Enable test mode"

Incorrect - Title Case

• "Payment Provider Options"
• "Complete Setup"
• "Add New Gateway"
• "Configure Payment Settings"
• "Save Changes"
• "View Documentation"
• "Enable Test Mode"

Exceptions

Sentence case has specific exceptions where capitalization is required:

1. Proper Nouns

Always capitalize proper nouns (names of specific products, services, or brands):

Correct:

• "Connect with WooPayments"
• "Import from WordPress"
• "Sync with Stripe"
• "Enable Google Analytics"

2. Acronyms

Always capitalize acronyms:

Correct:

• "Configure API settings"
• "Enter URL"
• "Set up SSL certificate"
• "Generate CSV export"

3. Brand Names

Always use the official capitalization for brand names:

Correct:

• "PayPal"
• "WooCommerce"
• "WordPress"
• "Stripe"

Common UI Elements

Buttons

✅ Correct:
- "Save changes"
- "Add product"
- "Continue to checkout"
- "Send test email"

❌ Incorrect:
- "Save Changes"
- "Add Product"
- "Continue To Checkout"
- "Send Test Email"

Labels

✅ Correct:
- "Payment method"
- "Shipping address"
- "Order notes"
- "Tax rate"

❌ Incorrect:
- "Payment Method"
- "Shipping Address"
- "Order Notes"
- "Tax Rate"

Menu Items

✅ Correct:
- "Settings"
- "Payment gateways"
- "Tax settings"
- "Shipping zones"

❌ Incorrect:
- "Settings"  (this one is actually correct - it's a single word)
- "Payment Gateways"
- "Tax Settings"
- "Shipping Zones"

Headings

✅ Correct:
- "Payment settings"
- "Configure your store"
- "Advanced options"

❌ Incorrect:
- "Payment Settings"
- "Configure Your Store"
- "Advanced Options"

Messages and Notifications

✅ Correct:
- "Settings saved successfully"
- "Unable to connect to payment provider"
- "Please enter a valid email address"

❌ Incorrect:
- "Settings Saved Successfully"
- "Unable To Connect To Payment Provider"
- "Please Enter A Valid Email Address"

Why Sentence Case?

More readable, conversational, and modern. Better for accessibility and internationalization.

Quick Reference

When in Doubt

Capitalize only: first word, proper nouns, and acronyms.

Example: "Enable WooPayments API integration"