dd011_File formats should be capitilized and their "." removed in UI copy

Question When writing file formats (.pdf, .xls) in help texts or other content, should we write the copy with grammar as if the . (DOT) in the file format is pronounced or should we ignore it?

User testing discovery: Reading the below statement some users pronounced the dot while others didn’t.

Choose an .xls, .xlsx or .csv file with a maximum file size of 50MB.

List of options

  • Option 1: Keep the . and write the copy as if the . is not pronounced.
  • Option 2: Keep the . and write the copy as if the . is pronounced.
  • Option 3: Remove the ., capitalize the file formats, and write the copy as if there is no . to pronounce.

Option 1: Keep the . and write content as if the . is not pronounced#

Example: Choose an .xls, .xlsx or .csv file with a maximum file size of 50MB.

Pros

  • A smoother read when the .s are ignored.
  • Resembles the formatting found on files.

Cons

  • Cannot avoid some users pronouncing the . because it is present.

Option 2: Keep the . and write content as if the . is pronounced#

Example: Choose a .xls, .xlsx or .csv file with a maximum file size of 50MB.

Pros

  • Grammatically correct with the presence of ..

Cons

  • Slower and jarring read if every . is pronounced

Option 3: Remove the . , capitlaize the file formats, and write the copy as if there is no . to pronounce#

Example: Choose an XLS, XLSX or CSV file with a maximum file size of 50MB.

Pros

  • Rids us of the issue of some users pronouncing the . while others don't

Cons

  • Moves away from formatting found on the files.

Decisions#

Option 3. End users understand file formats these days. Remove the . removes the confusion of pronouncing it or not.

Last updated on by Paulo Andrade