# Capitalization and proper nouns

> Capitalization means using uppercase letters (A, B, C) instead of lowercase letters (a, b, c). This section provides clear rules for capitalizing names, brands, technical terms, and UI elements.

## General rules

Use sentence case in your applications (capitalize only the first word of a sentence or heading, and any proper nouns). As the dominant trend in digital interfaces, we use sentence case to support readability, accessibility and consistency.

  
    Configure system settings.
    Import data from external sources.
    User authentication and permissions.
  

  
    Configure System Settings.
    Import Data From External Sources.
    User Authentication And Permissions.
  

Do not capitalize generic system or technology terms.

  
    database, server, cloud platform, operating system, web application
    Connect to the database.
    Upload files to the cloud platform.
  

  
    Database, Server, Cloud Platform, Operating System, Web Application
    Connect to the Database.
    Upload files to the Cloud Platform.
  

Do not capitalize common technology terms that were initially proper nouns and capitalized, e.g. internet, website and email.

  
    Connect to the internet for access.
    The website is available 24/7.
    Send an email to support.
  

  
    The Website is available 24/7.
    Send an Email to support.
  

## Proper nouns

Always capitalize proper nouns (specific names) including:

  
    Geographic locations: Germany, Munich, United States, Europe, Tokyo
    Programming languages: Python, JavaScript, C++, Java, Ruby
    Protocols and standards: HTTP, HTTPS, TCP/IP, ISO 9001, REST
    Days and months: Monday, January, December
    Languages: German, English, Italian, French
  

  
    The system supports Python and JavaScript.
    Software available in Germany and France.
  

  
    The system supports python and javascript.
    Software available in germany and France.
  

Always capitalize product names, systems, and third-party platforms exactly as trademarked, using the official spelling and capitalization.

  
    Product names: Adobe Photoshop, Salesforce, Slack, Zoom
    Company names: Microsoft, Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta
    Trademarked terms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
  

  
    Configure Photoshop settings.
    Integrate with Salesforce.
  

  
    Configure photoshop settings.
    Integrate with salesforce.
  

Capitalize official service and portal names you have created and named within your product as proper nouns.

  
    Log in to the Customer Portal.
    Access resources on Developer Hub.
  

  
    Log in to the customer portal.
    Access resources on developer hub.
  

## Headings

Use sentence case for all headings (including table headings). Capitalize only the first word and proper nouns. See [Punctuation](./punctuation.md).

  
    Get started
    Configure settings
    Import data from SAP
  

  
    Get Started
    Configure Settings
    Import Data From SAP
  

## Button labels and UI elements

Use sentence case for button labels and UI elements. Capitalize only the first word and proper nouns.

  
    Save changes
    Export to PDF
    Connect to server
    Upload file
  

  
    Save Changes
    Export To PDF
    Connect To Server
    Upload File
  

Slashes do not create new sentences. Treat them like "and" or "or". Capitalize only the first word and proper nouns. See [Punctuation](./punctuation.md).

  
    Client/server architecture
    Read/write permissions
    Input/output operations
    On/off switch
    Windows/Mac compatibility
  

  
    Client/Server Architecture
    Read/Write Permissions
    On/Off Switch
    windows/mac compatibility
  

## Acronyms and abbreviations

Capitalize all letters in acronyms and abbreviations. Do not use periods between letters.

  
    UI, API, FAQ, PDF, CSV, HTML, USB
    Check the FAQ for common questions.
    Export data as CSV or PDF.
    The API documentation is available online.
  

  
    ui, api, faq, pdf, ok
    U.I., A.P.I., F.A.Q., P.D.F.
    The Api documentation is available online.
  

## Capitalization exceptions

"OK" appears in all caps.

  
    Select OK to start.
  

  
    Select Ok to start.
  

Use capitalization for the first word of app functions and menu items when navigating users, e.g. menu items, label text, button text, etc. even when they are not proper nouns. This exception is to help with scanning and readability.

  
    Open Settings
    Allocate users in User management.
  

  
    Open settings
    Allocate users in user management.
    Allocate users in User Management.
  

Use periods for Latin abbreviations.

  
    e.g. / i.e. / etc. / et al. / vs.
  

  
    eg / ie / etc / ET AL / VS
  

Don't use periods for geographic abbreviations. Capitalize all country codes.

  
    US
    GB
  

  
    U.S.
    Gb
  

## Lists and bullet points

Capitalize the first word of each list item. Use sentence case throughout. For punctuation in lists, see [Punctuation: Period/full stop](./punctuation.md#periods--full-stops-).

  
    Configure the database connection.
       • Import user data from CSV.
       • Set up authentication.
       • Generate reports in PDF format.
  

  
    configure the database connection.
      • Import User Data From CSV.
      • set up authentication.
      • Generate reports in pdf format.
  

## Hyphenated words

Capitalize only the first word of a hyphenated compound (nouns connected with hyphens) unless the second part is a proper noun.

  
    Self-service portal
    Cross-platform compatibility
    Real-time monitoring
    Hewlett-Packard
  

  
    Self-Service Portal
    Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Real-Time Monitoring
    Hewlett-packard
  

## Special cases

Use lowercase for file extensions. Use the original case for file names and paths.

  
    config.json / setup.exe / README.md
    Open the config.json file.
    Navigate to /usr/local/bin.
  

  
    config.JSON / setup.EXE / readme.MD
    Open the Config.JSON file.
    Navigate to /Usr/Local/Bin.
  

Use the exact case used in programming when writing or referencing actual code or technical identifiers, but not for UI text or end-user documentation.

camelCase (variables, functions, methods):

  
    <code>firstName</code>
    <code>getUserData()</code>
    <code>isValid</code>
  

  
    <code>FirstName</code>
    <code>GetUserData()</code>
    <code>IsValid</code>
  

dash-case (URLs, file names, CSS classes):

  
    <code>user-profile.html</code>
    <code>main-content</code>
    <code>/api/user-settings</code>
  

  
    <code>userProfile.html</code>
    <code>mainContent</code>
    <code>/api/userSettings</code>
  

## Related

- [Voice and tone](./voice-and-tone.md)
- [UI terminology](../menu-functions-and-ui-labels/ui-terminology.md)
- [Punctuation](./punctuation.md)