When to use Sentence case and Title Case?
When designing the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of a website, letter casing can be an important aspect.
Casing helps to communicate the purpose and importance of different elements on the site, such as buttons, titles, headings, subheadings, and modal dialog headings.
There are two main options for casing: sentence case and title case. Each has its own advantages and can be more suitable for certain types of text. There’s also the uppercase option, but let’s begin with the first two.
Why use Title Case?
Title case refers to writing text with the first letter of every word capitalized, except for certain words such as articles (a, an, the) and conjunctions (and, but, or). Here are a few reasons why title case can be a good choice for certain types of text:
There are several reasons why title case may be an appropriate choice for certain types of text in website design. Title case refers to writing text with the first letter of every word capitalized, except for certain words such as articles (a, an, the) and conjunctions (and, but, or).
One reason to use title case is to convey a sense of formality or professionalism. The capitalized letters in title case give the text a more serious appearance, making it suitable for certain types of websites or content.
Another reason to use title case is that it can grab the reader’s attention. Capitalized phrases stand out from the rest of the text and can draw the reader’s eye.
Additionally, title case can create a nice visual rhythm when used for short sentences. This can make the text more enjoyable to read.
Title case can also be used to differentiate the title of a page or section from the body text, making it easier for users to navigate the website. Finally, title case can be a good choice for short texts such as buttons or labels, as it helps to maintain symmetry on the page. However, it is important to note that title case is generally only suitable for short texts.
Examples of Title Case
- “Browse Our Wide Selection of Products” (title of a section on an e-commerce website)
- “Find the Perfect Gift for Any Occasion” (subheading on a gift shop website)
- “Sign Up for Our Newsletter” (button on a homepage)
Why use Sentence case?
Sentence case refers to writing text with the first letter of the first word capitalized and the rest of the words in lowercase. This is often the preferred option for shorter headings and subheadings, as well as interactive elements on a website.
There are several advantages to using sentence case for certain types of text in website design. Sentence case refers to writing text with the first letter of the first word capitalized and the rest of the words in lowercase.
One advantage of sentence case is that it allows for consistency in the design of a website. As it is the most common casing option used, it is easier to maintain across different platforms.
Another advantage of sentence case is that it can make text easier to read and navigate. The use of lowercase letters in sentence case can make headings and subheadings more scannable, as it allows the reader to quickly identify the most important words in the text.
Additionally, many people prefer the more casual and conversational tone of sentence case, as it gives the impression that anyone can use the product. This can be particularly appealing for certain types of websites or apps.
Finally, sentence case is often easier to localize, as it requires fewer changes to the text when translated into other languages. This can save time and reduce stress during the localization process.
Examples of Sentence case
- “Discover our latest deals” (button on an e-commerce website)
- “Learn more about our services” (link in the footer)
- “View our privacy policy” (button on a login form)
What about using ALL CAPS case?
Using all uppercase letters for buttons on a website or app can be a good alternative in certain situations, such as for emphasis or consistency with the rest of the design. However, it is important to consider that all uppercase buttons may not be suitable for all types of websites or apps.
They may appear too bold or aggressive for some designs and can potentially reduce readability. This is because the uniform rectangular shape of all uppercase letters can make it difficult for readers to differentiate between words, hindering their ability to quickly and easily understand the button text.
Examples of UPPERCASE
- “DISCOVER LATEST DEALS” (button on an e-commerce website)
- “LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES” (link in the footer)
- “VIEW PRIVACY POLICY” (button on a login form)
Choosing the right casing option
When it comes to website design, it’s important to choose the right casing option to ensure that the site is easy to use and understand for users.
The appropriate casing option may depend on the brand identity and style guidelines of the website, as well as the specific needs of the content. It may be up for discussion between team members to decide on the best option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between title case and sentence case for text on a website or app depends on the specific goals and audience of the project. Title case can be a good choice for conveying a sense of formality or professionalism, grabbing the reader’s attention, creating a visual rhythm, or differentiating titles from body text. On the other hand, sentence case is often preferred for shorter headings and subheadings, creating a more conversational tone, ease of use, and ease of localization.
Establishing clear guidelines for casing can also help to establish credibility and professionalism in your UX writing. Incorporating your decision on casing into a UX writing style guide can be beneficial for ensuring consistency across your organization.
If you need someone to create this resource for you so that it can serve as a reference for all stakeholders involved in the creation of user experiences, helping to streamline the process, eliminate guesswork, and avoid confusion…
Reach out to me 😉, and I’ll help you create a UX writing style guide.
