Writing & StyleStyle guide
Introducing Acronyms on First Use
Introducing Acronyms on First Use records Microsoft’s default first-use pattern and its familiarity exceptions.
For most acronyms, spell out the term on first use and put the acronym in parentheses; later mentions can use the acronym alone.
Key details
Core IssueMicrosoft says that for most acronyms, spell out the term first and put the acronym in parentheses; use the acronym on later mentions, with exceptions for familiar or dictionary-listed forms.
Registertechnical and professional documentation
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Do not mechanically expand every acronym: Microsoft allows familiar and dictionary-listed forms to stand without expansion and discourages one-off acronym creation.
Further guidance
Content
For most unfamiliar acronyms, introduce the spelled-out term first and put the acronym in parentheses.
Purpose
Give readers the full meaning before relying on the shortened form.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Acronyms checklist — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Microsoft technical-style checklist for first-use acronym expansion and capitalization of spelled-out forms