Using Close for Apps, Panes, Dialogs, and Files
Using Close for Apps, Panes, Dialogs, and Files records a distinct source-supported procedure-writing task while keeping adjacent UI behavior, accessibility concerns, and implementation mechanics outside the page.
Use “close” for apps or programs, panes, dialogs, files and folders, notifications or alerts, and tabs when the action closes that item.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Microsoft also uses “close” for a program action when it encounters a problem and cannot continue; that should not be confused with “stop responding.”
Further guidance
Content
Use “close” for apps or programs, panes, dialogs, files and folders, notifications or alerts, and tabs when the action closes that item.
Purpose
This provides one input-neutral verb for ending or dismissing these UI objects.
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.
- Describing interactions with the UI — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Current Microsoft Style Guide evidence for input-neutral UI action verbs including open, close, go to, select, choose, clear, enter, switch/turn on/turn off, move/drag, move through, and zoom.