Using Enter for Typed or Inserted Values
Using Enter for Typed or Inserted Values records a distinct source-supported procedure-writing task while keeping adjacent UI behavior, accessibility concerns, and implementation mechanics outside the page.
Use “enter” when instructing the customer to type or otherwise insert a value, including typing or selecting a value in a combo box.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
The guidance applies to entering values; it does not mean the Enter keyboard key should be described with lowercase “enter.”
Further guidance
Content
Use “enter” when instructing the customer to type or otherwise insert a value, including typing or selecting a value in a combo box.
Purpose
This keeps data-entry instructions input-neutral and focused on the value rather than the physical typing action.
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.