Confirmation dialog box text

Ensure confirmation dialog boxes are cohesive. Write concise, complementary text elements that avoid repetition and guide user actions effectively.

Confirmation dialog boxes appear before a user makes a significant action in the product UI. Work with a designer to create a confirmation dialog box so all elements are cohesive, including the title, body text, and buttons.

When writing content for a confirmation dialog box, make sure all text elements complement each other and aren't repetitive.

Title

Write a brief confirmation dialog box title in the form of a statement or question that describes the task the user is completing. Use the following guidelines:

  • When possible, use a verb and noun combination.
  • Punctuate the confirmation box title when you write it as a question.
  • Use sentence-style capitalization.
  • Keep the title short and succinct.
  • Remove definite and indefinite articles, such as "a", "an", and "the".
  • Write in active voice.
  • Avoid casting doubt on the user.

The following table shows examples of what to do and what not to do when writing confirmation dialog box titles:

"" Do this "" Don't do this
Manage alerts Alert management
Delete playbook? Delete Playbook?
Confirm subscription cancellation Do you really want to cancel your subscription?
Exit workflow? Are you sure you want to go?

Body text

Include body text in the confirmation dialog box that's related only to the user's task at hand. Use the following guidelines:

  • Don't repeat or rephrase the title of the dialog box.
  • Provide context that helps the user decide which action to take next.
  • Avoid casting doubt on the user.
  • It's okay to use passive voice to avoid placing blame on the user.
  • Write in full sentences with terminal punctuation.

The following table shows examples of what to do and what not to do when writing confirmation dialog box body text:

"" Do this "" Don't do this
If this workplace is deleted, it can't be recovered. Are you sure you want to delete this workspace?
If this playbook is deleted, the following objects will no longer be available: Please confirm that you want to delete this playbook and all of the objects in it.
Your changes won't be saved if you leave the workflow now. If you leave this workflow, your changes won't be retained. Is this what you want to do?

Button text

Create button text that helps a user decide whether to complete or revert their action. See the guidelines in Button labels.