Re: Industry Standard for Shift 'n Click?

[Frank <frank -at- research -dot- canon -dot- com -dot- au>]

Hi Kurt,

The /Microsoft Manual of Style/ (version 3) has an entry for referring 
to key names:

   In general, spell key names as they appear in the following list,
   whether the name appears in text or in a procedure. Use all caps
   unless otherwise noted.

   *Note* This list applies to Microsoft and IBM-type keyboards unless
   otherwise noted. For more information about keys on the Microsoft
   Natural Keyboard, see Microsoft Natural Keyboard Key Names
   <#idh_microsoft_natural_keyboard_key_names>. Differences with the
   Macintosh keyboard are noted.

   *Correct
   *ALT
   ALT GR
   Application key [Microsoft Natural Keyboard only]
   arrow keys [not /direction keys, directional keys, /or /movement keys/]
   BACKSPACE
   BREAK
   CAPS LOCK
   CLEAR
   COMMAND [Macintosh keyboard only. Use the bitmap to show this key
   whenever possible, because the key is not named on the keyboard.]
   CONTROL [Macintosh keyboard only. Does not always map to the CTRL
   key on the PC keyboard. Use correctly.]
   CTRL
   DEL [Macintosh keyboard only. Use to refer to the forward delete key.]
   DELETE [Use to refer to the back delete key on the Macintosh keyboard.]
   DOWN ARROW [use "the" and "key" with the arrow keys except in key
   combinations or key sequences. Always spell out. Do not use
   graphical arrows.]
   END
   ENTER [On the Macintosh, use only when functionality requires it.]
   ESC [Always use ESC, not ESCAPE or Escape, especially on the Macintosh]
   F1--F12
   HELP [Macintosh keyboard only. Always use "the HELP key" to avoid
   confusion with the *Help *button.]
   HOME
   INSERT
   LEFT ARROW [use /the/ and /key/ with the arrow keys except in key
   combinations or key sequences]
   NUM LOCK
   OPTION [Macintosh keyboard only]
   PAGE DOWN
   PAGE UP
   PAUSE
   PRINT SCREEN
   RESET
   RETURN [Macintosh keyboard only]
   RIGHT ARROW [use /the/ and /key/ with the arrow keys except in key
   combinations or key sequences]
   SCROLL LOCK
   SELECT
   SHIFT
   SPACEBAR [precede with /the/ except in procedures, key combinations,
   or key sequences]
   SYS RQ
   TAB [use /the/ and /key/ except in key combinations or key sequences]
   UP ARROW [use /the /and /key /with the arrow keys except in key
   combinations or key sequences]
   Windows logo key [Microsoft Natural Keyboard only]

   Spell key names that do not appear in this list as they appear on
   the keyboard.

   When telling a user to "press" a key, format the key name in all
   caps. When telling a user to "type" a key, use lowercase bold,
   unless an uppercase letter is required.

   *Correct
   *Press Y.
   Type *y*.

   *Note* Format punctuation according to intended use. If the user
   must type the punctuation, use bold. If not, use roman.

   At first mention, you can use /the /and /key /with the key name if
   necessary for clarity --- for example, "the F1 key." At all
   subsequent references, refer to the key only by its name --- for
   example, "press F1."

   For the arrow keys and the TAB key, list only the key name in key
   combinations without /the /and /key./

   *Correct
   *To move the insertion point, use the LEFT ARROW key.
   To extend the selection, press SHIFT+LEFT ARROW.


   *Special character names
   *Because these keys could be confused with an action (such as +) or
   be difficult to see, always spell out the following special
   character names: PLUS SIGN, MINUS SIGN, HYPHEN, PERIOD, and COMMA.

   *Correct
   *SHIFT+PLUS SIGN
   Press ALT, HYPHEN, C
   Press COMMA
   Press COMMAND+PERIOD
   Type an em dash
   Press the PLUS SIGN (+)

   *Incorrect
   *SHIFT+ +
   SHIFT+ -
   Press +.

   You can add the symbol in parentheses after the special character
   name --- for example, PLUS SIGN (+). Use discretion in adding
   symbols, however; it may not be necessary for commonly used symbols
   such as PERIOD (.).

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Frank.

Kurt Kramer wrote: