Button text library
Only use a button if there is a specific action you want someone to take.
You should only have one button on a page. If you have more than one action, add the others as links.
Buttons can only be 25 characters long. Shorter button text is more effective!
Table of contents
General
Button text | When |
|---|---|
| Going to a form where they send in their info and a department dictates whether they’ll get something or not. |
| For direct transactions where anyone is entitled to the item, although it often costs money. (For example, birth certificates.) |
| Encouraging the seeker to self-serve a piece of information. |
Going to an application form
Button text | When |
|---|---|
| Generic text when using a button that goes to an online form. |
| When the application is not usually done online. This text the applicant to expect something different than what they’re used to. |
| When there’s a hard deadline. Use the shorted version of the month and omit the year. |
Interacting with files
Button text | When |
|---|---|
| The primary action of a page is to use or refer to the PDF. |
| The primary action of a page is to use the map. |
Going to a page outside of SF.gov
Button text | When |
|---|---|
| Generic text when the destination is informational. |
Form actions
Button text | When |
|---|---|
| On the intro page, to start the form. |
| Between form pages. |
| On the last page of the form. Once someone clicks “Submit” then it’s sent to the department. |