A-Z list
Our preferred style and usage for common terms and phrases
A
- abort
Avoid. Use cancel or stop.
- above
Do not use to mean earlier. Use previous or preceding.
- alright
Avoid. Use all right.
- alternate
Use only as a verb to indicate one and then the other. Otherwise, use alternative.
Like this
Alternate between red and green in the pattern.
Find an alternative method.
- American English
Generally, use American spelling and phrasing, not British.
Like this
Use the color picker to customize your settings.Not like this
Use the colour picker to customise your settings.You may use British English for internal and external communications that will be distributed in the UK.
- and/or
Don’t use this construction. It may take an extra sentence to present both the “and” and the “or” scenarios, but it’s better for readability and translation.
- and so on
Use only when you can’t avoid it or if there are space constraints.
- ampersand (&)
Use only when space is limited, such as for tab labels or screen titles, or when the content is improved by its use.
- app
Originally specific to mobile apps, this term can now be used to refer to applications of all kinds, including enterprise and SaaS apps. It’s also appropriate to refer to an enterprise app store, which provides self-service provisioning.
- appear, display
Use appear as an intransitive verb, which means it doesn’t need an object.
Use display as a transitive verb, which means it does something to something. It has to be followed by an object.
If necessary in context, you can use the passive phrase is displayed, but avoid this when explaining the consequences of a procedure step.
Like this
If you exit the program, a message appears.
The management console displays the Settings dialog box.Not like this
The Settings dialog box is displayed.Don’t use bring up.
Like this
This displays the Settings dialog box.Not like this
This brings up the Settings dialog box.
- as
Don’t use to convey a cause and effect. Use because instead. It’s OK to use as in other contexts.
- as long as
Avoid. Use provided that or if.
B
- back-end (adj.), back end (n.)
First try to use a more specific term, like server or network. Hyphenate when used as an adjective.
Like this
Back-end system
When used as a noun, it’s two words with no hyphen.Like this
The admin configured settings on the back end.
- backup (n., adj.), back up (v.)
One word as a noun or adjective; two words as a verb.
Like this
When you back up one screen, the software automatically creates a backup.
- below
Do not use to mean later. Use following instead.
- beta
Avoid. Use preview instead. Beta is an ambiguous term that carries negative connotations with incomplete, buggy software that’s still being tested. We avoid this term at Citrix because our software should not be associated with risk of any kind.
Also see entry for preview.
- black box, white box
Avoid. For black box, use behavioral testing, invisible box testing, aided testing, testing hidden structure, or hidden structure testing instead.
For white box, use transparent box testing, visible box testing, unaided testing, testing observable structure, or Observable structure testing instead.
- black hat, gray hat, white hat
Avoid. For black and gray hat, use malicious actor or bad actor instead. For white hat, use vulnerability tester or security tester instead.
- blacklist, whitelist
Avoid. For blacklist, use block list (two words; use as a noun, not a verb) instead. For white list, use allow list (two words; use as a noun, not a verb) instead.
- bold
Use bold sparingly to call out UI elements and labels or to add emphasis to important words. Don’t use italics or quotation marks. Place the bold emphasis on the action word you want the user to take.
Like this
To set up your account, click Start and then Continue.Not like this
To set up your account, click “Start” and then “Continue.”
- boot, reboot
Don’t use as a verb. Use turn on and turn off or start and restart. For technical audiences, while it’s OK to use boot as an adjective, like boot sequence, we prefer you use startup.
- bulletproof
Avoid. Use self-healing, resilient, failure-resistant, or secure instead.
- button
Don’t use when referring to a button.
Like this
Click OKNot like this
Click the OK buttonWhen a button has an ellipsis after it (meaning that it leads to another dialog), omit the ellipsis when referring to the button (Click Configure rather than Click Configure…).
- BYOD
Abbreviation for bring your own device. Spell out on first reference in body copy. Use hyphens when the phrase is used as an adjective.
Like this
The company’s bring-your-own-device policy created more flexibility for employees.
C
- can, could; may, might
Use the verb can to describe actions or tasks that the user or program is able to do. Use may only to express possibility, not to imply that the user has permission to do something. Use might to connote more doubt than may or when may could be interpreted to imply permission.
Like this
You can use this option to force a black-and-white screen display.Not like this
You may use this option to force a black-and-white screen display.In general, avoid could; it’s seldom necessary.
- check box
Two words.
Use select and clear with check boxes (not turn on/turn off, tick/untick, mark/unmark, check/uncheck, or select/deselect).
Always use check box, not just box, to refer to this option because box alone is ambiguous for localization.
- choose
Use choose when the user has a choice or option.
Like this
From the Color menu, choose the color you want.Don’t use click.
Also see select.
- Citrix Cloud
Citrix Cloud is a platform that hosts and administers Citrix services. Only capitalize cloud use when referring to the platform itself.
Like this
Citrix Cloud allows you to create, manage, and deploy workspaces from a single console.Not like this
Citrix Cloud delivers virtual apps and desktops.Also see Citrix cloud services.
- Citrix cloud services
Citrix cloud services refer to the option to purchase and deploy Citrix products as cloud services. The term does not refer to Citrix Cloud. Don’t capitalize cloud services. When talking about a product or service, use the product or service’s branded name. Lowercase service unless it’s part of the branded name.
Like this
Citrix cloud servicesNot like this
Citrix Cloud Services
Citrix Cloud servicesAlso see Citrix Cloud.
- Citrix Partner
Capitalize when referring to an official Citrix Partner designation or program, and always include Citrix. We prefer to use the official designation whenever possible, but if there are multiple subsequent references, it’s OK to lowercase partner and speak more generally. Don’t capitalize partner on its own.
Like this
Company ABC is a certified Citrix Partner.
At Citrix, we appreciate all our partners.Not like this
Partner or Citrix partner
- Citrix Workspace
Avoid. Because this will no longer a branded name for a bundle of our products after July 2022, use only when speaking directly to customers who have purchased a Citrix Workspace SKU. Use new product package names, general solution categories (DaaS, app delivery and security, work solutions), general terms like Citrix solutions, or the names of individual technologies.
Like this
Customers can use Citrix DaaS, app delivery and security, and work solutions to deliver digital workspaces to their end users.Not like this
Customers can use Citrix Workspace to deliver digital workspaces to their end users.See the full guidance for workspace-related terms here.
- Citrix Workspace app
Lowercase app. Don’t omit Citrix or app. Use to refer to the interface end users interact with to access their work resources. Don’t refer to the app as a product someone can buy.
Like this
Citrix Workspace appNot like this
Citrix Workspace App
Citrix workspace app
Workspace App
Workspace appSee the full guidance for workspace-related terms here.
- Citrix workspace platform
Lowercase. Use to describe the full value of the Citrix portfolio. Use sparingly; reserve usage for when you’re referring to the full breadth of what we offer at a company or vision level. Don’t use to refer to any specific product, service, bundle, or capability. Use alternatives like Citrix solutions and the Citrix portfolio when talking at a product level. Because it’s an unbranded term, it’s OK to speak generically with phrases like our workspace platform.
Like this
Citrix workspace platform (first reference)
Our workspace platform (subsequent references)Not like this
Citrix Workspace Platform
Citrix Workspace platformLike this
With the Citrix workspace platform, you can deliver the unified secure digital workspaces you need to enable hybrid work.Not like this
The Citrix workspace platform is the most complete digital workspace solution.See the full guidance for workspace-related terms here.
- clear
Use clear for check boxes; do not use turn off, unmark, uncheck, or deselect.
Also see check box and select.
- click
Avoid click for anything other than when referring to specific mouse actions. Instead, use words that work for multiple devices, such as select.
Also see choose.
- cloud (n., adj.), the cloud (n.)
Lowercase. This is also true for cloud era.
- co-
Don’t hyphenate words beginning with co- unless they are listed that way in the American Heritage Dictionary.
- comprise; comprises; composed of
Avoid. Use includes.
- contractions
Our voice encourages the use of contractions for a conversational tone. Avoid unusual noun/verb contractions and other uncommon contractions that are difficult to localize.
Like this
Don’t take our word for it. Try Citrix Workspace for 90 days.Not like this
Your upload’ll get started when your update’s finished.
- COVID-19
Capitalize all letters.
Like this
COVID-19
Not like this
Covid-19
- crash
Avoid. Use fail for hardware and disks or stop responding for programs or the operating system. In content for a technical audience, crash may be the best word in certain circumstances, but avoid whenever possible.
- cyber-
Don’t hyphenate words that begin with cyber, such as cybersecurity and cyberattack.
D
- datacenter
One word.
- data sheet
Two words.
- demo
An example, presentation, or illustration to show how either a full product or part of a product works. Don’t use demo when referring to a trial. Use trial when referring to a pre-purchase product experience.
- desire
Avoid. Use want or require.
- desktop as a service (DaaS)
Lowercase and not hyphenated. Spell out on first reference. The same is true for software as a service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and platform as a service (PaaS).
- dialog, dialog box, dialogue
In general, it’s best practice to talk about user actions instead or UI elements. Only use dialog box when referring to the dialog box itself. Don’t shorten to dialog, and don’t use dialogue box or pop-up window.
- digital workspace
Lowercase. Use to describe any digital environment people use to get work done. Don’t use to describe a product, service, or bundle.
Like this:
Organizations of all sizes use Citrix solutions to deliver digital workspaces to their end users.Not like this:
Organizations of all sizes use the Citrix Digital Workspace to deliver digital workspaces to their end users.See the full guidance for workspace-related terms here.
- done
Avoid. Use completed or finished.
- double-click
Hyphenated. Also right-click, left-click.
- downtime
One word.
E
- earlier, lower
Use earlier, not lower, when referring to a previously released version of software. You also can use preceding or previous.
Like this
Citrix Endpoint Management 20.7.0 and earlierNot like this
Citrix Endpoint Management 20.7.0 and lower
- early release
Avoid. Use preview.
- e-book
Lowercase and hyphenated.
- ecosystem
One word.
- e.g.
Avoid. Use for example.
One word; no hyphen.
- endpoint
One word.
- end-user computing
Hyphenate. Do not use EUC as an acronym.
- enter, type
It’s OK to use enter when instructing the user to type their password or choose a selection from a dialog box.
- etc.
Use only when you can’t avoid it or if there are space constraints.
- execute
Avoid. Use start, run, or issue.
F
- failover (n., adj.); fail over (v.)
One word as a noun or adjective; two words as a verb.
Like this
Failover allows virtual machines on a failed server to fail over to a healthy server without disruption.
- fatal
Avoid. Use unrecoverable.
- field, box
Don’t use label to refer to a box. Use box or label of the box.
- file extension, file name extension
Use file name extension or just extension. Precede a file name extension with a period. Use the article (a or an) that applies to the sound of the first letter of the extension, as though the period (or “dot”) is not pronounced, as in a .doc file and an .exe file.
- file name
Two words.
- foreign
Don’t use to refer to other countries. Use the country’s name instead.
- front-end (adj.), front end (n.)
Hyphenate when used as an adjective. Two words as a noun. Avoid when writing for an end-user audience. Instead, use more specific terms they understand, like app or program.
G
- Gb
Abbreviation for gigabit. Don’t spell out.
- GB
Abbreviation for gigabyte. Don’t spell out.
- grandfathered
Avoid. Use exempt instead.
- gray, grayed, grayed out
Avoid. Focus instead on the action you want the user to take. Use unavailable or dimmed. Use shaded if you need to describe the appearance of check boxes with portions of a larger selection that are already selected.
H
- hack, hacker
Avoid for general audiences because of negative connotations. Use malicious actor to refer to an unauthorized user who accesses a system with the intent to cause harm. If the unauthorized user’s intent isn’t known or isn’t malicious, use unauthorized user.
It’s OK to use hack or hacker if you’re speaking to a developer audience or when a positive outcome is involved, such as a hackathon.
- handheld
One word.
- hang, hung
Avoid. Use stop or stopped.
- healthcare
One word.
- help desk
Two words.
- HTML5
No space before the 5.
- homepage
One word.
- hybrid cloud
Two words. Only hyphenate when used as a modifier: hybrid-cloud infrastructure. Don’t use to mean multi-cloud.
- hyperlinks
Link the actionable phrase using sentence-case capitalization and a clear call to action.
Like this
To learn more, visit the Citrix Web and UX Guidelines page.
I
- idioms
Avoid idioms because they can be confusing to some readers and don’t translate well.
- i.e.
Avoid. Use that is or in other words.
- internet
Lowercase.
- IP
Acronym for internet protocol. Don’t spell out. Don’t use when referring to intellectual property if the content also includes references to IP addresses.
- its, it's
It’s is the contraction of it is. Its is a possessive adjective, like his, her, or your.
Like this
It’s the first time the company has raised its guidance.
- intelligent workspace
It’s OK to use intelligent workspace when speaking generically. However, don’t add intelligent to the Citrix Workspace product name. Use Citrix Workspace with intelligent features or Citrix Workspace with intelligence. Don’t use Citrix Intelligent Workspace or IWS for Citrix Workspace.
J
- justify, justified
Don’t use as a synonym for aligned. Justified text is both left-aligned and right-aligned. To describe alignment on one margin only, use left-aligned or right-aligned, not left-justified or right-justified.
K
- KB
Abbreviation for kilobyte. Don’t spell out.
- kill
Avoid. Use end or stop.
- knowledge base
Two words.
L
- launch
Avoid. Use start.
- lifecycle
One word.
- log on, log off
Avoid. Use sign in and sign out. Don’t use log in, login, log into, log on, logon, log onto, log off, log out, logout, or a similar term unless it appears in the UI and you’re writing instructions.
Also see sign in/sign out.
M
- machine, computer
In content for most audiences, don’t use machine to refer to a computer. Use computer instead. It’s all right to use machine in content for a technical audience and in content about virtualization to describe both physical machines and virtual machines.
- master, slave
Avoid. Use main and secondary or subordinate.
- master table
Avoid. Use primary table.
- Mb
Abbreviation for megabit. Don’t spell out.
- MB
Abbreviation for megabyte. Don’t spell out.
- MHz
Abbreviation for megahertz. Don’t spell out.
- micro-
In general, don’t hyphenate words that begin with micro- unless it’s necessary to avoid confusion. If you can’t find the word in the American Heritage Dictionary, use multiple before the word instead. Don’t create new words by combining them with micro-.
- microapp
Lowercase. One word; no hyphen. When referring to our microapp builder, describe it as low code.
Like this
Our microapp builder is a low-code tool.Not like this
Our microapp builder is a no-code tool.
- mouse actions
In general, don’t talk about mouse actions. Instead, talk about user actions in the UI.
Use hover over or point to when describing moving the mouse pointer over an area without clicking.
Use click, not click on.
Always hyphenate double-click and right-click.
Avoid mice as a plural. Use mouse devices.
- multi-
In general, don’t hyphenate words that begin with multi- unless it’s necessary to avoid confusion or if multi- is followed by a proper noun. If you can’t find the word in the American Heritage Dictionary, use multiple before the word instead. Don’t create new words by combining them with multi-.
Also see multi-cloud.
- multi-cloud
Lowercase. Hyphenate as a noun and an adjective. Don’t use to mean hybrid cloud.
N
- numbers
Spell out numbers zero through nine; use figures for 10 and above. Use a figure to represent million, billion, and trillion.
Like this
There are 12 admins but only four licenses.
Increase annual revenue by $1 million.Always use a figure for numbers in headlines. Also see “Headlines” in the grammar section.
Like this
4 ways Citrix Workspace helps you deliver a better employee experience
O
- OK
Use OK everywhere, including button labels. Don’t use Ok, ok, or Okay.
- once, after
Don’t use once to mean after in phrases like once you have finished. Use after you have finished.
- on premises, on-premises
Don’t hyphenate when used as an adverb.
Like this
The software was installed on premises.Hyphenate when used as an adjective.
Like this
The on-premises deploymentDon’t use on prem or on-prem unless you’re speaking in a casual context, like social media, or if there are space constraints.
- on the other hand
Avoid. Use however or alternatively.
- open-source
Use as an adjective only. Always hyphenate.
Like this
Open-source tools
- over, more than
Use over to refer to a position or location above something. For example, A red line appears over the diagram.
Use more than for quantities.
Like this
There are more than 10 desktops assigned to this user.Not like this
There are over 10 desktops assigned to this user.
P
- pinch, stretch
Use pinch to indicate zooming in and stretch to indicate zooming out.
- please, thank you
Don’t overuse, especially in the UI. Use please only in situations where you’re asking someone to do something inconvenient or when the software is at fault. Use thank you when you’re asking someone to provide information that’s inconvenient or difficult to get.
- plug-in
Lowercase. Always hyphenated.
- preview
A limited version of a product released to a special audience before the official launch. A preview is stable and provides a good overview of the full release but may not have all planned features in place. Use as a label for an early product release.
Like this
Citrix SD-WAN 11.2 PreviewDon’t use technical preview, tech preview, early release, beta, evaluation, or eval.
Also see beta, demo, and trial.
- proof of concept (POC)
A demonstration, prototype, or use of a product with the purpose of verifying its real-world application. People often use a proof of concept to test whether the product can meet their specific requirements, such as unique integrations. In some cases, when the customer decides to purchase the product, the proof of concept is transitioned into the post-purchase environment.
Spell out on first use; no hyphens. Don’t overuse the acronym to avoid confusion with point of contact.
The plural form is proofs of concept.
Don’t use trial to refer to a proof of concept.
Also see trial.
R
- recommended
If an option is strongly recommended, add (recommended) to the label.
Like this
Update automatically (recommended).
- remove
Don’t use remove in place of delete. Use remove when the item is being removed from a group or container and is still available to put into other groups or containers.
S
- (s) or /s to indicate possible plural
Avoid. Use the plural form instead.
Like this
The error messages
Select the sites you want to monitor.Not like this
The error message(s)
Select the site/s you want to monitor.
- select
Use select for check boxes and when instructing the user to select an item, like text, objects, or cells.
Also see entry for check box.
- setup, set up
Two words as a verb, one word as a noun or adjective.
Like this
Use the setup option. [adjective]
She was successful with her setup. [noun]
Set up your account. [verb]
- sign in, sign out
Use sign in and sign out to refer to creating and ending a session on a computer, device, network, app, or anywhere a user name and password are required. Use sign out to refer to ending a session.
Don’t use log in, login, log into, log on, logon, log onto, log off, log out, logout, sign into, signin, signoff, sign off, or sign on unless these terms appear in the UI and you’re writing instructions.
You sign in to (not sign into) a session.
Use connect, make a connection, and similar phrases to refer to the act of physically attaching a computer to a network, whether intranet or internet.
Use sign on only as part of the term single sign-on (SSO). The user action is still signing in, even though the technology is called single sign-on.
Use sign off only informally to refer to getting approval.
Use sign up to refer to enrolling in a service.
Hyphenate these terms only when they are used as adjectives.
Like this
Type your sign-in information.
Sign in here.
You can sign up for the service by filling in the following information.
- since, because
Don’t use since to mean because. Use because to refer to a reason and since to refer to a passage of time.
Don’t use a comma before because.
- single sign-on (SSO)
Lowercase. Hyphenate sign-on. Hyphenate all three words when used as a modifier: A single-sign-on solution.
- software as a service (SaaS)
Lowercase and not hyphenated. Spell out on first reference. The same is true for desktops as a service (DaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and platform as a service (PaaS). In general, we are trying to move toward cloud-based as a descriptor for this type of service, but SaaS remains in common use.
- sorry
Use sorry only in situations that cause serious problems for the user, such as data loss or when the user can’t continue to use the computer. Don’t apologize for normal operations of the program.
Like this
Sorry, but your computer detected an unrecoverable error and must shut down. Any unsaved data will be lost.Not like this
Sorry, but you need to type your user name and password to sign in.
- standalone
One word.
- swipe
Use to indicate a swift motion a user makes on a touchscreen device to scroll.
- sync
Abbreviation for synchronize. Use when space is limited or when the content is improved by its use. Do not use synch.
Like this
Sync your device now.
T
- TCO
Acronym for total cost of ownership. Spell out on first use. Avoid using as generic marketing jargon (for example, reduce TCO) without providing additional context.
- tech preview
Avoid. Use preview.
- they, them, their
Use these plural constructions, rather than he or she, to be gender-neutral in the UI.
Like this
If a user asks if they can reset their password, direct them to the website.Not like this
If a user asks if he or she can reset his or her password, direct him or her to the website.
- thin client (n.), thin-client (adj.)
Two words when used as a noun. Hyphenate when used as an adjective.
Like this
Use a thin client to access the system.
- trial
A trial is like a proof of concept in that it’s a package of software that you can install, load, or interact with, typically to determine if you want to buy the product. Trials are not usually modified with specific requirements or configurations. Use proof of concept when referring to situations that require unique modifications.
If someone is not going to directly drive the experience, ensure that you appropriately set expectations with descriptions that clearly indicate an intermediary, such as assisted trial.
Don’t use demo or test drive to refer to a trial.
Also see proof of concept.
U
- user
Use only when speaking to a technical audience. In higher-level marketing materials, use people, workers, or employees. In end-user-facing materials, use you.
- user name
Two words.
V
- VDI
Abbreviation for virtual desktop infrastructure. Refers to desktops hosted on premises, in the cloud, or delivered as a service (desktops as a service, or DaaS). Spell out on first reference.
- via
Avoid. Use access, along, by, from, on, using, or through.
- videoconference, videoconferencing
Both are one word.
W
- Web, web, website
Uppercase web only when following the UI or feature names and when it’s part of the official name of a system or organization. Lowercase all instances of web as a modifier.
Follow this additional guidance from the Microsoft Manual of Style:
The following terms that include web are one word:
webpage
website
webcam
webcast
webmaster
webzineThe following terms that include web are hyphenated:
web-centric
web-based
web-enabledThe following terms that include web are two words:
web address
web app
web browser
web content
web crawler
web document
web folder
web part
- well-being
Two words. Hyphenated.
- while
Use only to refer to something occurring in time. Don’t use while as a conjunction or as a synonym for although, whereas, or despite.
Like this
Your content is loading. Check back in a little while.
- white-labeling
Avoid. Use brand removal or brand replacement instead.
- white paper
Two words.
- whitespace account
Avoid. Use greenfield account.
- Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a registered trademark and proper noun.
Like this
Wi-Fi
Not like this
Wifi, wifi, wi-fi
- wish
Avoid. Use want.
- work, works
Avoid. Use supports or compatible with.
- workspace platform
Lowercase.
See Citrix workspace platform.
See the full guidance for workspace-related terms here.
- www.
Omit as part of a URL unless the link won’t work without it.
Like this
Citrix.com
Not like this
www.Citrix.com
X
- x
Do not use an x to mean by.
Y
- you, your, we, our
Our voice dictates that we use first- and second-person pronouns to create a conversational tone. Use them to speak directly to your reader.
Z
- zero trust
Two words. No hyphen.
Like this
Zero trust securityNot like this
Zero-trust security
#
- 24/7
Short for 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Spell out in most situations. If you have space constraints, a slash is acceptable for the abbreviated form.