Troubleshooting Style Guide - Headings & Copy

Troubleshooting Headings 

All headings must be in bold, only have the first letter capitalised and be in statement form (i.e. no questions!)

Headings Including:

  • A forward-slash (/). Please put a space between the word before and after a slash. Eg. example / example
  • Acronyms (Hd, dvd, etc.).  Acronyms are always in capitals
  • Make sure there is a line break between all headings and the body copy using either <br> html line breaks or by manually inserting one using enter.
  • Please avoid using quotation marks (")

Troubleshooting Copy 

The main block copy should be as brief as possible. Words like and/therefore and phrases like in most cases/please ensure that are superflous and can be cut completely or replaced with a single word. 

For example:

Remote control not working

1. Check the batteries are correctly fitted into the battery compartment, and that they correctly match the + and - markings inside the battery compartment

After editing becomes:

Remote control not working

1. Check the batteries are inserted into the compartment correctly

Remember:

  • A forward-slash (/) should not have a space between it and the text E.G. Example/example.
  • Check for unnecessary capitalisation. E.G. connect to Network should be connected to the network
  • When describing menu paths please use > to indicate flow. E.G. menu > control panel > settings
  • Do not capitalise on menu headings
  • Please use lower case.
  • Individual steps are to be numbered. No dashed (-) or bullets.
  • Steps should be numbered on the left margin with numbered followed by a full stop.

   E.G. 1. Example

Please ensure no full stops are used at the end of the numbered steps.

  • When highlighting keys that need to be pressed while troubleshooting, use bold text and do not capitalise or use quotation marks. E.G. 1. Hold ctl alt del to restart

This applies to all words/buttons/indicators you deem important and should be brought to the attention of the troubleshooter.

  • Warnings and crucial information should be bolded and highlighted with an asterisk

E.G. * Please advise the customer prior to SRS complete restore that all data on the device will be wiped. Customers will need to back up their device.

  • Acronyms (HD, DVD, etc). Acronyms are always in capitals.
  • When inserting links into the text, please use the full address and bold text. 

E.G. You will need to update the device. Visit http://au.support.tomtom.com/app/answers/detail

 

To know more about adding Troubleshooting images, visit our article Troubleshooting Style Guide - Imagery