Tip of the month from
PRC
April 1996
Bullets and numbering
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Tip of the month is edited by Peter
Ring, PRC (Peter Ring Consultants, Denmark)
- consultants on how to write
user-friendly manuals
Use of bullets, letters and
numbering correctly in instructions
Some time ago I got a user instruction where the sequential instructions were
bulleted, and the free choices within a sequential step were numbered. I
was completely confused! I researched the subject and ended up with the following
rules:
- Sequential steps should be
numbered. Note, that normal numerals (1, 2, 3, .., 14, ...) are easier to
read than roman numerals (I, II, III, ...XIV, ...) and gives a better layout.
- If you have to number subpoints,
preferably indent and use numbers, alternatively use a point per level (2.1,
2.2, 2.3 ...)
- Equal choices should be
bulleted or given letters. Use UPPERCASE letters if you have to refer to
the point.
- If there could be doubt,
write if the choices are in priority order or without priority.
- Specify the system in the
"How to read this manual" chapter.
Note that the use of numbers and
bullets as described above is generally a well established rule, and that
letters has been (ab)used for sequential steps.
If you disagree
with these ideas - or have more relevant points +/-, please
e-mail me
!
(Ideas for "Tip of the month" subjects are welcome, too!)
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