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Material Design 3

Content Design

Voice principles, UI text guidelines, and content structure patterns for writing clear, consistent interface copy.

5 voice principles6 text guidelines15 total itemsM3 Exclusive
Content Sections
Voice Principles5
UI Text Guidelines6
Structure Patterns4
All Design Systems

Material Design 3

OverviewColorsTypographySpacingShapeMotionStatesElevationBreakpointsTokensCustomizationContent DesignGlossaryComponentsSymbolsPatternsInputsApp IconsMaterialsSystemLocalizationAccessibilityPlatforms
OverviewColorsTypographySpacingShapeMotionStatesElevationBreakpointsTokensCustomizationContent DesignGlossaryComponentsSymbolsPatternsInputsApp IconsMaterialsSystemLocalizationAccessibilityPlatforms

Writing for M3 Interfaces

Good UI writing is invisible — users accomplish their goals without noticing the words. Material Design 3 establishes voice principles, specific guidelines for common UI text patterns, and content structure strategies that keep interfaces clear, concise, and accessible.

Clear

Use plain, direct language that users understand immediately. Avoid jargon, technical terms, and ambiguous phrasing.

Do
  • Turn on notifications to get updates
  • Your file has been saved
  • Sign in to continue
Don't
  • Enable push notification services for event-driven alerts
  • Serialization of document state complete
  • Authenticate your credentials to proceed

Concise

Use the fewest words possible without losing meaning. Every word should earn its place. Front-load the most important information.

Do
  • Delete this photo?
  • No internet connection
  • 3 items selected
Don't
  • Are you sure you want to permanently delete this photo from your library?
  • It appears that your device is not currently connected to the internet
  • You have currently selected a total of 3 items

Useful

Every message should help the user accomplish their goal. Provide actionable information, not just status updates.

Do
  • Can't connect. Check your internet and try again.
  • File too large. Maximum size is 25 MB.
  • Payment declined. Try a different card.
Don't
  • An error occurred
  • Upload failed
  • Transaction unsuccessful

Consistent

Use the same terms and patterns throughout the product. If you call it 'sign in' once, don't switch to 'log in' elsewhere.

Do
  • Sign in / Sign out (used everywhere)
  • Delete (always, not 'remove' or 'erase')
  • Settings (one label for preferences)
Don't
  • Sign in here, Log in there, Authenticate elsewhere
  • Delete in one screen, Remove in another, Erase in a third
  • Settings, Preferences, and Options for the same thing

Accessible

Write for all users including those using screen readers. Use sentence case, avoid ALL CAPS, and write meaningful link and button text.

Do
  • Learn more about privacy settings
  • Save changes
  • Error: Email address is required
Don't
  • Click here
  • SAVE CHANGES
  • Error: Invalid input in field 3