GNOME.org

GNOME Desktop Terms

This section contains terms that you use when you describe the user interface of the GNOME Desktop, with the exception of buttons.

applet

Definition: A small application that resides on a panel. Applets usually have a simple user interface.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules. Use the application tag for the names of applets.
Example: Each applet has a simple user interface that you can operate with the mouse or keyboard.
Note: If you think that the term applet might be confusing in a particular context, use the more specific term panel applet.

applet popup menu

Definition: The popup menu that opens when you right-click on the handle of an applet, or on any blank area in an applet. Applet popup menus typically contain the following items:
  • Preferences
  • Help
  • Remove From Panel
  • Move
The applet popup menu can also contain applet-specific items.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Right-click on the Command Line applet to open the applet popup menu.

application registry [System administration documentation]

Definition: The application registry is a location that contains text files that register applications.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The application registry for the GNOME Desktop is located in the /usr/share/gnome/application-registry directory.

assistant

Definition: An interactive tool that helps you to perform a complex task. An assistant guides you through the steps required to perform the task. For example, the Evolution Setup Assistant guides you through the initial configuration process for the Evolution email client.
Usage: Normal text rules. Use title capitalization for assistant names.
Tags: Prose tag rules. Use the application tag for the name of an assistant.
Example 1: You can use an assistant to configure an LDAP server.
Example 2: Click on the Forward button on the Evolution Setup Assistant.
Note:

Do not use the following terms as synonyms for assistant:

  • Druid
  • Wizard

auto, prefix

Definition: A prefix that describes an action where the system does something for you to save you effort.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Autohide, autocomplete.
Note: Do not hyphenate this prefix, or use the prefix as a separate word. For example do not use auto-complete, auto hide, and so on.

autocomplete

Definition: To automatically complete a path or command name as you type. The Location field in a Nautilus window includes an autocomplete function.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The Command Line applet contains a history-based autocompletion function.
Note: Do not hyphenate this term, do not use auto-complete.

autogravity

Definition: A feature that enables your windows to expand automatically in the most suitable direction for display on your screen. Autogravity prevents your windows from expanding off your screen. Autogravity affects window display when a window expands as a result of a system action. For example, if you click on a tabbed section in a dialog, and the new tabbed section requires more space, then autogravity can control how the window expands.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Autogravity does not affect window display when you maximize a window.
Note: Do not hyphenate this term, do not use auto-gravity.

autohide

Definition: To automatically hide a user interface item when the item is not in use.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To set your panel to autohide, modify the properties of the panel.
Note: Do not hyphenate this term, do not use auto-hide.

autoindent

Definition: To automatically indent text to the same tab stop position as the previous line in a file.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The gedit text editor contains an autoindent function.
Note: Do not hyphenate this term, do not use auto-indent.

backtrace

Definition: A text representation that details the current hierarchy of functions being called by an application. If an application crashes, you can use the backtrace to identify what code was being executed when the application crashed.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Bug Buddy automatically adds the core file or backtrace to the bug report.
Note: Spell as one word, and do not hyphenate. Do not use back trace or back-trace.

border

Definition: The border around a window. The titlebar and the border of a window are the components of the window frame.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Select this option to include the titlebar and border of a window in a screenshot.
Note: Do not use the term edge as a synonym for border.

button

Definition: A user interface element that you use to start an action. There are many types of button in the GNOME Desktop. For more information about the types of button and the rules for their usage, see Section A.3 ― Buttons in the GNOME Desktop. Some buttons do not have labels, so you do not have a convenient reference term. Although a button does not have a name, there might be a tooltip for the button. If the text in the tooltip is appropriate, use that text as the button name.
Usage: See Section A.3 ― Buttons in the GNOME Desktop.
Tags: Use the guibutton tag for button names.
Example: The History button is a feature of the Command Line applet.
Note: When you refer to a button that has a specific identity but no textual label, use title capitalization for the button name.

check box

Definition: A dialog element that you use to select or deselect an option.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb: Select, deselect, or choose, depending on the function that the check box fulfills.
  • Noun: Option.
Tags: Use the guilabel tag for the check box name.
Example: Select the Create monochrome image option to create a screenshot in black and white.
Note:

Spell as two words, do not use checkbox.

Avoid using the term check box in your documentation. Use the term option instead.

color selector dialog

Definition: A dialog that you use to select a color. When you click on a color selector button the color selector dialog is displayed.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tag: Prose tag rules.
Example: Click on the Color to use button to display the color selector dialog.
Note: Color selector dialog is a generic term for the dialog that is displayed when you click on a color selector button.

color wheel

Definition: The circular control on a color selector dialog that enables you to choose a color.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tag: Prose tag rules.
Example: On the color selector dialog, use the color wheel or sliders to choose the color.

column heading

Definition: A heading for a table column in a dialog or window. Some column headings exhibit button-like behavior. For example, to sort the data in the Evolution Inbox, click on the heading of the column by which you want to sort the data.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb Phrase: Click on.
  • Noun: Column heading.
Tags:

Prose tag rules.

Use the guilabel tag for the names of column headings.

Example: To sort the file types by filename extension, click on the Extension column heading.

combo box

Do not use this term. Use the term drop-down combination box.

compose keyboard

Definition: A compose keyboard is an onscreen keyboard that contains alphanumeric keys. You can use a compose keyboard to compose text by activating the keys on the keyboard.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The GOK compose keyboard is a standard alphanumeric keyboard.

control

Definition: An instrument that you use to operate or guide the user interface. For example, radio buttons, sliders, check boxes, and so on are controls.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The controls theme option affects the appearance of controls in dialogs and applets.
Note 1: In user documentation, do not use widget as a synonym for control.
Note 2: Some controls reside in dialogs and in this situation you can refer to the controls as dialog elements or controls, depending on the context in which you are describing the controls.
Note 3: See also dialog element.

criterion

Definition: A condition that is applied to an advanced search, a filter, or a virtual folder in Evolution Inbox. Advanced searches, filters, and virtual folders test for criteria that you specify. For example, you can create an advanced search to find messages from a particular address that contain particular text. To do this, you create an advanced search with two criteria. One criterion specifies the address of the sender, the other criterion specifies the text.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example 1: To add a criterion to the advanced search, click on the Add button.
Example 2: You can also perform advanced searches that use more complex search criteria.
Note 1: The plural of criterion is criteria. Do not use criteria to express the singular form of this noun.
Note 2: Do not use rule or condition as synonyms for criterion.

current viewport

Definition: The viewport that is displayed on the GNOME Desktop.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The current viewport is highlighted with a checked background.

current workspace

Definition: The workspace that is displayed on the GNOME Desktop.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: On the Workspace Switcher applet, the button that represents the current workspace is pressed in.

desktop

Definition: The part of the GNOME Desktop where there are no interface graphical items, such as panels and windows.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Right-click on the desktop to open the Desktop menu.
Note 1: Use desktop in the user interface, in Help, and in documentation body text.
Note 2: See also desktop background, desktop environment, GNOME Desktop.

desktop background

Definition: The image or color that is applied to the desktop.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To change the desktop background, right-click on the desktop, then choose Change Desktop Background from the Desktop menu.
Note 1: Use desktop background in the user interface, in Help, and in documentation body text.
Note 2: See also desktop, desktop environment, GNOME Desktop.

desktop environment

Definition: The totality of the following:
  • All windows, panels, and workspaces.
  • All libraries, applications, protocols, and so on that the GNOME Desktop uses.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Choose the GNOME Desktop from the list of available desktop environments.
Note 1: The term desktop environment is used mostly, but not exclusively, in system administrator documentation and developer documentation.
Note 2: See also desktop, desktop background, GNOME Desktop.

Desktop menu

Definition: A menu that you can use to arrange items on your desktop.
Usage: Title capitalization for the term Desktop, lowercase letters for the term menu.
Tags: Use the guimenu tag for the term Desktop.
Example: Right-click on the desktop to open the Desktop menu.
Note: Use desktop in the user interface, in Help, and in documentation body text.

desktop object

Definition: An icon on your desktop that you can use to open your files, folders, and applications.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can use desktop objects to provide convenient access to files, folders, and applications that you use frequently.

desktop entry file [System administration documentation]

Definition: A data file that provides information about an item in a menu, a panel launcher, or a desktop object. Desktop entry files have a .desktop file extension.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The desktop entry file contains keywords which determine the location of the item in the menu hierarchy.

dialog

Definition: A popup window in which the user enters information or commands.
Usage:

Normal text rules.

Apply title capitalization to the name of a dialog.

Tags: Use the guilabel tag for the dialog name.
Example: Use the Panel Properties dialog to specify the color and image for the panel background.
Note 1: Do not use dialog box.
Note 2: Some dialogs in the GNOME Desktop do not have a title. If the dialog does not have a title, you can assign the dialog an appropriate title in your documentation.

dialog element

Definition: A component part of a dialog. Examples of dialog elements are: check boxes, command buttons, tabs, and tabbed sections.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The Background tabbed section contains the following dialog elements.
Note: You can shorten dialog element to element when you are clearly referring to a dialog element.

dialog pane

Definition: An area in an application window that resembles a dialog, and where you enter data.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Enter the information for the submenu in the Basic tabbed section on the dialog pane.

directory entry file [System administration documentation]

Definition: A data file that provides information about a menu. Directory entry files have a .directory file extension.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The directory entry file specifies the details for the menu, such as a name, a tooltip, and an icon.

drawer

Definition: A collapsible extension of a panel.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can move objects between panels and drawers.

drop-down combination box

Definition: A text box with a drop-down list attached. You can either type a value, or choose a value from the list.
Usage:

Normal text rules.

  • Verb Phrase: Use the drop-down-name drop-down combination box to specify.
  • Noun: Drop-down combination box.
Tags:

Prose tag rules.

Use the guilabel tag for the name of a drop-down combination box.

Example: Use the Directory to save images in drop-down combination box to specify the directory in which to save your images.
Note: Do not use the term combo box.

drop-down list

Definition: A dialog element that you use to select one of several items. A drop-down list has a drop-down button that you use to display the available items.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb Phrase: Use the drop-down-list-name drop-down list to specify.
  • Noun: Drop-down list.
Tags:

Prose tag rules.

Use the guilabel tag for the name of a drop-down list.

Example: Use the Panel size drop-down list to specify the size of the panel.
Note: You cannot type in a drop-down list.

drop-down section

Definition: A dialog element that you use to display additional dialog elements. You click on the associated text to display the additional items.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb Phrase: Click on.
  • Noun: Drop-down section.
Tags: Use the guilabel tag for the name of a drop-down section.
Example: Use the Save in folder drop-down list, or click on the Browse for other folders drop-down section, to specify the location of the saved image.

emblem

Definition: A small icon that you can add to an item in a Nautilus window.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To add an emblem to an item, drag the emblem to the item.

field

Definition: A dialog element into which you must enter data according to a particular syntax or structure. This includes the following:
  • Elements where you must enter a command, or command line-type information in the element.
  • Elements where the data is part of a database.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb: Enter.
  • Noun: Field.
Tags:

Prose tag rules.

Use the guilabel tag for the field name.

Example: Enter a command in the Command Line entry field.
Note 1: Do not use the term field to refer to an element in a dialog, unless that element is a field as defined above. Instead, refer to the element by control type, that is, text box, spin box, drop-down combination box, and so on.
Note 2: You can add a qualifier to the term field to help the reader to understand the nature of the field. For example, you might refer to a field as a data field or as an entry field. This can be useful particularly if the field does not have a label.

file content sniffer [System administration documentation]

Definition: A file content sniffer specifies a pattern to search for in a file, and associates the pattern with a MIME type. If a match for the pattern is found, the MIME type associated with the pattern is the MIME type of the file.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: File content sniffers are specified in the file /usr/gnome/etc/gnome-vfs-mime-magic.

filename

Definition:

The name of a file as stored in a directory on a disk.

The term filename can also represent a real filename. For example, when you give an example of a filename in a command.

Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Prose tag rules for the term filename.

Use the filename tag for filenames.

Use the replaceable tag on the term filename when filename represents any filename. See Example 2 below.
Example 1: Use the Image filename text box to specify the filename of the image.
Example 2: Choose Files ▸ filename to view the file, where filename is the name of the file.

flag

Definition: In an email client application, a feature that you can add to a message to specify an action for the message, and a due date and due time for the action. In Evolution, flags are displayed at the top of messages.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use flags to remind yourself to follow up on issues that arise from your messages.
Note: Do not use follow-up flag as a synonym for flag.

flip

Definition: To switch to another workspace or viewport on screen by moving a window or the mouse pointer to the edge of the screen.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use the spin box to specify the delay in milliseconds from the time you touch the edge of the screen with the mouse pointer to when you flip to another workspace or viewport.
Note: Use this term specifically to describe the act of flipping and not as a synonym for switch.

focus

Definition: The state in which an interface component can receive both keyboard input and mouse input.
Usage:

Normal text rules.

Use the following verbs with focus:

  • Give focus.
  • Receive focus.
  • Have focus.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can configure how to switch focus from one window to another.
Note: Only one window or control can have focus at any one time. The window that has focus is normally indicated by a highlighted label or titlebar. Objects within a focused window, such as dialog elements, tabbed sections, and buttons, can also have focus. The user or application can set the focus.

folderbar

Definition: The bar at the top of a File Roller window that enables you to navigate through folders within an archive.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: File Roller displays the folderbar only in folder view.

font selector dialog

Definition: A dialog that you use to select a font. When you click on a font selector button, the font selector dialog is displayed.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Click on the font selector button to display the font selector dialog.
Note: Font selector dialog is a generic term for the dialog that is displayed when you click on a font selector button. Do not use this term to refer to the Font Selector application.

GConf [System administration documentation]

Definition:

The user preference management system for the GNOME Desktop. GConf contains the following components:

  • A repository of user preferences
  • A daemon
  • A command line tool

All GNOME Desktop applications store preferences in the GConf repository.
Usage: Initial capitals for GC, normal text rules for onf.
Tags: Use the application tag for the term GConf.
Example: GConf makes user preferences more manageable for system administrators.
Note: Do not use Gconf, gconf, or any other term.

GConf configuration source [System administration documentation]

Definition: A storage location in the GConf repository.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Use the application tag for the term GConf.

Use prose tag rules for the term configuration source.
Example: GConf reads the configuration sources in the order specified in the GConf path file.
Note: You can shorten GConf configuration source to configuration source when you are clearly referring to the GConf configuration source.

GConf path file [System administration documentation]

Definition: The file that lists the configuration sources for GConf to search, and the order in which to search the configuration sources.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Use the application tag for the term GConf.

Use prose tag rules for the term path file.
Example: Each user has a GConf path file.
Note: You can shorten GConf path file to path file when you are clearly referring to the GConf path file.

GConf preference key [System administration documentation]

Definition: An element in the GConf repository that corresponds to a preference.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Use the application tag for the term GConf.

Use prose tag rules for the term preference key.

Use the literal tag for the name of a preference key.

Example: The /apps/gnome-session/options/show_splash_screen preference key corresponds to the Show splash screen on login option in the Sessions preference tool.
Note: You can shorten GConf preference key to preference key when you are clearly referring to the GConf preference key.

GConf repository [System administration documentation]

Definition: A collection of key-value pairs, in a hierarchical file system structure, that represent user preferences.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Use the application tag for the term GConf.

Use prose tag rules for the term repository.
Example: The GConf repository is structured as a simple hierarchical file system.
Note: You can shorten GConf repository to repository when you are clearly referring to the GConf repository.

GConf schema [System administration documentation]

Definition: A collective term for a GConf schema key and a GConf schema object.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Typically, GConf schemas are stored in the default configuration source.
Note: You can shorten GConf schema to schema when you are clearly referring to the GConf schema.

GConf schema definition file [System administration documentation]

Definition: A file that lists the keys in a particular application and defines the characteristics of the keys. Typically, schema definition files have a .schemas filename extension.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Prose tag rules.

Use the filename tag for the name of a schema definition file.

Example: Schemas are generated from schema definition files.
Note: You can shorten GConf schema definition file to schema definition file when you are clearly referring to the GConf schema definition file.

GConf schema key [System administration documentation]

Definition: A key that stores a schema object for a preference key.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The /schemas/desktop/gnome/interface/font_name key is a schema key for the /desktop/gnome/interface/font_name preference key.
Note: You can shorten GConf schema key to schema key when you are clearly referring to the GConf schema key.

GConf schema object [System administration documentation]

Definition: An element in a configuration source that contains information about a preference key. The schema object contains information such as a suggested value for the preference key, and documentation on the preference key.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: If the value of the schema key is a schema object, return the suggested value from the schema object.
Note: You can shorten GConf schema object to schema object when you are clearly referring to the GConf schema object.

GNOME

Definition: GNU Network Object Model Environment.
Usage: All uppercase letters at all times.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The GNOME Desktop offers many user-configurable features.
Note: If you refer to an interface element that has Gnome in title capitalization, you still write the term in all uppercase letters.

GNOME Desktop

Definition: The totality of all windows, panels, and workspaces.
Usage: All uppercase letters for GNOME. Initial uppercase letter for the term Desktop.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: GNOME 2.4 Desktop User Guide.
Note 1: Always use GNOME in this context, that is, do not use Desktop as a shortened form of GNOME Desktop.
Note 2: You can include the version number of GNOME after the word GNOME.
Note 3: Use GNOME Desktop in the user interface, in Help, in documentation body text, for marketing purposes, book titles, and references to the product.
Note 4: See also desktop, desktop background, desktop environment.

GNOME footprint

Do not use this term. When you want to refer to the stylized footprint logo, use GNOME logo. When you want to refer to the footprint icon that represents the Main Menu, use Main Menu button.

group box

Definition: A box, in a dialog, that groups a set of related dialog elements.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb: None.
  • Noun: Group.
Tags:

Prose tag rules for the term group.

Use the guilabel tag for group box names.

Example: To enable autohide, select the Autohide option in the Hiding group.
Note: If you need to be very clear about the location of a dialog element, you can also identify the group that the element resides in.

handle, noun

Definition: A vertical bar that you use to move an object. For example, in gedit the menubar and toolbar have a handle on the left side. You can use this handle to move the menubar and toolbar to a different location in the GNOME Desktop.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Select this option to add a handle to the menubar. Grab the handle and drag the menubar to any location in the GNOME Desktop.
Note: The vertical bar at the left side of some applets is a handle. You can use the bar to move the applet. Therefore, refer to the bar as a handle.

handle, verb

Do not use this term. Use another verb appropriate to the context, for example, process, manage, and so on.

hover

Do not use this term. Use the term point to.

icon selector dialog

Definition: A dialog that you use to select an icon. When you click on an icon selector button the icon selector dialog is displayed.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Click on the Normal tile icon selector button to display the icon selector dialog.
Note: Icon selector dialog is a generic term for the dialog that is displayed when you click on an icon selector button.

keymap

Definition: A group of shortcuts. A keymap can contain shortcuts that are active throughout the GNOME Desktop, or shortcuts that are only active for a particular interface item.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can use the Sawfish preference tool to view, add, edit, or delete shortcuts from keymaps.

launcher

Definition:

An item that starts an application or executes a command when you click on the item. You can find launchers in the following places in the GNOME Desktop:

  • Panels: On panels, launchers are represented by icons.
  • Menus: On menus, launchers are represented by menu items.
  • Desktop: On the desktop, launchers are represented by icons.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The properties of a launcher include the name of the launcher, the icon that represents the launcher, and how the launcher runs.

layer

Definition: The GNOME Desktop is structured as a sequence of layers. Each user interface item, such as a window or a panel, is a member of a layer. Each layer has a layer number. A layer number is an integer that represents the position of a layer in the stacking order. Items with a higher layer number always appear above items with a lower layer number. For example, a panel in layer four always appears above a window in layer zero.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Select this option to bring windows to the top of the stacking order within the layer when they are unshaded.

list box

Definition: A dialog element that you use to select one of several items. A list box has no drop-down feature.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb: Select or choose, depending on the function that the list box fulfills.
  • Noun: List box.
Tags:

Prose tag rules for the term list box.

Use the guilabel tag for the list box name.

Example: Select the keymaps you require from the Keymaps list box.

location bar

Definition: A bar that contains elements whose primary function is to enable you to change your location. For example, the location bar on a Nautilus window contains a Location field, zoom buttons, and a View as drop-down list.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To view a website or an FTP site, type the URL for the site in the field on the location bar, then press Return.

Main Menu

Definition: A fixed menu that you can open from various places in the GNOME Desktop, including shortcut keys and the Main Menu button.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the guimenu tag.
Example: To open the Main Menu, click on the Main Menu button.

Main Menu button

Definition: A button that opens the Main Menu. The default appearance of the Main Menu button in panels and menus is a stylized footprint icon.
Usage: Title capitalization for the term Main Menu, all lowercase letters for the term button.
Tags:

Use the guibutton tag on the term Main Menu.

Prose tag rules for the term button.

Example: To open the Main Menu, click on the Main Menu button.

maximize

Definition: To enlarge a window to fill the GNOME Desktop to the maximum area allowed, constrained by other GNOME Desktop elements such as panels. You can maximize windows vertically, horizontally, or both.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:
  • Verb: Prose tag rules.
  • Button: Use the guibutton tag for the Maximize button.
Example: To maximize a window, click on the Maximize button.
Note: Do not use fill as a synonym for maximize.

menubar

Definition: The bar at the top of a window that contains the menus for an application.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The menubar on the Calculator window contains the Calculator, Edit, and Help menus.
Note: Spell as one word, do not use menu bar.

menu item

Definition: An item that you can choose from a menu.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Prose tag rules for the term menu item.

Use the menuitem tag when you refer to a menu item name.

Example: The File menu contains the Print menu item.
Note: If necessary, use item in a menu to avoid any ambiguity.

menu item popup menu

Definition:

A popup menu that opens when you right-click on a launcher in a menu. The menu item popup menu contains commands such as the following:

  • Add this launcher to panel
  • Remove this item
  • Properties
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To open the menu item popup menu for Calculator, choose Applications ▸ Accessories, then right-click on Calculator.

Menu Panel

Definition: The panel that stretches the full width of the top edge of the GNOME Desktop. The Menu Panel includes textual rather than graphical menus.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Unlike other types of panel, you can only have one Menu Panel at a time on the GNOME Desktop.

MIME information file [System administration documentation]

Definition: A MIME information file is a text file that associates MIME types with filename extensions and filename patterns. MIME information files have a .mime file extension.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: In MIME information files, the filename pattern to search for is written as a regular expression.

MIME keys file [System administration documentation]

Definition: A MIME keys file provides information about a MIME type that is used in the user interface. For example, the MIME keys file specifies an icon to represent files of that MIME type. MIME keys files have a .keys file extension.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You must indent the keys in a MIME keys file with a tab character (\t).

MIME type registry [System administration documentation]

Definition: The MIME type registry is a location that contains text files that register MIME types for the GNOME Desktop.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The MIME type registry for the GNOME Desktop is located in the /usr/gnome/share/mime-info directory.

minimize

Definition: To remove a window from the display without closing the window. You can restore a minimized window to your display in the following ways:
  • Click on the button that represents the window on the Window List applet.
  • Click on the window list icon at the extreme right of the Menu Panel, then select the window name from the window list.
  • Use shortcut keys to switch between windows. To restore a window, release the keys.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:
  • Verb: Prose tag rules.
  • Button: Use the guibutton tag for the Minimize button.
Example: To minimize a window, click on the Minimize button.

native viewport

Definition: The viewport where a minimized window was displayed before it was minimized.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: If this option is not selected, minimized windows restore to their native viewport.

native workspace

Definition: The workspace where a minimized window was displayed before it was minimized.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: If this option is not selected, minimized windows restore to their native workspace.

option

Definition: A function or parameter that you can select in a dialog. An option can be either on or off. An option is usually represented by a check box.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Prose tag rules for the term option.

Use the guilabel tag for the name of the option.

Example: Select the Create monochrome image option to capture a black-and-white screenshot.

panel

Definition: An area on the GNOME Desktop from which you can run applications and applets.
Usage: The following rules apply:
  • When the panel is a specific user interface component, then write the term with an initial uppercase letter. For example, Menu Panel.
  • When the panel is a type of user interface component, then write the term according to normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Panels are areas on the GNOME Desktop from which you can access all of your system applications and menus.

panel object

Definition: An object that resides on a panel.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example 1: You can move panel objects in the following ways:
  • From one location to another within a panel.
  • From one panel to another panel.
You can also move objects between panels and drawers.
Example 2: Click on the Run panel object.
Note: You can shorten panel object to object where the meaning is not ambiguous. Also, you do not always need to add the modifier panel object when you write about launchers, menus, applets, and drawers. You can write "click on the Terminal launcher", and so on. However, when you write about other panel objects, such as the Log Out button and the Lock button, specify that the item is a panel object. The following objects can reside on panels:
  • Launchers
  • Menus
  • Applets
  • Drawers
  • Other panel objects, such as the Log Out button and the Lock button

panel object popup menu

Definition: The menu that appears when you right-click on a panel object. Items that typically appear on panel object popup menus include:
  • Properties
  • Help
  • Remove From Panel
  • Move
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Right-click on a launcher to open the panel object popup menu.

panel popup menu

Definition: The menu that appears when you right-click on a vacant space on a panel. The panel popup menu includes menu items such as Add to Panel, Delete This Panel, New Panel, and so on.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Right-click on a vacant space on a panel to open the panel popup menu.

pattern mask [System administration documentation]

Definition: A pattern mask is a series of hexadecimal characters in a file content sniffer. The pattern mask identifies bits in the pattern to ignore when searching for a pattern in a file.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use a pattern mask to specify bits to ignore in a search pattern.

persistent window group

Definition: A window group that remains in your list of window groups even after you end and restart a session.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can create a persistent window group, and then assign windows to be part of the group.

popup menu

Definition: A menu that opens when you right-click or middle-click on an object. A popup menu usually provides commands that are relevant to the object that you click on.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: If you right-click on a panel, a popup menu opens.
Note: Do not use pop-up menu.

preference tool

Definition: A utility that you can use to specify your GNOME Desktop preferences. For example, you can use the Background preference tool to specify a color for the desktop background. Also, you can use the Mouse preference tool to change your mouse buttons from right-handed to left-handed.
Usage: Normal text rules for the term preference tool. Use title capitalization for the names of preference tools.
Tags: Use the application tag for the names of preference tools.
Example: You can use the Theme preferences tool to select a theme for the GNOME Desktop.
Note: If there is a possibility that the term preference tool might be confusing in a particular context, use the more specific term GNOME Desktop preference tool.

radio button

Definition: A dialog element that you use to select one of several mutually exclusive options.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb: Use select or choose, depending on the function of the radio button.
  • Noun: Option.
Tags:

Prose tag rules.

Use the guilabel tag for radio button names.

Example: Select the Scale image option to scale the background image to fit the panel background.
Note: Avoid using the term radio button in your documentation. Use the term option instead.

raise

Definition: To bring a window to the top of the stacking order within a layer.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Right-click on the titlebar to raise the window.

Remote Desktop

Definition: A feature that enables you to access the Desktop of another user from your system.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use the Remote Desktop feature to view or control the Desktop of another user from your Desktop.
Note 1: To avoid confusion with the term desktop, use title capitalization for this term.
Note 2: See also desktop, desktop background, desktop environment, GNOME Desktop.

restore

Definition: To restore a minimized or maximized window to the dimensions that the window had before you minimized or maximized the window.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To restore a maximized window, click on the Maximize button. To restore a minimized window, click on the button for the window in the Window List applet.
Note: Do not use the following terms as synonyms for restore:
  • Uniconify
  • Unmaximize

roll down

Definition: To restore a rolled-up window to the original dimensions of the window.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To roll down a window, double-click on the titlebar.
Note 1: Do not use the term unshade as a synonym for roll down.
Note 2: See also roll up.

roll up

Definition: To reduce a window so that the body of the window moves into the titlebar. When you roll up a window, only the titlebar of the window is visible.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To roll up a window, double-click on the titlebar.
Note 1: Do not use the term shade as a synonym for roll up.
Note 2: See also roll down.

Root menu

Definition: A menu that you can use to navigate between windows and workspaces.
Usage: Initial uppercase letter for the term Root, all lowercase letters in the term menu.
Tags: Use the guimenu tag for the term Root.
Example: To open the Root menu, middle-click on the desktop.

scrollbar

Definition: A scrollbar is a navigation bar that enables you to move through the contents of a window or list box. A scrollbar appears at the side or bottom of a window or list box. A scrollbar contains an arrow at both ends. You click on the arrows to move through a window or list box. A scrollbar also contains a box that you drag to move through a window or list box.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use the scrollbar to scroll through the contents of the window.

searchbar

Definition: The bar near the top of an Evolution window that you can use to search your messages and other items.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: You can use the searchbar to search the contents of the messages in your message list.

session

Definition: The current GNOME Desktop session that you are using.
Usage:

Normal text rules.

Use the following terms in relation to session:

  • Log in to a session. Do not use log on to a session.
  • Log outof a session. Do not use log off from a session.

Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Click on the Log Out button to log out of a GNOME Desktop session.
Note: You log in to a session. You do not log in to your workstation, system, or workspace.

setting

Definition: A value for an adjustable characteristic of a user interface component. Interactive components such as applications and applets, and objects such as files and folders, have associated controls that you can use to modify adjustable characteristics for the component. For example, the Workspace Switcher Preferences dialog contains a Number of workspaces spin box that you can use to specify the number of workspaces on the GNOME Desktop. A setting is the value to which you set the control. For example, the setting of the Number of workspaces spin box might be 4.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example 1: The session manager saves your fonts, background, and mouse settings.
Example 2: The window frame setting for a theme determines the appearance of the frames around windows.
Note: Setting is not a synonym for preference or property.

shade

Definition: To reduce a window so that only the titlebar is visible.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To shade a window, double-click on the titlebar.

shutdown, noun, adjective

Definition: The process of shutting down all processes running on a computer.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The shutdown procedure takes approximately two minutes.
Note 1: Do not use shutdown as a verb.
Note 2: See also shut down.

shut down, verb

Definition: To stop all processes running on a computer.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The Log Out dialog enables you to shut down or reboot your computer.
Note 1: Do not use shut down as a noun or adjective.
Note 2: See also shutdown.

side pane

Definition: The pane on the left side of a Nautilus window. The side pane displays information about the current file or folder. The side pane also enables you to navigate through your files.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To add a note, click on the Notes tab in the side pane.

slider

Definition: A control that you use to set a value in a continuous range of values.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb Phrase: Use the slider_name slider to specify.
  • Noun: Slider.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use the slider to specify the volume level.

spin box

Definition: A dialog element that allows you to either type a numeric value, or scroll through all possible values for the item. A spin box is similar to a text box with up and down arrows.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb: Use the spin_box_name spin box to specify.
  • Noun: Spin box.
Tags:

Prose tag rules for the term spin box.

Use the guilabel tag for the spin box name.

Example: Use the Number of workspaces spin box to specify the number of workspaces on the GNOME Desktop.

stacking order

Definition: The order in which windows are stacked on top of one another on your screen. The position of a window in the stacking order depends on:
  • The layer of which the window is a member.
  • The position of the window in the order of windows within the layer.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Select this option to bring windows to the top of the stacking order within the layer when they are unshaded.

staggered

Definition: Use this term to describe the display of a new window or dialog slightly lower and to the right of the previous window or dialog.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Subsequent dialogs are staggered from the previous dialog.

statusbar

Definition: The bar at the bottom of a window that provides information about the current state of what you are viewing in the window. The statusbar also provides any other contextual information.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The Nautilus statusbar displays status information on the selected file or folder.
Note: Spell as one word, do not use status bar.

stick

Definition: If a window is set to stick, then the window appears in all workspaces that you view. You can use the Window Menu to switch the stick setting on and off.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Prose tag rules for the term stick.

Use the guimenuitem tag when you refer to menu items.

Example: To set a window to stick, open the Window Menu, then choose Put on All Workspaces.
Note: Do not use the term sticky.

submenu

Definition: A menu that resides in another menu.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Prose tag rules for the term submenu.

Use the guisubmenu tag for the name of a submenu.

Example: When you add an executable file to this folder, the file is added to the File ▸ Scripts submenu.

tab

Definition: The part of a tabbed section that you click on to view the tabbed section.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb Phrase: Click on.
  • Noun: Tab.
Tags: Prose tag rules for the term tab. Use the guilabel tag for tab names.
Example: To modify panel size, position, and hiding properties, click on the Panel tab.

tabbed pane

Definition: A functional area in the Nautilus side pane. To open a tabbed pane, click on a tab in the side pane.
Usage: Normal text rules for the term tabbed pane. Use title capitalization for the name of a tabbed pane.
Tags:

Prose tag rules for the term tabbed pane.

Use the guilabel tag for the name of a tabbed pane.

Example: Type the note in the Notes tabbed pane.

tabbed section

Definition: A tabbed section is one of multiple logical sections that appear on a dialog. To activate a tabbed section, click on the tab on the tabbed section.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb: None.
  • Noun: Tabbed section.
Tags:

Prose tag rules for the term tabbed section.

Use the guilabel tag for the name of the tabbed section.

Example: You can use the Advanced tabbed section to add translations of the comment.

table

Definition: An element in a dialog or window that includes rows, columns, and column headings.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Prose tag rules for the term table.

Use the guilabel tag for the table name.

Example: Enter the details of the translation in the Name/Comment translations table.

terminal

Definition: A window with a command line.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Use the application tag for the Terminal application.
Example: Select this option to run the application or command in a terminal.

text box

Definition: A dialog element where you type text.
Usage: Normal text rules.
  • Verb Phrase: Use the text box to specify.
  • Noun: Text box.
Tags:

Prose tag rules for the term text box.

Use the guilabel tag for the text box name.

Example: Use the Tooltip/Name text box to specify a name for the drawer.
Note: Spell as two words, do not use textbox.

theme

Definition: A group of coordinated settings that specify how a part of your interface appears. For example, you can select a default theme for dialog elements.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Select a theme from the Available Themes list box.

titlebar

Definition: A bar that appears at the top edge of a window. Typically a titlebar contains the title of the window.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Select the Capture WM decorations when grabbing a window option to include the titlebar and border of a window in a screenshot.
Note: Spell as one word, do not use title bar.

toolbar

Definition: A bar that appears below the menubar and contains buttons for the most commonly-used commands.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: The Eye of GNOME toolbar contains the following buttons:
  • Open
  • Close
Note: Spell as one word, do not use tool bar.

tree

Definition: A tree is a user interface control that contains sections that you can expand and collapse. A tree usually represents a hierarchical structure. The sections of the tree that you can expand and collapse are indicated by, for example, + and - signs.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To open an item in a tree, click on the + (plus) sign next to the item.

uniconify

Do not use this term. Use the term restore.

unmaximize

Do not use this term. Use the term restore.

unshade

Definition: To restore a shaded window to the unshaded dimensions of the window.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To unshade a window, double-click on the titlebar.

username

Definition:

A combination of letters and numbers that identifies a user to the system.

The term username can also represent a real username. For example, when you give an example of a username in a command.

Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Prose tag rules.

Use the replaceable tag for username when you give an example of a username.

Example 1: The login screen provides fields for you to enter your username and password.
Example 2: To log in to a remote system, use the following command: rlogin -l username systemname

vfolder [System administration documentation]

Definition: A virtual representation of items that reside in a physical location or physical locations on your system. For example, a vfolder might represent the contents of several directories. In terms of menus, a vfolder is a representation, in a menu, of items that might be physically located in several directories.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: In terms of menus in the GNOME Desktop, a vfolder is a representation, in a menu, of items that might be physically located in several directories.
Note 1: Do not use Vfolder, vFolder, or any other term.
Note 2: Use an initial capital for Vfolder when the term appears at the start of a sentence.

viewport

Definition: A subdivision of a workspace.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To move a window or dialog from one workspace to another, middle-click on the viewport for the window or dialog.

view pane

Definition: The pane on the right side of a Nautilus window. Nautilus displays your files and folders in the view pane. When you access a web page, Nautilus displays the page in the view pane.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Display in the view pane the item that you want to bookmark.

virtual desktop

Do not use this term. Use the term workspace.

virtual folder

Definition: A representation, as a folder, of messages that might reside in more than one folder. Virtual folders enable you to view messages that are located in several folders, as if the messages are in one folder.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use virtual folders to organize messages that might belong in more than one folder.
Note: Do not use vfolder as a synonym for an Evolution virtual folder.

wallpaper

Do not use this term. Use the term desktop background.

widget

Do not use this term in user documentation. Use the term control.

window

Definition: A rectangular frame that displays a particular application.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags:

Prose tag rules.

Use the guilabel tag for the name of a window.

Example: You can grab the titlebar of a window, then drag the window to a new location.

window frame

Definition: The titlebar and border that appears around windows and dialogs.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use the Theme preference tool to change the theme of your window frames.

window group (1)

Definition: A group of windows. You can use the Sawfish preference tool to configure the GNOME Desktop so that when you minimize one member of the window group, the other windows in the group are also minimized.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Brackets around the title of a window indicate that the window is a member of a window group.
Note: You can shorten window group to group where there is no ambiguity.

window group (2)

Definition: A group of windows in the Window List applet.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To open a list of the members of a window group, click on the button that represents the window group.
Note 1: You can shorten window group to group where there is no ambiguity.
Note 2: The Window List window group bears no relation to the Sawfish window group.

window list

Definition: A list of the windows that are open on your screen. To view your window list, perform one of the following actions:
  • Add the Window List applet to a panel. The Window List applet is an iconic display of your windows. The buttons in your Window List applet represent your windows.
  • Open the Root menu, then choose Windows.
  • Click on the window list icon at the extreme right of the Menu Panel.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use the arrow keys to cycle through the window list.

window list icon

Definition: The icon at the extreme right of the Menu Panel, which you click on to display a list of your open windows.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: To give focus to a window, click on the window list icon, then select the window.

Window Menu

Definition: A menu of actions that you can perform on a window. For example, the Metacity Window Menu includes the following menu items: Close, Minimize, Maximize, Shade.
Usage: Title capitalization.
Tags: Use the guimenu tag.
Example: Use the Window Menu to perform actions on your windows.

window name

Definition: The name of a window, which is displayed in the titlebar.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: On the Window List applet, square brackets around the window name indicate that the window is minimized.
Note: Do not use window title as a synonym for window name.

workspace

Definition: A discrete area in which you can work. You can have many workspaces in the GNOME Desktop, and you can switch from one workspace to another. Each workspace can contain different windows or processes. You can only work in one workspace at any time.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Use the Number of workspaces spin box to specify the number of workspaces you require.
Note: Do not use virtual desktop as a synonym for workspace.

workspace list

Definition: A list of the workspaces that are in your session. Workspace Switcher displays your workspace list.
Usage: Normal text rules.
Tags: Prose tag rules.
Example: Workspace Switcher adds new workspaces to the end of the workspace list.

Introduction Buttons in the GNOME Desktop

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