
When describing the status of a menu item that toggles between attributes or states, indicate its current state.To label a menu item that initiates an action, use a verb or verb phrase that describes the action, such as Copy, Share App, or Close.Depending on the item you’re describing, consider the following guidance: To help people understand what a menu item does, write a label that clearly and succinctly describes it. NOTE Depending on menu layout, an iOS or iPadOS app can display a few unlabeled menu items that use only symbols or icons to identify them. Unlike most other types of menus, a context menu doesn’t display keyboard shortcuts because it already provides a quick way to get task-specific actions. In addition to text and symbols, a menu item can also display the characters people type to perform the associated keyboard shortcut, if there is one. LabelsĮach menu item displays text to describe its action and may include a symbol or interface icon to clarify meaning.

When people choose a menu item, the action occurs and the menu typically closes. Regardless of type, all menus list one or more menu items, each of which represents a command, option, or state that affects the current selection or context.

Menus are ubiquitous throughout the interface, so most people already know how to use them.


A menu reveals its options when people interact with it, making it a space-efficient way to present commands in your app or game.
