Human Copywrite

Human Copywrite

Editorial style and usage guidance distilled from the Apple Style Guide (June 2025). Use it whenever you're producing text a human will read.

When to Apply

Trigger this skill whenever the output is text a human will read. Specifically:

• UI strings & error messages — button labels, dialog text, empty states, onboarding copy. Voice and UI-vocabulary rules apply.
• User-facing documentation — help articles, READMEs, onboarding guides, tutorials. All rules apply.
• Developer documentation — API references, SDK guides, code comments meant for humans. Add the technical-notation rules.
• Marketing copy — feature announcements, landing pages, release notes. Voice, capitalization, and product-name rules are load-bearing.
• Localized content — anything that will be translated. The international-style rules become primary.
• Writing about Apple platforms — even if the surrounding product isn't an Apple product, refer to Apple hardware/software by Apple's preferred forms (iPhone, iPad, macOS, App Store).

If the user is writing code with no user-facing strings, skip this skill. If they're writing a function name or variable, that's not copywriting — that's naming, which lives elsewhere.

Core Principles

These run through every section. When in doubt, fall back on them.

1. Active voice, present tense, second person. You can connect your iPhone to a Mac. Not Your iPhone may be connected to a Mac. 2. Specific over generic. Choose File > Save. Not Use the menu to save the file. 3. Plain words over jargon. Turn on over activate. Log in over authenticate (unless authenticate is technically precise). 4. Don't make the product the subject of an action the user takes. You can create a database with FileMaker Pro. Not FileMaker Pro allows you to create a database. 5. *Items appear on screen — they don't display. The setup assistant appears. Not The setup assistant is displayed. 6. Don't restate what code does — say why. Applies to code comments. 7. Respect product names verbatim. AirPods (not Airpods), iCloud (not iCloud+ unless you mean the paid tier), Apple Pencil (not the Apple pencil). 8. Numbers ≥10 stay digits; <10 spell out — but with many exceptions ([numbers-and-dates.md](references/numbers-and-dates.md)). 9. Compound modifiers preceding a noun are hyphenated; following the verb they're not — user-friendly app, the app is user friendly. 10. In code, never use a function name as a verb. Run ls on both directories — not ls both directories*.

How to Use

Always read this SKILL.md first, then load the topic file(s) relevant to the current task. For one-off term lookups, jump to references/a-z-lookup.md and follow its pointer to the topic file.

Topic files

A-Z lookup

For a single term ("How do I write backup vs back up?"), open references/a-z-lookup.md and follow the pointer to the topic file with that entry.

Gotchas

See gotchas.md. One scope note worth knowing up front: the source's "Writing inclusively" chapter (pronouns, person-first vs identity-first language, replacements for blacklist/whitelist and master/slave) was intentionally excluded from this skill at ingest time.

Source

Apple Style Guide, June 2025 (243 pages). Distilled and re-organized by topic for selective loading. Source content is preserved verbatim where reproduced. The web version of the guide is at https://support.apple.com/guide/applestyleguide/welcome/web.

Gotchas

Source scope notes

The "Writing inclusively" chapter was intentionally excluded

The source PDF includes a chapter on gender-neutral pronouns, person-first/identity-first disability terminology, and replacements for terms like blacklist/whitelist and master/slave. These entries were skipped at ingest time per skill-owner preference. Apple product features that relate to accessibility (VoiceOver, AssistiveTouch, Guided Access, Live Listen, etc.) are retained in references/apple-features-software.md as product references, not identity guidance. Added: 2026-05-17

Usage gotchas

No usage gotchas yet. Append entries as they're discovered.

Validator misfit (known, expected)

validate-skill.js flags this skill with ~60 errors when run against the distillation discipline. Almost all of them are "missing frontmatter field: title/impact/tags" and "Missing Incorrect / Correct code example section" on each topic file.

Why this is expected: The validator's distillation schema assumes each references/*.md file is one code-style rule with one Incorrect/Correct code-block pair (see 37signals-rails/references/arch-vanilla-rails.md for the canonical shape). This skill is a different shape — each topic file is a catalog of 20-200 short editorial entries copied verbatim from Apple's guide. There is no meaningful per-file "impact" rating, no code blocks, and no single rule per file.

What to do: Treat validator errors on this skill as non-blocking. Substance review (skill-reviewer agent against the distillation RUBRIC.md) is the meaningful quality check for editorial content. If a future dev-skill discipline is added for "reference-catalog" or "editorial" shapes, migrate at that point.

Added: 2026-05-17

Sections

This skill is a topic-organized editorial reference distilled from the Apple Style Guide (June 2025). Unlike a code-style distillation skill (where each file is one rule with Incorrect/Correct code examples), each file here is a topic catalog containing 20-200 short usage entries.

The "section ID" column below identifies the topic catalog. Files are named with topic-descriptive slugs rather than rule-prefix-name.md.

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1. Voice & Tone (voice)

Impact: CRITICAL Description: Active voice, present tense, second person. Verb-usage entries (activate/turn on, appear not display, click vs tap, contractions, future tense). The most-consulted topic for any user-facing prose.

2. Punctuation (punct)

Impact: HIGH Description: Periods, commas (serial), em dashes, en dashes, ellipses, parentheses, brackets, apostrophes, quotation marks, slashes, ampersands, colons, semicolons. Apple deviates from Chicago in a few specific places — those exceptions are called out inline.

3. Capitalization (caps)

Impact: HIGH Description: Sentence-style for headings (not title case), proper-noun handling, exceptions for product names, chapter, command names.

4. Hyphenation & Compounds (hyph)

Impact: HIGH Description: Compound modifiers preceding a noun get hyphens (user-friendly app); following the verb they don't (the app is user friendly). Prefix rules (e-, re-, non-, pre-, anti-). The (adj.) / (pred. adj.) notation throughout the source maps to this topic.

5. Numbers & Dates (nums)

Impact: HIGH Description: When to spell out numbers, ranges, ordinals, fractions, percentages, time of day, dates, days of week, decades, 2D/3D, 2K/4K/8K, 24/7. The generation entry.

6. Units of Measure (units)

Impact: MEDIUM Description: Spell-out rules, hyphenation in compound modifiers (17-inch display), SI prefix table, full unit/symbol reference (GB, MHz, mm, etc.).

7. Word Choice & Confusables (word)

Impact: HIGH Description: Pairs and triples like affect/effect, assure/ensure/insure, backup/back up, login/log in, setup/set up, email (not e-mail), online (not on-line), OK (not okay). The largest catalog of one-off term decisions.

8. Abbreviations & Acronyms (abbr)

Impact: MEDIUM Description: When to spell out, when to use articles (a vs an), file types, plurals, pronunciation. Includes industry acronyms (URL, ISP, JPEG, WYSIWYG, USB, etc.) but not Apple product abbreviations.

9. UI Elements (ui)

Impact: HIGH Description: Button, action sheet, popover, share sheet, sidebar, status bar, menu bar, More button, disclosure arrow, side button, top button, slider, stepper, switch, checkbox, radio button, text field, dialog, etc. — how to refer to onscreen controls.

10. Apple Products (apple-hw)

Impact: MEDIUM Description: Hardware names: iPhone, iPad, Mac, MacBook (Air/Pro), iMac, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, Mac mini, Apple Watch, Apple TV, AirPods (and variants), HomePod, AirTag, Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard/Mouse/Trackpad, Studio Display, Pro Display XDR, Vision Pro, M-series and A-series chips, etc.

11. Apple Features & Software (apple-sw)

Impact: MEDIUM Description: macOS, iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Pay, App Store, iMessage, FaceTime, Siri, AirPlay, AirDrop, Apple Intelligence, Genmoji, Active Noise Cancellation, Focus, Spotlight, Stage Manager, Live Text, Find My, Family Sharing, Face ID, Touch ID, and all OS features / built-in apps.

12. Technical Notation (tech)

Impact: MEDIUM Description: Developer-doc-only conventions: code font usage, syntax descriptions with [brackets] for optional, italicized placeholder names (sourceFile), don't-use-function-names-as-verbs.

13. International Style (intl)

Impact: MEDIUM Description: ISO 3166 country codes, ISO 4217 currency codes, ISO 8601 dates, ISO 639 language codes, ITU-T E.123 telephone numbers, SI units. Apply when content will be localized.

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A-Z Lookup

For single-term lookups, see a-z-lookup.md — alphabetical index of all 870+ entries pointing to the relevant topic catalog.

Note on validator misfit

This skill's content shape (editorial micro-entries in topic catalogs) doesn't match the dev-skill validator's expected distillation schema (one rule per file with code-block examples). The validator will flag missing frontmatter and missing code blocks on each topic file — those flags are accurate for code-style skills and inappropriate here. See ../gotchas.md for the full note.

Abbreviations and Acronyms

The Apple Style Guide entry on abbreviations and acronyms plus technical/industry acronym definitions.

Entries

abbreviations and acronyms

An acronym is a pronounceable word formed from the initial letter or letters of major parts of a compound term. An abbreviation is usually formed in the same way but isn't pronounced as a word. Abbreviations are often lowercase or a mix of lowercase and uppercase. Acronyms are almost always all caps, regardless of the capitalization style of the spelled-out form.

Abbreviation: mph—for miles per hour; MB/s—for megabytes per second

Acronym: ROM—for read-only memory

• When to spell out: If you think your audience might not be familiar with an abbreviation or acronym, spell out its first occurrence on a page or in a section. In user materials, spell out the term when you introduce it.
• How to spell out: When you spell out a term, generally put the spelled-out version first, with the abbreviation or acronym in parentheses.

internet service provider (ISP)

If the abbreviation or acronym is much more familiar than the spelled-out version, you can put the abbreviation or acronym first, followed by the spelled-out version in parentheses, or you can explain that the abbreviation is "short for" the spelled-out version and place the spelled-out version in italics.

You can share your personal URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

An internet address is sometimes called a URL, short for Uniform Resource Locator.

• File types: Use all caps for abbreviations of file types.

a JPEG file, an AIFF file, the MP3 file

Filename extensions, which indicate the file type, should be in lowercase.

.jpg, .aif, .mp3, .iba

See also filename extensions; file types.

• Pronunciation: If you think the reader might not know how to pronounce the acronym, provide a pronunciation key.

WYSIWYG (pronounced "WIZ-zee-wig")

See also pronunciation.

• Articles: Use the article a or an with an abbreviation or acronym, depending on its pronunciation.

a SAN, a USB port, an FAQ, an LCD screen

• Punctuation: Don't use periods except in abbreviations for nonmetric units of measure and in the abbreviations a.m., p.m., and U.S. (see U.S. for exception).
• Plural: Don't add an apostrophe before the s when you form the plural of an abbreviation.

CDs, ICs, ISPs

• Latin: Avoid using Latin abbreviations.

Correct: for example, and others, and so on, and that is, or equivalent phrases

Incorrect: e.g. (for example), et al. (and others), etc. (and so on), i.e. (that is)

• Units of measure: See Units of measure for detailed usage guidelines.
• Product names: Don't abbreviate any Apple product or service names, whether or not the product or service is trademarked or has a service mark.

AAC

Abbreviation for Advanced Audio Coding, an industry-standard audio compression format. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

AC

Abbreviation for alternating current. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

AFP

Abbreviation for Apple Filing Protocol. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

ANSI

Acronym for American National Standards Institute. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

APFS

Abbreviation for Apple File System, the default file system used to format Apple devices and external storage devices.

API

Abbreviation for application programming interface (not application program interface). To refer to more than one API, use APIs. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

APN

Abbreviation for Access Point Name. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

APNs

Abbreviation for Apple Push Notification service, the service that Apple provides to allow developers to send push notifications. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms. See also push notification.

ASCII

Acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

ASIC

Acronym for application-specific integrated circuit. Note hyphen in the spelled-out version. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

AVCHD

Abbreviation for Advanced Video Coding High Definition, a high-definition digital video format for recording and playback. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

bit/s

Abbreviation for bits per second. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

bps

Don't use as the abbreviation for bits per second. Use bit/s.

CD

Abbreviation for compact disc. Use disc, not disk, to refer to CD media.

CLUT

Acronym for color lookup table. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

CPU

Abbreviation for central processing unit. Avoid in user materials; use processor to refer to the chip and use computer or system to refer to the computer itself. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms. See also computer; processor; system.

CR

Abbreviation for carriage return. Use only when you refer specifically to ASCII character $0D or its equivalent. Explain the term carriage return if your audience includes first-time computer users. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

Use return character when you write about, for example, searches for return characters. Use Return key for the key users press.

Ctrl

Abbreviation for Control. Use the abbreviation only when space constraints don't allow use of the full term (as in column headings in tables); otherwise, use Control, as in Control key or Control-S. Don't use CTRL.

DAC

Acronym for digital-to-analog converter. Note hyphenation in the spelled-out version. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

DIMM

Acronym for dual inline memory module. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

dpi

Abbreviation for dots per inch (n.) and dot-per-inch (adj.). For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

The printer provides a resolution of 600 dots per inch (dpi); it can be upgraded to 1200 dpi.

The printer provides a 600-dot-per-inch (dpi) resolution; some printers offer 1200 dpi resolution.

DRAM

Acronym for dynamic random-access memory. Pronounced "DEE-ram." For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

DRM

Abbreviation for digital rights management. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

DV

An industry-standard video format. Generally, use DV to refer to the format or to products that use the format. Don't use DV to refer to the medium digital video. Related terms include DV format, DV standard, DV camera, DV camcorder.

DVD

An optical disc designed for high-capacity storage. Use disc, not disk, to refer to DVD media.

DVI

Abbreviation for Digital Visual Interface, not Digital Video Interface. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

DVR

Abbreviation for digital video recorder. Use to refer to a device, such as a portable media player or set-top box, that records digital video to file-based media such as a hard disk or an optical disc. Don't use DVR when you mean camcorder. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms. See also camcorder.

EMI

Abbreviation for electromagnetic interference. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

EU

No periods. OK to abbreviate or to spell out European Union as a noun. Use the abbreviation for the adjective form.

FAQ

Abbreviation for frequently asked questions. FAQ is singular; use the article an. Use FAQs to refer to more than one set of frequently asked questions. Use title-style capitalization if the full term precedes a noun: the Frequently Asked Questions document. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

fps

Abbreviation for frames per second. Include a space between the number and fps: 24 fps. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

FTP

Abbreviation for File Transfer Protocol. Avoid as a verb; use transfer files instead. The UNIX command ftp is all lowercase. In the term anonymous FTP, the a is lowercase. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

Correct: You can use FTP software to transfer files from a remote computer to your computer.

Correct: You use the ftp command to transfer files from a remote computer to your computer.

Incorrect: You can FTP files from a remote computer to your computer.

GIF

Acronym for Graphics Interchange Format, a bitmapped graphics file format that includes data compression. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms. See also file format.

GPU

Abbreviation for graphics processing unit. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

GUI

Acronym for graphical user interface. Don't use. Instead, use interface (in user materials) or UI (in developer materials).

H.264

A video compression standard (or video codec). Also known as MPEG-4 Part 10 and AVC (or Advanced Video Coding).

HD (n., adj.)

Abbreviation for high definition (n.) and high-definition (adj.). For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

HDMI

Abbreviation for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. Related terms include HDMI port, HDMI input, HDMI output, HDMI cable, HDMI to HDMI cable, and HDMI to DVI cable. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

HDR (n., adj.)

Abbreviation for high dynamic range (n.) and high-dynamic-range (adj.). A video or still-image format that allows additional levels of brightness per color component.

HDV

A format for recording and playback of high-definition video on standard DV cassette tapes using a form of MPEG-2 compression. Don't use HDV to refer in general to high-definition video.

HFS Plus

Not HFS+. The technical name for a file system used to format a disk for use with macOS. (HFS stands for hierarchical file system.) Avoid in user materials; use Mac OS Extended format instead.

HFS Plus (Journaled)

Not HFS+ (Journaled). Avoid in user materials; use Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format instead.

HTML

Abbreviation for Hypertext Markup Language. Use lowercase when the abbreviation is part of a URL. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

HTTP

Abbreviation for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. Use lowercase when the abbreviation is part of a URL. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

HUD

Acronym for heads-up display, a window for making adjustments and selecting options in some apps. Precede HUD with a, not an. Avoid unless the term appears in the user interface. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

IEEE

Abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

IM

Abbreviation for instant message. Don't use; use message.

IMAP

Acronym for Internet Message Access Protocol. Pronounced "eye-map." For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

IP

Abbreviation for Internet Protocol. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

IrDA

Abbreviation for Infrared Data Association. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

ISDN

Abbreviation for Integrated Services Digital Network. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

ISP

Abbreviation for internet service provider; not ISP provider. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

I/O

Abbreviation for input/output. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

IPsec

Abbreviation for Internet Protocol Security.

JPEG

Acronym for Joint Photographic Experts Group (pronounced "JAY-peg"). JPEG usually refers to the image compression standard that this group developed for color and grayscale images. It's not necessary to spell out JPEG on first occurrence.

LAN

Acronym for local area network. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

LCD

Abbreviation for liquid crystal display. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

LCI

Abbreviation for liquid contact indicator. Spell out on first occurrence. In subsequent references, it's OK to say LCI or the indicator.

LED

Don't use in user materials unless you have a specific reason (to distinguish from LCD, for example). Use light or indicator light.

MIDI

Acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

MIME

Acronym for Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension, commonly used to distinguish an email format from plain text format. It's not necessary to spell out on first occurrence. Use as an adjective (a MIME file, MIME format).

MIPS

Acronym for million instructions per second. Don't drop the s when you refer to a single unit: 1 MIPS, not 1 MIP. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

MPEG

Acronym for Moving Picture Experts Group, a working group of the International Standards Organization (ISO). The acronym is pronounced "em-peg." It's not necessary to spell out on first occurrence.

MP3

Short for MPEG Audio Layer 3, an audio compression technology. The plural is MP3s. Don't use MP3 to refer to audio files in general; some files use AAC or other formats.

PAL

Acronym for Phase Alternating Line, a European color video standard. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

PDF

Abbreviation for Portable Document Format. Not necessary to spell out on first occurrence. Use to refer to a PDF file.

PIN

Acronym for personal identification number. When discussing iOS or iPadOS devices, use only to refer to the PIN used to unlock a SIM card. See also code, passcode.

POP

Acronym for point of presence (access point to the internet) and Post Office Protocol. When used as an acronym for Post Office Protocol, POP must modify a noun (as in POP server or POP ID). For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

PRAM

Acronym for parameter random-access memory. Pronounced "PEA-ram." For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

RAID

Acronym for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, a storage method in which data is distributed among two or more hard disk drives to improve performance and reliability. Storage methods are called levels: RAID level 0, RAID level 1, RAID level 0+1, and so on. OK to shorten to RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 0+1, and so on. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

RAM

Acronym for random-access memory. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

RAW

A format for image files. Use all caps even though RAW is not an acronym. Don't use RAW alone; use RAW file, RAW image, RAW setting, and so on.

RFI

Abbreviation for radio-frequency interference. Note hyphenation of the spelled-out version. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

ROM

Acronym for read-only memory. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

RSS

Abbreviation for Really Simple Syndication. A format for displaying the latest changes to websites and blogs. Users access these RSS feeds with an RSS reader. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

RTF

Abbreviation for Rich Text Format. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

SAN

Acronym for storage area network. Precede with a, not an. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

SD

Abbreviation for standard definition (n.) and standard-definition (adj.). For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

SDH

Short for subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing. Define on first mention.

Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH) differ from closed captions in several ways.

Use SDH when referring to the technology.

You'll find SDH on more media types than closed captioning.

Use SDH subtitles when you're referring to the titles themselves.

SDK

Abbreviation for software development kit. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

SDR (n., adj.)

Abbreviation for standard dynamic range (n.) and standard-dynamic-range (adj.). A legacy video or still-image format with limited levels of brightness per color component.

SDRAM

Abbreviation for synchronous dynamic random-access memory. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

SIM

Acronym for Subscriber Identity Module, a smart card that holds subscriber information and settings. Precede with a, not an. OK to use SIM or SIM card. SIM formats include micro-SIM and nano-SIM. Related terms include Apple SIM, embedded Apple SIM, Dual SIM, and eSIM.

SIMM

Acronym for single inline memory module. No hyphen in the spelled-out version. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

SMTP

Abbreviation for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

SO-DIMM

Acronym for small outline dual inline memory module. Note hyphenation of the acronym. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

S/PDIF

Acronym for Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format. Don't use S/P-DIF. The acronym is pronounced "spid-iff," so it's preceded by a, not an. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

SSD

Abbreviation for solid-state drive. Precede with an, not a. It's OK to use SSD alone or in terms such as SSD storage; don't use SSD drive. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

TCP/IP

Abbreviation for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

UDF

Abbreviation for Universal Disk Format. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

UFS

Abbreviation for UNIX File System, a file format available in Disk Utility that's used primarily by UNIX and UNIX-based operating systems. Not necessary to spell out on first occurrence.

UI

Abbreviation for user interface. OK to use in developer materials. In user materials, use interface.

UK

No periods. OK to abbreviate or to spell out United Kingdom as a noun. Use the abbreviation for the adjective form.

UNIX

All caps; there's no spelled-out version.

URL

Abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator, which is another term for an internet address. URL is pronounced "you-are-ell" and should be preceded by a, not an. In most user materials, use internet address or web address, not URL. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms. See also internet addresses.

U.S.

Use periods except when the abbreviation appears close to other country or region name abbreviations that don't use periods. Use the abbreviation as an adjective only; as a noun, spell out United States (except in trademark notices). To include the country name in a U.S.-based Apple address, use USA (no periods). See also America, American.

USB

Abbreviation for Universal Serial Bus. Avoid as a noun. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

USB connector types

There are several types of USB connectors (and corresponding ports):

• USB Type-A: On first mention, describe what the connector looks like (rectangular). OK to shorten to USB-A connector (or USB-A port).
• USB Type-B: On first mention describe what the connector looks like (square). OK to shorten to USB-B connector (or USB-B port).
• USB Type-C: A tiny USB connector that supports USB 3.1 and USB power delivery. OK to shorten to USB-C connector (or USB-C port).

VPN

Abbreviation for virtual private network or virtual private networking. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

VRAM

Acronym for video random-access memory. Pronounced "VEE-ram." For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

WAN

Acronym for wide area network. Note no hyphen in the spelled-out version. For guidelines about spelling out acronyms, see abbreviations and acronyms.

WWDC

Abbreviation for Worldwide Developers Conference. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

WWW

Don't use as an abbreviation for World Wide Web. Use web instead.

file types

Abbreviations should be in all caps; filename extensions should be in lowercase. In most cases, you don't need to spell out on first occurrence. Use to refer to a specific kind of file, such as a JPEG file or a PDF file. Don't use file format (a file's structure and method of storing data) when you mean file type.

Correct: PNG is a file type popular for web images.

Incorrect: PNG is a file format popular for web images.

When possible, use just file.

The photo is exported as a JPEG file.

For better playback performance, Final Cut Pro transcodes all MP3 audio files to MOV audio files.

The following table shows the abbreviations and extensions for some common file types:

See also file format; filename extensions.

America, American

Refers to both North and South America. Don't use when you mean United States. See also U.S..

Apple Products

Apple hardware product names: iPhone, iPad, Mac, MacBook, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, AirTag, Apple Pencil, Magic Keyboard, Apple Silicon chips, and related hardware.

Entries

AirMac

The name for AirPort in Japan: AirMac wireless networking, AirMac Extreme Base Station, AirMac Express Base Station, and so on.

AirPods

In general references, don't use the with AirPods. It's OK to use another article or a possessive adjective. If you need to refer to a specific pair of AirPods, it's OK to use the.

Connect AirPods to a different device.

Use Find My to locate your AirPods.

Clean the AirPods you just tested, and then return them to the customer.

Use numbers, not generation, to refer to models of AirPods—for example, AirPods Pro 2, not AirPods Pro (2nd generation).

When you write about a specific model of AirPods, use the model name: Learn how to clean your AirPods Max. You can use just AirPods if the content applies to any model: Use AirPods to make and answer calls with your iPhone.

Avoid using singular AirPod; instead, try to rewrite the sentence. If you do use singular AirPod, use the plural form of the name nearby, and don't use it in a prominent location, such as a heading.

Avoid: You can change how each AirPod responds when you press or tap it.

Preferable: You can change how each of your AirPods responds when you press or tap it.

AirPort

Versions include AirPort, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule. You can use AirPort to refer generally to Apple's wireless networking products or technologies or to refer to the family of AirPort products: your AirPort network, AirPort software.

• Software: AirPort software includes AirPort Utility and AirPort Disk Utility. Don't precede these app names with the.
• Hardware: AirPort hardware includes the AirPort Express Base Station, the AirPort Extreme Base Station, and AirPort Time Capsule. You can shorten AirPort Express Base Station to AirPort Express, but don't use AirPort Extreme unless you're referring to the technology. Use an article or your with AirPort Express. Use lowercase for base station if you don't use the full product name.

Correct: The AirPort Extreme Base Station is an Apple product.

Correct: Avoid placing the base station near sources of interference.

Incorrect: Avoid placing the Base Station near sources of interference.

Apple

The company's official name is Apple Inc. Use Apple Inc. in copyright notices and credit lines and in communications that require the legal name of the company, such as legal documents, contracts, and forms.

© 2025 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.

In the text of corporate and marketing communications and in the corporate address, refer to the company as Apple. You can also use Apple to refer to the company's products and services.

Today Apple announced a new MacBook computer.

Apple displays offer a brilliant view of your work.

Don't use Apple alone to refer to products or services; always include a noun: an Apple computer, not an Apple; Apple computers, not Apples; your Apple computer's screen, not your Apple's screen.

You can use the possessive form in references to the company.

AirPort Extreme is Apple's wireless networking technology.

You can also use the hyphenated form.

Apple-approved video card, Apple-certified parts, Apple-designed templates

Apple Inc.

The company's legal name; formerly Apple Computer, Inc. See also Apple.

Apple M1 chip

See M-series chips.

Apple M2 chip

See M-series chips.

Apple M3 chip

See M-series chips.

Apple M4 chip

See M-series chips.

Apple Pencil

In general references, don't use the with Apple Pencil. It's OK to use another article or a possessive adjective. If you need to refer to a specific Apple Pencil, it's OK to use the.

You can use Apple Pencil to write in any text field.

Find the serial number of your Apple Pencil Pro.

Verify that the Apple Pencil you're troubleshooting is compatible with the customer's iPad.

In most cases, refer to Apple Pencil by its full name. You can use just pencil when the context has made clear that the subject is Apple Pencil.

Apple Remote

Use to refer to the remote control that's compatible with Mac, iOS and iPadOS devices, and Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generations).

To refer to the remote used with Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K, use Siri Remote. (In countries or regions where Siri isn't available for use with Apple TV, use Apple TV Remote instead.)

See also Apple TV Remote; Siri Remote.

Apple silicon

To refer to Mac models with Apple silicon, say Mac with Apple silicon; don't say Apple silicon Mac. To refer to other Mac models, use Intel-based Mac or other Mac computers.

If you have a Mac with Apple silicon…

If you have an Intel-based Mac…

For other Mac computers…

In content where you frequently compare the two types of computers, you can use Apple silicon as shorthand for a Mac with Apple silicon.

Create a version of your app that runs on both Apple silicon and Intel-based Mac computers.

Apple silicon runs all performance tools found on Intel-based Mac computers.

See also M-series chips.

Apple T2 Security Chip

Note capitalization. After the first reference, it's OK to shorten to T2 chip.

First reference: The Apple T2 Security Chip brings a new level of integration and security to the Mac.

Subsequent references: The T2 chip includes a secure enclave coprocessor that provides new encrypted storage capabilities.

Apple TV

In general references, don't use the with Apple TV. It's OK to use another article or a possessive adjective. If you need to refer to a specific Apple TV, it's OK to use the.

Apple TV goes to sleep after a period of inactivity.

Find the model number of your Apple TV.

Make sure the HDMI cable is connected to the Apple TV you're troubleshooting.

Don't abbreviate Apple TV as ATV. In text, don't write the name Apple TV by combining the Apple symbol with the word TV.

Correct: Get started with your Apple TV.

Incorrect: Get started with your TV.

Apple TV Remote

Use to refer to the Siri Remote in countries or regions where Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K don't support Siri.

Use the Touch surface on the Apple TV Remote to set up your Apple TV.

See also Apple Remote; Siri Remote; Touch surface.

Apple Vision Pro

Always use the full name. In general references, don't use the with Apple Vision Pro. It's OK to use another article or a possessive adjective: Adjust the fit of your Apple Vision Pro.

You put on and take off Apple Vision Pro. When you have it on, you're wearing it.

Put on Apple Vision Pro and adjust the fit.

Don't run while you're wearing Apple Vision Pro.

In text, don't write the name Apple Vision Pro by combining the Apple symbol with Vision Pro.

Correct: Get started with Apple Vision Pro.

Incorrect: Get started with [Apple]Vision Pro.

Don't refer to Apple Vision Pro as a headset. In most cases, use the product name; in content where the name is repeated frequently, you can use device.

Apple Watch

In general references, don't use the with Apple Watch. It's OK to use another article or a possessive adjective. If you need to refer to a specific Apple Watch, it's OK to use the.

Learn how to add a workout playlist to Apple Watch.

Mark your Apple Watch as lost.

Turn on the Apple Watch you want to pair.

In most cases, refer to Apple Watch by its full name. However, you can use just watch if it's clear in context that you mean Apple Watch. Don't use Watch.

You can pair more than one Apple Watch with your iPhone and then customize each watch with its own settings.

Always use the full name of Apple Watch models: Apple Watch Ultra, not Ultra.

Apple Watch app

The iPhone app that manages settings for Apple Watch. Although the app icon may be labeled Watch, don't refer to the app as the Watch app; instead, use the full name: the Apple Watch app.

AssistiveTouch

One word.

batteries

Describe batteries in terms of the number required, size, and type.

lithium-ion battery, lithium polymer battery

eight AAA alkaline batteries

one AA rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery

two nickel-metal-hydride batteries

Abbreviate the battery type only if space is limited. Abbreviations include the following:

NiCd (nickel-cadmium)

Li (lithium), Li-ion (lithium-ion)

NiMH (nickel-metal-hydride)

Digital Crown

Precede with the. Always use the full term, not Crown or crown. You turn the Digital Crown; you don't rotate it.

Correct: Turn the Digital Crown to adjust the volume.

Incorrect: Rotate the crown to adjust the volume.

Use press to mean pressing the Digital Crown once; use double-click or triple-click to mean pressing it more than once.

Fit Dial

The dial that lets you adjust the fit of Apple Vision Pro. You turn the Fit Dial; you don't rotate it.

frame

Use to refer to the main structural component of Apple Vision Pro.

Detach the Light Seal from the frame.

Fusion Drive

A storage technology consisting of flash storage combined with a high-capacity hard drive. See also drive.

head band

Two words (exception to Merriam-Webster). Lowercase when referring generically to the bands that secure Apple Vision Pro to your head. Capitalize the names of specific bands: Solo Knit Band, Dual Loop Band.

HomePod

In general references, don't use an article with HomePod. When referring to the user's particular HomePod, it's OK to use your.

If you need to refer to more than one HomePod, you can use HomePod speakers.

If you have two HomePod speakers in the same room, you can set them up as a stereo pair.

iMac

See Mac.

iPad

In general references, don't use the with iPad. It's OK to use another article or a possessive adjective. If you need to refer to a specific iPad, it's OK to use the.

Rotate iPad to landscape orientation.

Find the serial number of your iPad.

Select the iPad you want to use as a second display.

• Chip or generation: iPad models can be identified by the chip (for more recent models) or the generation. To include the chip in general text, use one of the following formats:

iPad Pro with the M4 chip is available for purchase.

iPad Pro with M4 is available for purchase.

iPad Pro (M4) is available for purchase.

For iPad models that are identified by generation, you can list the generation before or after the name. Use the numeral when the generation comes after the model name.

The fifth-generation iPad Air was announced in March 2022.

iPad Air (5th generation) features a Liquid Retina display and the Apple M1 chip.

Don't shorten generation to gen or G—for example, 10th-gen iPad or iPad 10G.

To list multiple generations, use one of the following formats:

iPad (5th generation or later)

iPad (9th and 10th generation)

iPad Pro (2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation)

• Display size: You can include the display size before or after the name: 12.9-inch iPad Pro, iPad Pro (12.9-inch). To include both the display size and the chip (or generation) in general text, list the display size first.
• Capacity: The capacity can be listed before or after the name: 512 GB iPad Pro, iPad Pro 512 GB.

See also generation; M-series chips.

iPhone

In general references, don't use the with iPhone. It's OK to use another article or a possessive adjective. If you need to refer to a specific iPhone, it's OK to use the.

To lock iPhone, press the side button.

You can change the name of your iPhone.

Turn off the iPhone you're troubleshooting, and then press and hold the side button to turn the device back on.

The capacity can be listed before or after the name.

iPhone 14 (128 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB) includes…

The 1 TB iPhone 15 Pro features the A17 Pro chip.

Don't refer to iPhone as phone for short; always use iPhone or the specific model name (iPhone 14, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and so on).

Correct: Tap Level, and then hold iPhone against an object, such as a picture frame.

Incorrect: Tap Level, and then hold the phone against an object, such as a picture frame.

When writing the names of iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max, use small caps for the R and S if your tools let you. If your tools don't offer small caps, use uppercase R and S. Don't use lowercase.

Preferable: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max

Acceptable (in case of tools limitations): iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max

Incorrect: iPhone Xr, iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max

The letter X in the model name is pronounced "ten" (for example, "iPhone ten-ess").

iPod

The last iPod model is iPod touch. (Previous models include iPod classic, iPod nano, and iPod shuffle.) Always include iPod in the name; don't shorten to touch alone.

In general references, don't use an article with iPod touch. When referring to the user's particular iPod touch, it's OK to use your. The capacity and generation can be listed before or after the name: 128 GB iPod touch, iPod touch (128 GB), sixth-generation iPod touch, iPod touch (6th generation). Use the numeral when the generation comes after the model name. Don't shorten generation to gen or G; for example, seventh-gen iPod touch or iPod touch 7G.

The sixth-generation iPod touch features the Apple A8 chip.

If you experience problems with your iPod touch (7th generation)…

Don't capitalize touch even in title-style headings: iPod touch, not iPod Touch.

iPad mini

See iPad.

Light Seal

A component of Apple Vision Pro. Note capitalization.

Light Seal Cushion

A component of Apple Vision Pro. Note capitalization.

Mac

Use Mac to refer to Mac computers and related products (Mac software, Mac apps).

• Articles: In general references, don't use the with Mac or the names of specific Mac models.

Get to know Mac.

Mac mini delivers unprecedented power in a small package.

Mac Pro features seven expansion slots.

It's OK to use another article or a possessive adjective.

This feature requires a Mac with macOS 14 or later.

Set up your Mac Studio.

If you need to refer to a specific Mac, it's OK to use the.

Shut down the Mac you want to restore.

Slide the Mac Pro you're troubleshooting out of the rack.

• Plurals and possessives: Because Mac and the names of specific Mac models are trademarks, don't use them in the plural or possessive form.

Correct: Mac computers, Mac Pro models, your Mac computer's screen

Incorrect: Macs, Mac Pros, your Mac's screen

• Generic references: Don't refer to a Mac computer as a machine, CPU, or PC; acceptable alternatives are computer or personal computer.

The following examples show ways to list Mac computers together with other types of products:

your Mac, iPhone, or iPad; a macOS, iOS, or iPadOS device; your Mac or mobile device; your Mac or PC; Mac computers and PCs

See also device; trademarks (usage).

Macao

Use this spelling, not Macau.

MacBook

See Mac.

Macintosh

See Mac.

Mac mini

See Mac.

Mac Pro

See Mac.

Mac Studio

See Mac.

Mac Virtual Display

The virtual macOS display in Apple Vision Pro. Don't precede with the.

With Mac Virtual Display, you can view your Mac screen on Apple Vision Pro.

M-series chips

A series of systems on a chip (SoCs) built on Apple silicon. You can refer to each set of M-series chips as a family (the M3 family of chips, the M4 family). M-series chips include these families:

• M1 (M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra)
• M2 (M2, M2 Pro, M2 Max, and M2 Ultra)
• M3 (M3, M3 Pro, M3 Max, and M3 Ultra)
• M4 (M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max)

You can use the name of the chip with or without Apple.

The Apple M2 chip extends battery life while providing increased performance.

MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip supports extreme workflows and multitasking across pro apps.

It's OK to omit chip when you refer to M-series chips repeatedly.

M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max bring massive enhancements and new features to the Mac.

Like M4 Pro, M4 Max supports Thunderbolt 5 at transfer speeds of up to 120 Gbit/s.

To refer to devices with an M-series chip, you can use terms such as Mac with the M4 chip and iPad Pro with M4; don't use M4 Mac, M4 iPad, or other variations. Don't refer to an M-series chip as a processor.

To refer generally to Mac models with Apple silicon, you can use a Mac with Apple silicon.

See also Apple silicon.

Persona

A 3D likeness used in FaceTime on Apple Vision Pro. Precede with the, another article, or a possessive adjective. Don't use avatar.

You can capture your Persona when you set up Apple Vision Pro.

Pro Display XDR

(See product names guidance under product names.)

Siri Remote

Use to refer to the remote control that's compatible with Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K. In countries or regions where Siri isn't available for use with Apple TV, use Apple TV Remote instead.

Use the Touch surface on the Siri Remote to set up your Apple TV.

To activate Siri, press and hold the Siri button on the Siri Remote.

See also Apple TV Remote; Touch surface.

Studio Display

(See product names guidance under product names.)

SuperDrive

Apple's optical drive that reads and writes (burns) CDs and DVDs. SuperDrive is typically preceded by an article (a or the) or a possessive adjective (such as your).

TrueDepth

One word. The Apple camera system that enables Face ID.

True Tone

The display technology. OK to use alone or in terms such as True Tone display and True Tone technology.

True Tone flash

An LED flash in iPhone and iPad cameras. Some iPhone models have an Adaptive True Tone flash.

ZEISS Optical Inserts

Prescription lenses for Apple Vision Pro. Use the full name in most cases; OK to shorten to optical inserts if space is limited.

drive

Use to refer to a data storage device such as a hard drive (which holds magnetic disks), an optical drive (which holds optical discs), or a solid-state drive (which stores data using flash memory and has no moving parts). Don't capitalize drive except in a product name such as SuperDrive or Fusion Drive.

It's OK to use drive on its own after you first specify the type of drive.

If your Mac doesn't have a built-in optical drive, you can use another computer's drive.

Don't use drive when you mean disk or disc.

Correct: You can partition the disk in Disk Utility.

Incorrect: You can partition the drive in Disk Utility.

See also disk; hard drive.

hard drive

Use to refer to the mechanism that holds a magnetic disk and accesses its contents.

You can back up your Mac using an external hard drive.

It's also OK to use the more formal term hard disk drive, especially in contexts where it's important to be precise.

When referring broadly to computer storage media, which can include other types of storage such as solid-state drives and flash storage, use storage device.

You can connect an external storage device to your computer.

See also drive; hard disk (n., adj.).

hard disk (n., adj.)

Use to refer to a magnetic disk.

The files are stored on the server's hard disk.

When referring broadly to computer storage media, which can include solid-state drives and flash storage, use just disk or a more general term such as storage device.

You can use Disk Utility to manage internal disks and external storage devices.

See also hard drive; storage device.

Apple computer

Avoid where Mac computer would work. See also Mac.

MFi

Short for Made for iPhone, iPod, and iPad. A licensing program for manufacturers of accessories that work with Apple devices.

Learn how to pair your MFi hearing device with your iPad.

Magic Keyboard

(See product names guidance under product names.)

Magic Mouse

(See product names guidance under product names.)

Magic Trackpad

(See product names guidance under product names.)

Capitalization

Entries about capitalization rules: when to capitalize, headings, title case, proper names, and sentence-style vs title-style.

Entries

capitalization

Two styles of capitalization are commonly used at Apple:

• Sentence-style capitalization: This line provides an example of sentence-style capitalization.
• Title-style capitalization: This Line Provides an Example of Title-Style Capitalization.

Except for user interface text, guidelines for when to use sentence-style capitalization and when to use title-style capitalization are a matter of department style.

In general, capitalize the names of onscreen elements exactly as they appear onscreen. If an onscreen element uses all capital letters or all lowercase letters, use title-style capitalization when writing the element name in documentation.

Don't capitalize the word chapter or appendix, except in cross-references to actual titles.

See Chapter 2, "Units of Measure."

See the appendix for specifications.

See Appendix B for a list of specifications.

When using title-style capitalization, capitalize:

• The first and last word, regardless of the part of speech
• Nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs—no matter their length (for example, It, This, You, Your, My, Is, Are, and Be)—unless noted as an exception below

Skip This Backup

Apple News Is Offline

Passwords Are Locked

• Conjunctions (except for coordinating conjunctions), no matter their length (for example, If)

What to Do If Your iPhone Is Lost

• Prepositions of five letters or more (for example, About, Between, Through)
• Prepositions of any length when they're part of a phrasal verb (such as Start Up, Turn On, or Log In) or are used as another part of speech (such as an adverb, adjective, noun, or verb)

Start Up the Computer

Turn On Apple Watch

Log In to the Server

• The second word in a hyphenated compound (except for Built-in and Plug-in)

High-Level Events

64-Bit Addressing

When using title-style capitalization, don't capitalize:

• Articles (a, an, the), unless an article is the first word or follows a colon
• Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, yet, and so)
• The word to in infinitives (How to Start Your Computer)
• The word as, regardless of the part of speech (Export a Document as a PDF)
• Words that always begin with a lowercase letter, such as iPad and macOS
• Prepositions of four letters or fewer (at, by, for, from, in, into, of, off, on, onto, out, over, to, up, and with)

Don't Speak in Silent Mode

Collaborate with Others

Restore iPhone from a Backup

Exception: Capitalize prepositions of any length when they're part of a phrasal verb, as described in the "capitalize" section above.

See also abbreviations and acronyms.

chapter

Don't capitalize the word chapter, except in cross-references to actual titles (exception to The Chicago Manual of Style).

in Chapter 5, "Expanding Your Computer"

in Chapters 4 and 5

in the next chapter

See also capitalization.

command names

Use title-style capitalization for command names; don't capitalize command.

the Find command

the Make Alias command

• Commands used as ordinary verbs: Don't capitalize a command name when you use the name as a normal English verb.

Correct: Cut and paste the selected text.

Incorrect: Cut and Paste the selected text.

• Ellipsis: Some menu commands use an ellipsis to indicate that further action will be required. Don't include the ellipsis when you refer to the command name in text or text headings.

Correct: Choose File > Print, and then enter the number of copies.

Incorrect: Choose File > Print…, and then enter the number of copies.

See also choose; command; menus.

Hyphenation and Compounds

Entries about hyphenation, prefixes, suffixes, compound modifiers, and adjective/predicate adjective distinctions from the Apple Style Guide.

Entries

anti (prefix)

Close up except before i or a capital letter.

antiphishing, antivirus

anti-intellectual, anti-Linux

Exception: anti-replay

auto (prefix)

Close up except before o.

autoanswer, autoconfiguration, autosync

auto-oxidation

See also prefixes.

based

Use a hyphen in compound adjectives that include based when they precede a noun.

application-based services, Windows-based computer

Use an en dash (Option-Hyphen) if based follows a term with two or more words.

Windows XP–based computer

Don't use a hyphen or an en dash in predicate adjectives that include based.

Each track in a sequence is assigned an index value that is zero based.

built-in (adj.), built in (pred. adj.), built into (pred. adj.)

In headings that use title-style capitalization, don't capitalize in (exception to the rule of capitalizing the second word of a hyphenated compound).

Built-in Apps on Your MacBook [heading]

You can use the built-in microphone or an external microphone.

Mac Pro has 512 GB of flash storage built in.

Two-factor authentication is built into iOS 9 and later.

co (prefix)

Close up except before a few words beginning with o.

coexist, cooperate, coprocessor, coworker

co-op, co-owner

double

Hyphenate compound adjectives beginning with double.

double-precision, double-sided, double-wide

dual

Hyphenate compound adjectives beginning with dual.

dual-band, dual-channel, dual-link

e

Short for electronic. Hyphenate terms using the short form: e-commerce, e-learning. Exceptions include email and ebook. In titles that use title-style capitalization, capitalize as follows: The Growth of E-Commerce.

full

Use a hyphen in compound adjectives beginning with full.

full-duplex, full-featured, full-height, full-page, full-screen, full-size

Don't use a hyphen with fully.

fully buffered, fully charged, fully loaded

half

Use a hyphen in compound adjectives beginning with half.

half-duplex, half-height, half-hour, half-length

high

Use a hyphen in compound adjectives beginning with high.

high-bandwidth, high-definition, high-level, high-quality, high-resolution

hyphenation

In general, hyphenate two words that precede and modify a noun as a unit. Follow this rule especially when:

• Confusion might result if the hyphen were omitted, as in parameter-list pointer or read-only memory.
• The second word is a past or present participle, as in binary-coded decimal or color-matching algorithm.
• The two modifiers are a number or a single letter and a noun or a participle, as in 32-bit color or D-shaped connector.

Follow these guidelines for specific cases:

• Units of measure: When you use a spelled-out unit of measure in a compound adjective, hyphenate the compound (27-inch screen). When you use an abbreviation or a metric unit of measure, including KB, MB, mm, and so on, don't hyphenate (500 GB hard disk).
• Location compounds: Hyphenate compounds such as lower-left corner, top-right portion.
• Adverbs: Don't hyphenate compounds with very or with adverbs that end in -ly.

very high speed

recently completed project

• Keyboard shortcuts using combination keystrokes: Use hyphens to signify that the first key or keys should be held down while the last key is pressed. (Don't use hyphens if each key should be pressed and released separately.) Make sure you explain this convention on first use.

Control-Shift-N

Esc N

See also dash (en).

like (suffix)

Close up words ending with like unless the word is a proper name or a compound term, or the resulting word is difficult to read.

businesslike, Ethernet-like, typewriter-like

mega (prefix)

Close up words beginning with mega.

megabit, megabyte, megahertz, megapixel, megawatt, megawide

mini (prefix)

Close up except before a vowel, a proper noun, or an abbreviation.

minicircular connector, minitower

mini-application, mini-DVI, mini-VGA

multi (prefix)

Close up except before i.

multiplayer, multiprocessor, multitasking, multithreading, multiuser

multi-item

non (prefix)

Close up except before a proper noun, a proper adjective, an abbreviation, or an acronym, or when the resulting word would be difficult to read.

noncompliant, nondestructive, nonstandard

non-Apple, non-Mac, non-USB

See also prefixes.

post (prefix)

Close up except before a proper noun or a date.

postgraduate, postmortem, posttest

post-WWDC event, post-2017

Exception: post-production

pre (prefix)

Close up except before a proper noun or a date.

preinstalled, preexisting, preproduction

pre-WWDC event, pre-2025

Exception: pre-order

prefixes

In most cases, close up prefixes (such as multi, non, post, and pre) with the following word. Exceptions:

• Compounds that contain proper nouns (non-Apple)
• Compounds with double i's or double a's (anti-inflammatory, meta-analysis)
• Compounds that are homographs or could be misread (re-cover)
• Compounds with double prefixes (sub-subentry)
• Compounds that contain a compound term (non-self-sustaining)

See The Chicago Manual of Style for more examples.

quad

Hyphenate compound adjectives beginning with quad.

quad-band, quad-channel, quad-core, quad-port

quality

Don't use quality alone as an adjective; include a modifier. The compound adjective is hyphenated.

broadcast-quality, high-quality, professional-quality

re (prefix)

Close up unless the resulting word creates another word.

reenter, reinstall, reevaluate

re-create (recreate), re-sort (resort)

self

Use a hyphen in terms beginning with self.

self-paced, self-playing, self-running, self-service

single

Hyphenate compound adjectives beginning with single.

single-button, single-core, single-layer, single-precision, single-processor

size (adj.)

Hyphenate compound words ending with size. Not sized.

letter-size, medium-size, pocket-size

sub (prefix)

Close up words beginning with sub.

subaccount, subdirectory, submenu, subnetwork

super (prefix)

Close up words beginning with super.

supercomputer, superfine, supermodern

ultra (prefix)

Close up except before a vowel.

ultrafast, ultralight, ultrasharp, ultrathin, ultrawide

ultra-efficient

wide

Use a hyphen in compound adjectives beginning with wide.

wide-angle viewing, wide-format screen

Exception: widescreen

Close up words that end with wide.

companywide, enterprisewide, industrywide, systemwide, worldwide

If part of the compound is a proper noun, use a hyphen: Apple-wide.

work

Close up the following words beginning with work.

workflow, workforce, workgroup, workplace, workshop, workspace, workstation

International style

Following international style helps readers with limited English proficiency. It also helps translators — human or machine — localize writing by minimizing the burdens of cultural and customary language usage.

Basic rules:

• Write in simple structures.
• Don't use idiomatic or colloquial expressions.
• Avoid shortcuts, symbols, and abbreviations that could easily be spelled out.
• Express data using the standard international conventions outlined below. Vary from these standards only when there's a truly compelling advantage in using a proprietary or customary style.

Countries

Country names are represented by a two-character code per ISO 3166 (https://www.iso.org).

Use the code in a table, column, or row that clearly indicates it represents a country.

Currency

Currency amounts are expressed with a three-letter currency code per ISO 4217.

Why codes, not symbols: Currency codes are specific to a currency and can't be confused or misinterpreted by the reader. Currency symbols such as the dollar sign ($) aren't unique and are easily misread.

Usage: Write the amount followed by a space and the currency code in capitals.

The computer is priced at 1199 USD.

The computer costs 1980 EUR.

Dates and times

Dates are expressed as year, month, day and are separated by a hyphen. Times are expressed on a 24-hour clock. Per ISO 8601.

Rationale: Date and time formats are represented with the largest units given first. From left to right the ranking is year, month, week, day, hour, minute, second. This standard, in addition to being used in many Asian languages, solves ambiguities in the date notations used in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Usage: A colon separates hours, minutes, and seconds. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) times are expressed as "Z." Local time zones are expressed as the number of hours from UTC.

Apple Watch Series 9 was introduced on 2023-09-12.

The file will be posted at 18:00Z.

The file will be posted at 18:00 PST (UTC−8).

Decimals

Decimals are expressed by a period or comma. For numbers larger than 999, don't use a period or comma as a separator. A nonbreaking space (Option-Space bar) may be used instead. Per BIPM SI Brochure (https://www.bipm.org).

Rationale: Breaking up large numbers makes them easier to read, especially in tables. A nonbreaking space can't be misinterpreted as a decimal marker.

Usage: Use a period to produce a decimal in English. Numbers may be divided in groups of three on either side of the decimal to make them easy to read. Use a nonbreaking space instead of a period or comma to divide numbers. Express large numbers in their smallest form to make them easier to read.

A kilobyte is 1024 bytes.

Apple sold 300 000 iMac computers in the first quarter.

Apple sold 3.7 million iMac computers in 2 years.

Languages

Language names are represented by a two-character code per ISO 639.

In some cases, append an extension to the code to represent a particular localization:

Telephone numbers

Telephone numbers begin with the plus sign and are followed by the country code, the city code, and the number. Freephone (toll-free) numbers are expressed in the local style. Always give a toll number if one is available. Per ITU-T E.123.

Rationale: The plus sign (+) represents any number a caller must dial to get an outside line, like 9. The caller then dials the remaining digits. Freephone numbers are usually impossible to dial globally, even between Canada and the United States. Providing a freephone number with a toll number allows customers to call no matter where they're from.

Usage: Breaks in national numbering plans may be represented by a space. Toll-free numbers are expressed in the local style.

You can reach Apple by calling +1 408 996 1010 or 800-692-7753 (in North America).

You can reach Apple France by calling +33 1 69 86 34 00 or 0800 046 046.

Units of measure (international)

Use only units of the International System of Units (SI) to express the values of quantities. Equivalent values in nonmetric units may be given in parentheses following SI values in cases where safety may be an issue, or when they're used in a product's name. Per BIPM SI Brochure.

Usage: Quantities are always expressed with a unit symbol. Use a nonbreaking space (Option-Space bar) between the quantity and its symbol. Unit symbols are unaltered in the plural, and are never hyphenated, even when used as an adjective. Unit symbols aren't followed by a period unless they appear at the end of a sentence. Don't imply more precision than is reasonable in choosing a unit symbol.

The Apple HDMI to HDMI Cable is 1.8 m long.

The 13-inch MacBook Air computer weighs 1.35 kg.

The iPad mini 4 Wi-Fi models weigh 298.8 g (0.65 lb.).

The iMac computer has a 1.6 GHz, 2.8 GHz, or 3.1 GHz processor.

See also units-of-measure.md for the full SI unit table and U.S. document conventions.

Numbers and Dates

Entries about how to write numbers, ranges, ordinals, fractions, percentages, dates, times, days of week, months, years, and decades from the Apple Style Guide.

Entries

2-byte character

Don't use; use double-byte character.

2D

Abbreviation for two-dimensional. No hyphen in the abbreviation. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

2K, 4K, 5K, 6K, 8K (adj.)

Horizontal screen resolution or image resolution measured in thousands of pixels. Don't use a space between the numeral and the K.

The 27-inch iMac has a Retina 5K display.

Apple ProRes codecs support all standard frame sizes (including SD, HD, 2K, and 4K).

3D

Abbreviation for three-dimensional. No hyphen in the abbreviation. For guidelines about spelling out abbreviations, see abbreviations and acronyms.

24/7

Not 24x7. To spell out, use the form 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week support program.

a.m.

Note periods: 8:30 a.m. Use a space before the abbreviation.

dates

Follow these guidelines for dates, unless your department uses international style (see Dates and times).

• Commas: Use a comma between the day of the month and the year.

June 9, 2025

When you use the full date, follow the year with a comma.

on June 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

If you give only the month and year, don't use commas.

in June 2025 at WWDC

• Cardinal and ordinal numbers: Use cardinal numbers (1, 2, 3) in dates that include the month. Use ordinal numbers (1st, 2nd, 3rd) in dates without the month. For ordinal numbers, use full-size letters, not superscript.

Correct: The conference was held on August 12.

Correct: The conference was held on the 12th.

Incorrect: The conference was held on the 12ᵗʰ.

• When to spell out: Spell out the names of days and months in text. Use numerals for the year except when it appears at the beginning of a sentence; spell out the year there or rewrite to avoid.

• Slashes in dates: Don't use the form 3/5/22, because American usage is different from European usage.

daylight saving time

Not daylight savings time.

decades

See numbers.

degrees

OK to either spell out degrees or use the degree symbol (°), but be consistent. Hyphenate when the term precedes a noun: 160-degree viewing angle. The symbol is closed up with the number: 160° viewing angle, 32° F. To generate the degree symbol, press Option-K.

fractions

In user materials, spell out fractions whose denominator is 10 or lower except in specification lists, technical appendixes, or tables. For the spelled-out forms, hyphenate the fractions: one-tenth, one-fifth, three-fourths.

This app uses one-fifth of available memory.

The other app uses only 1/20 of available memory.

When you express a noninteger greater than 1 in fractional form, use a mixed numeral rather than an improper fraction.

Correct: 1 1/6

Incorrect: 7/6

generation

Refers to products that were released at a particular time or that share a common design or features. Hyphenate compound adjectives that include the word generation: sixth-generation iPad mini, second-generation chip, previous-generation Mac Studio. When the generation follows the name, use the numeral: iPad (5th generation). Don't shorten generation to gen or G—for example, 10th-gen iPad or iPad 9G.

If a list includes models identified by chip and models identified by generation, use the following format:

iPad (8th, 9th, and 10th generation) and iPad (A16)

iPad mini (5th and 6th generation) and iPad mini (A17 Pro)

See also iPad; iPod.

numbers

Spell out the following numbers:

• Cardinal numbers from one through nine. (However, use a numeral, no matter how small, to express numbers as numbers and as units of measure.)

You can use your purchases on up to five computers.

For example, if you have four new messages, the number 4 appears on the app icon.

• Ordinal numbers from zero through nine.

You can install drives in the second, third, and fourth drive bays.

• Numbers that appear at the beginning of a sentence. (Try to rephrase to avoid starting a sentence with a number.)

Correct: Two hundred fifty functions are available in the Function Browser.

Preferable: The Function Browser gives you access to 250 functions.

• A number that appears next to another number, if it helps readability.

There are sixteen 32-bit registers.

Use numerals:

• To refer to numbers as numbers.

The numeral 8 occurs eight times.

• To refer to a specific address, bit, byte, chapter, field, key, pin, sector, slot, or track, or when expressing amounts of memory.

Open the ejectors on slots 1, 2, and 3.

8-pin minicircular connector

Your Mac Pro comes with a minimum of 16 GB of memory.

• To form ordinal numbers larger than nine (add st, nd, rd, or th to the numeral as appropriate).

• For numbers of the same category within a paragraph, if any number is larger than nine.

We have 25 computers and 4 printers on the network. [Computers and printers are the same category.]

There are two kinds of 32-bit registers. [Kinds of registers and bits are different categories.]

• For units of measure, including units of time, no matter how small the number is. For a list of units of measure, see Names and unit symbols.

Set the timer for 3 minutes.

Apple Music 1 is a worldwide radio station that's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can't set paragraph margins of less than 1 inch.

If you increase the clip's speed to 200 percent, Final Cut Pro removes frames and the clip plays back in only 2.5 seconds.

• To express an approximation.

Cocoa includes definitions for more than 250 additional classes.

Follow these additional guidelines for numbers:

• Ranges of numbers: Use an en dash between numbers that represent the endpoints of a continuous range: bits 3–17. Use the full concluding number in a range of numbers.

Correct: 2013–2019

Incorrect: 2013–19

• Commas: Use a comma to set off numbers of five digits or more. (If your editor has asked you to follow international style, see Decimals.)

1024

65,536

Don't use a comma in memory addresses or in numbers representing microprocessors.

$FFFF FFFF

68020 microprocessor

• Plural: Form the plural of a number by adding an s.

1s and 5s

the '90s

• Software version numbers: When you refer to software version numbers, use later and earlier. For example, macOS 10.13 or later. See also version number.

• Code values in text: Use numerals for numeric values in text except for zero in the same sentence as nonzero.

ord(blue) returns 0.

The function fseek returns nonzero for improper seeks; otherwise, it returns zero.

• Large numbers: For very large numbers that are a power of 2, you can use the exponential form to avoid a long string of digits—for example, 2³². Numbers larger than 65,536 (2¹⁶) are good candidates for showing in exponential form. If there are numbers larger and smaller than 65,536 in the same discussion, show the smaller numbers both ways.

x must be between 1024 (2¹⁰) and 2³².

See also fractions.

ordinals

See numbers.

percent

Always preceded by a numeral, no matter how small the value.

1 percent

• Percent symbol: It's OK to use the percent symbol (%) instead of the word percent in technical appendixes, specification lists, and tables, or when the word must appear so many times in a text passage that its use becomes cumbersome.
• Nonspecific quantities: When you describe a nonspecific quantity, use percentage, as in a small percentage of the population.

p.m.

Note periods: 6:30 p.m. Use a space before the abbreviation.

ranges

See dash (en); numbers; time of day.

time of day

Follow these guidelines for times, unless your department uses international style (see Dates and times):

• Numerals: Use numerals for times of day.

2:00, 4:15, 7:30

• a.m. and p.m.: Include a.m. and p.m. (lowercase, with periods, preceded by a space) as needed.

10:45 a.m., 6:30 p.m.

• Noon and midnight: Use 12:00 noon and 12:00 midnight or just noon and midnight.
• Range of times: In text, it's preferable to use to with a range of times.

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Otherwise—for example, in an event agenda or a course listing—use an en dash (Option-Hyphen).

10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

If times in a range are both a.m. or both p.m., the first abbreviation can be omitted or included, depending on the design.

1:30–3:00 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.

Don't use from with the en dash.

Correct: from 1:30 to 3:00

Incorrect: from 1:30–3:00

time zone

Use lowercase for the names of time zones except for proper nouns.

Pacific standard time (PST), Pacific daylight time (PDT), mountain standard time (MST), mountain daylight time (MDT), central standard time (CST), central daylight time (CDT), eastern standard time (EST), eastern daylight time (EDT)

Punctuation

Entries about punctuation marks: periods, commas, colons, em-dashes, en-dashes, parentheses, quotation marks, apostrophes, brackets, slashes, ampersands.

Entries

ampersand

Use the ampersand character (&) in text only when you refer to onscreen elements, document titles, or other items containing the character.

Choose Insert > Date & Time.

To allow apps to use your camera, use Privacy & Security settings.

and/or

Rewrite to avoid this construction.

Correct: document and app icons

Avoid: document and/or app icons

angle brackets

Use angle brackets, not brackets, to describe the < and > symbols.

Use left angle bracket and right angle bracket when you need to distinguish between opening and closing angle brackets.

You can also use less-than sign and greater-than sign for these symbols if appropriate in the context. See also braces; brackets; greater-than sign; less-than sign; menus.

apostrophes

Use the curly apostrophe (Option-Shift-Right Bracket) except in code font and for units of measure. See also plurals; possessives; quotation marks.

backslash

Use backslash to describe this character: \. See also slash.

braces

Use braces, not curly brackets, to describe these symbols: { }.

When you need to distinguish between the opening and closing braces, use left brace and right brace.

brackets

Use brackets, not square brackets, to describe these symbols: [ ]. Don't use brackets when you mean angle brackets (< >).

When you need to distinguish between the opening and closing brackets, use left bracket and right bracket.

colons

Follow these guidelines for using colons:

• In running text: Capitalize the first word after the colon if the word begins a complete sentence (exception to The Chicago Manual of Style).

There are two ways to raise or lower text in relation to adjacent text: You can make characters superscript or subscript, or you can adjust the baseline shift.

Ordinary video clips and image files have three channels of color information: red, green, and blue.

• In headings: If you use a colon in a heading, capitalize the first word after the colon, regardless of its part of speech.

Setting up: A beginner's guide

• With lists: Precede every list with a colon, whether the sentence before the colon is a complete thought or a partial thought (exception to The Chicago Manual of Style). See also lists (bulleted).

commas

Use a serial comma before and or or in a list of three or more items.

Correct: You can ask Siri to place phone calls, send text messages, send reminders, and more.

Incorrect: You can ask Siri to place phone calls, send text messages, send reminders and more.

curly brackets

Don't use curly brackets to describe these symbols: { }; use braces.

dash (em)

Use the em dash (—) to set off a word or phrase that interrupts or changes the direction of a sentence or to set off a lengthy list that would otherwise make the syntax of a sentence confusing. Don't overuse em dashes. If the text being set off doesn't come at the end of the sentence, use an em dash both before it and after it.

See all your schedules—work, school, and social life—in one app.

To generate an em dash, press Option-Shift-Hyphen. Close up the em dash with the word before it and the word after it.

dash (en)

The en dash (–) is shorter than an em dash and longer than a hyphen. Use the en dash as follows:

• Numbers in a range: Use an en dash between numbers that represent the endpoints of a continuous range.

bits 3–17, 2003–2005

• Compound adjectives: Use an en dash between the elements of a compound adjective when one of those elements is itself two words.

desktop interface–specific instructions

Grammy Award–winning producer

ex–Sun Studio tour guide

• Minus sign: Use an en dash as a minus sign (except in code font, where you use a hyphen).

–1, –65,535

To generate an en dash, press Option-Hyphen. Close up the en dash with the word (or number) before it and the word (or number) after it.

See also hyphenation.

division sign

Not division symbol.

ellipsis

A set of three dots indicating a continuation or, in a quotation, the omission of one or more words. Use the ellipsis character (Option-Semicolon) to prevent line breaks from occurring between the dots. For more information about using ellipses, refer to The Chicago Manual of Style.

If the name of a menu item or button ends with an ellipsis, don't include the ellipsis in running text.

Correct: Choose File > New and click a template.

Incorrect: Choose File > New… and click a template.

equal sign

Not equal's sign, equals sign, or equal symbol.

exclamation points

OK to use exclamation points occasionally in promotional text and dialogue. Avoid in documentation.

greater-than sign

Use greater-than sign, not greater-than symbol, to describe the > symbol. You can also use right angle bracket if appropriate in the context. See also angle brackets.

less-than sign

Use less-than sign, not less-than symbol, to describe the < symbol. You can also use left angle bracket if appropriate in the context. See also angle brackets.

lists (bulleted)

Use a bulleted list when you want to stress the parallelism of a number of options, elements, rules, or instructions that need not be presented or performed in a particular order.

• Introductory punctuation: Precede all lists with colons, whether the sentence before the colon is a complete thought or a partial thought (exception to The Chicago Manual of Style). See also colons.
• Capitalization: All list items should start with a capital letter unless the word is a product name that begins with a lowercase letter or, in developer materials, is a computer literal that begins with a lowercase letter.
• Punctuation within a list: List items that are fragments or that complete the thought started by the main clause should not end with a period; list items that are complete sentences should end with a period.
• Parallelism: Within a single list, all bulleted items should be parallel.
• A regular sentence broken into a list: This type of list emphasizes the parts of a series. The syntax of the sentence is unbroken.

Using the Clock app, you can:

- Check on the time anywhere in the world

- Set an alarm

- Time an event

- Set a timer

• A simple list: The main clause is an independent clause and each bulleted item is a sentence fragment.
• A complex list: The main clause is an independent clause and each bulleted item is a complete sentence.

lists (numbered)

Use a numbered list when you want to stress the sequential nature of steps, rules, or instructions. In numbered task lists (steps), each item should be a complete sentence. Use sentence-style capitalization for each item and end each item with closing punctuation.

Reduce an image's file size:

1. Choose Tools > Adjust Size.

2. Select "Resample image."

3. Enter a smaller value in the Resolution field.

minus sign

Use minus sign, not minus symbol, to describe this symbol: –. Use an en dash (generated by pressing Option-Hyphen) for a minus sign (except in code font, where a hyphen is used).

multiplication sign

Not multiplication symbol.

number sign

Use to describe this character: #. Don't use pound sign or number symbol. Avoid using the number sign to specify an item in a numbered series.

You can frequently omit number or the number sign from a sentence and still make the meaning clear.

See document 58677 for more information.

Use part 661-2262 to repair the computer.

parenthesis (sing.), parentheses (pl.)

Note different spelling of singular and plural. See also punctuation.

periods

See ellipsis.

plurals

Follow these guidelines for plurals:

• Acronyms and abbreviations: To form the plural of an acronym or an abbreviation, add an s but no apostrophe.

CDs, DVDs

• Adjectives: Don't add an s to an adjective unless necessary. For example, it's electronic circuit but electronics engineer. Other words that fall into this class of adjectives are graphic and graphics, communication and communications, numeric and numerics.

• Letters and symbols: To form the plural of a letter or symbol, add an apostrophe and an s.

p's, +'s

• Numbers: Form the plural of numbers by adding an s.

1s, 1930s

• Nouns: Don't use (s) to indicate that a noun can be either singular or plural. To refer to both the singular and plural forms, spell them out; if possible, rewrite to avoid either construction.

Acceptable: initializing your disk or disks

Preferable: initializing disks

Incorrect: initializing your disk(s)

• Trademarked product names: Form the plural of trademarked product names by adding the plural generic noun to the singular product name.

Correct: Mac computers, MacBook Pro computers, iMac computers

Incorrect: Macs, MacBook Pros, iMacs

If a product name includes a generic noun as well as a trademarked adjective, form the plural as you would with any noun.

AirPort Cards, AppleCare Service Parts Kits

• Words as words: Form the plural of a word italicized to show that it's used as a word by adding an apostrophe and an s. Don't italicize the apostrophe or the s.

He had too many and's in the sentence.

plus sign

Not plus symbol.

possessives

Follow these guidelines for possessives:

• Singular nouns: Form the possessive of a singular noun, including one that ends in s, by adding an apostrophe and an s.

the device's dock connector

the boss's husband

• Plural nouns: Form the possessive of a plural noun that ends in s by adding an apostrophe. Form the possessive of a plural noun that doesn't end in s by adding an apostrophe and an s.

the students' curriculum

children's requirements

• Proper nouns or names: Form the possessive of a singular proper noun or proper name, including one that ends in s, by adding an apostrophe and an s. Form the possessive of a plural proper noun or proper name by adding an apostrophe.

Susan Torres's biography [singular]

the Joneses' computer [plural]

• Product names: Rewrite to avoid forming a possessive of any product name, trademarked or not (for example, don't use Keynote's slides). See also trademarks (usage).

punctuation

Punctuation marks should be in the same type style and font as the main body text, except for punctuation that belongs to a title in a different font.

This address, called a vector, directs program control to a specified destination. [The second comma isn't italicized.]

See What is Motion? for more information. [The question mark is italicized.]

Note the following:

• Punctuation in code font: Punctuation following code font in running text should be in the font of the overall sentence, not in code font, unless the punctuation mark is part of what actually appears on the screen or in the code listing. Avoid punctuation after something the user should type. (The user may type the punctuation.)
• Parentheses, brackets, and quotation marks: Parentheses, brackets, and quotation marks ("paired punctuation") should be in the same style as the body text. For example, the parentheses around an italicized word should be in plain style, not italics.

Read the manual (iPhone User Guide). [The parentheses aren't italicized.]

• Plurals: When you form the plural of an italicized letter used as a letter, a number used as a number, or a word used as a word, don't use italics for the apostrophe or the s.

Enter a series of D's. [The apostrophe and s aren't italicized.]

See also apostrophes; commas; dash (em); dash (en); ellipsis; hyphenation; quotation marks.

quotation marks

Use curly opening and closing quotation marks except in code font. Don't use single or double quotation marks for units of measure; use the prime symbol for feet (Option-Shift-E) and the double prime symbol for inches (Option-Shift-G).

• With periods and commas: Put periods and commas within quotation marks. If necessary for clarity, periods and commas can go outside, as in AN$ = "1".
• With other punctuation: Semicolons, colons, question marks, and exclamation points go outside quotation marks unless they're part of an actual quotation.
• Four-character identifiers: When you give the name of four-character identifiers such as file types, use straight, single quotation marks in code font and place any punctuation outside the quotation marks.

Examples of file types are 'TEXT', 'PICT', and 'APPL'.

• Terminology: Use quotation marks, not quote marks or quotes. (Quote is a verb; quotation is a noun or an adjective.)
• Cross-references and quotations: Cross-references to sections and chapter titles are traditionally set off in quotation marks (unless they are hyperlinks); follow your department's style. Use quotation marks for direct quotations.
• Onscreen messages: Enclose quotations from the screen, such as alert messages, in quotation marks.
• Terms that stand for or define other terms: Use italics, not quotation marks, for terms after called, known as, labeled, named, termed, and so on. Use plain style for onscreen elements whose names are in title-style capitalization.

A folder called My Files appears.

• Text the user types: Use quotation marks or code font to represent what the user actually types, depending on your department's style guidelines.

For example, type "dog" in the search field to find photos of dogs.

In the Title field, type Exchange Rate per $1.

• Sentence-style onscreen elements: Use quotation marks for elements whose names use sentence-style capitalization.

Select the checkbox labeled "Keep lines together."

Search for "Apps for college."

• Title-style onscreen elements: For title-style elements, use quotation marks only if there's a significant chance the name could be misread in context.

Tap Use as Wallpaper.

To store media outside the library, click the Media pop-up menu, choose "Choose," and then select a storage location.

• Smart quotation marks: Most apps have an option called "smart" quotation marks, which automatically generates curly quotation marks (and apostrophes) as you type.

See also italics (n.), italic (adj.); titles of works.

slash

Use slash to describe this character: /. See also backslash.

titles of works

Use italics for the titles of books, magazines, newspapers, manuals, movies, videos, plays, television shows, radio shows, podcast series, blogs, music albums, and works of art.

Use plain text and quotation marks for the titles of works that are more limited in scope, such as articles, stories, reports, TV episodes, podcast episodes, sections of blogs, songs, chapters and sections of works, and photographs.

See also disc titles; document titles.

trademarks (usage)

Follow these guidelines for using trademarks in text:

• Plural form: Don't use a trademarked name in the plural form.

Correct: If you have more than one Mac computer…

Incorrect: If you have several Macs…

• Possessive form: Don't use a trademarked name in the possessive form.

Correct: Learn more about the features of your MacBook Pro.

Incorrect: Learn more about your MacBook Pro's features.

• Multiple-word trademarks: If a trademark is more than one word (for example, Apple TV, iPad Pro), don't break it across multiple lines of text. In many cases, you can use a nonbreaking space (Option-Space bar) to keep the name on one line.

• Third-party trademarks: For third-party trademarks, follow the usage guidelines posted on the Apple trademark list.

Technical notation

Style and usage rules that apply largely or exclusively to developer documentation.

When writing about a particular programming language, follow the capitalization style of that language.

Code

Use code font for code.

Develop a method of spacing around punctuation and use it consistently. It's often best to use "English-style" spacing (one space character between words) because it's easy to remember and to stick with.

{height, width: extended; quo: integer); PageSize =
1024

Syntax descriptions

• Use code font for literals (parts of the language, values, and so on).
• Use italics for placeholder names.
• Use regular text for the brackets that enclose something that's optional.
• Pay close attention to punctuation.

Read ([file,] var)

• Use embedded caps to connect words that act as a single placeholder name (sourceFile).
• Be consistent when naming placeholders; for example, don't alternate between commands and commandList.

Code font in text

Most developer documentation uses code font for computer-language elements in text. Whether to use code font in text for other documents is a matter of judgment.

• Use code font for all text fragments that represent expressions in a programming language.
• Use code font for names of files, volumes, directories, and libraries.

StandardCRuntime.o library

MainProg.c file

• Don't use a function or method name as a verb.

Correct: Run ls on both directories.

Incorrect: ls both directories.

Correct: Use cd to change to the root directory.

Incorrect: cd to the root directory.

• Don't mix fonts within a single word. Rewrite to avoid forming the plural of a word in code font.

Correct: values of type integer

Incorrect: integers

• Use regular text font, not code font, for punctuation following a word or phrase in code font, unless the punctuation mark is part of the computer-language element represented.

NAN(004), nan(4), and NaN are examples of acceptable input.

Placeholder names in text

In running text, use italics when referring to a placeholder name (an artificial term that has meaning only in your documentation and is to be replaced by a value or symbol). Spell the name just as it would appear in a syntax description. Don't use a placeholder as you would use a regular English term.

Correct: Replace volumeName with a name of up to 12 characters.

Correct: The volume name can be up to 12 characters long.

Incorrect: The volumeName can be up to 12 characters long.

Avoid foo, bar, and baz to represent hierarchical or ordered placeholder names in code examples. Instead, use names that suggest the kind of item.

TObject.FirstMethod

TObject.SecondMethod

Units of measure

Usage guidelines for units of measure, plus abbreviations and symbols for frequently used units.

Usage guidelines

When to spell out: In user documentation, spell out units of measure and give the abbreviation in parentheses on first occurrence. Repeat the spelled-out version in new sections and chapters if the unit symbol or abbreviation is obscure and if the audience requires it.

20 gigabytes (GB) of memory

Subsequent occurrences: 20 GB of memory

Always spell out nonmetric units of measure in text (for example, 17-inch display). It's OK to abbreviate such units in tables and technical specifications (Display size: 17 in.).

Noun: When you use a unit symbol or abbreviation as a noun, insert a space between the number and the abbreviation, and use the preposition of before the unit the value quantifies.

20 GB of memory

Note that Apple Marketing Communications style for many abbreviations is to close up the number and the abbreviation (20GB of memory).

Adjective: When you use a spelled-out unit of measure in a compound adjective, hyphenate the compound.

17-inch display

3-meter cable

When you use a unit symbol or abbreviation in a compound adjective, don't hyphenate; add a space between the number and the abbreviation.

20 nA battery

30 GB capacity

Capitalization: With the exception of degrees Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Rankine, units of measure derived from a proper name aren't capitalized when spelled out, but their unit symbols are capitalized. (For example, the unit symbol for joule is J.)

Plurals: Unit symbols and abbreviations are unaltered in the plural forms (for example, lb., not lbs.).

International System of Units: Use the unit symbol for SI units after first occurrence. If the unit symbol for meter could be confused with another term in your document, spell out meter.

The maximum size for a memory card is 35 mm.

The Ethernet cable is 40 meters long.

Don't use a period after an SI unit (unless the unit appears at the end of a sentence).

Mixing symbols and names: Don't mix unit symbols and names (m/second) or unit symbols and abbreviations (J/sec.). Don't mix a prefix name with a unit symbol (kiloHz), or a prefix symbol with a unit name (khertz).

Prefixes for units of measure

Names and unit symbols

When a unit symbol includes a nonalphanumeric character, the keystrokes that generate the character are included in brackets after the symbol.