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# Capitalization and Style Conventions

OSAS manuals use boldface, sans serif font to emphasize function and field names, buttons, keys, or user input, as well as capitalization for specific names, when directly referred to in the text. However, if you make indirect reference to a function or field name, it does not need such treatment. Generic description nouns (such as “screen,” “system,” or “menu”) are never capitalized.

Specific Names and Generic Items

Capitalize the initial letter of a specific name. When you pair a specific name with its generic description, lowercase the generic word.

Files | Transaction file
Functions | the Year-End Maintenance function
Menus | the Accounts Payable Daily Work menu
Screens | Promotional Pricing screen
Systems | Accounts Payable system
Tables | INPDxxx table

Screen and Keyboard Items

Type words exactly as they appear on the screen. Type messages in boldface sans serif font. Type terminal keys in boldface sans serif font with initial caps.

Fields | the Item Number field (or “enter the Item Number”)
Messages | ‘D’ for Delete.
Terminal Keys | Press F1 to access help.

When you make an indirect reference to a field name, do not capitalize it. Follow these examples:

Enter the customer number in the Customer No field. If you entered a new customer number, enter the customer’s Name.

Cross-References

Cross-reference by page number unless the cross-reference is to an appendix. Follow these examples:

See page 4-10 for more information.

See appendix F.

Data Entry Items

Type input items in boldface sans serif font unless the instructions for that item state otherwise. Do not type punctuation following an input item in boldface unless it is to be entered as well.

Lists

When you use bulleted lists, use round bullets. Line up the bullets with the left margin of the preceding text. Single-space lists that consist of one-line items; double-space those that consist of multiple-line items.

Notes and Cautions

Treat notes and cautions the same as the text that precedes them. If you cannot use the graphic conventions for notes and cautions, type Note and Caution in boldface capital sans serif font, and put a colon after them.

Page Numbering

Pages are numbered by chapter—1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-1, A-1, IX-1.

Table of Contents

The table of contents is titled Contents. List the chapter and section titles.