28 Oct
2005
28 Oct
'05
7:16 a.m.
From: Casper Hornstrup
Check for example Microsoft Word. "Edit/Paste" doesn't have elipses
'cause
the command is just carried out. "Edit/Past Special..." does have them, you
will get a modal dialog box before the command is carried out. I think it's
part of the CUA, on which the original UI guidelines for Windows were based.
See e.g.
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISJ/is_n3_v31/ai_12547724/pg_6:
"Action option windows contain options that allow a user to further specify
an action request. They appear when a user selects an action choice, such as
"Print...", from a menu. Menu choices that cause action windows to be
displayed are called action choices and are followed by ellipses. This
provides a visual cue for users, indicating that no action will occur until
further dialog is completed."
GvG
From: Derek Hinchliffe
Elipses (...) are also used in menu items when clicking on the item
will result in some sort of dialog box before any real action is
actually taken.
Which OS does this? Windows has it for Run..., but not for Shut Down.
But Run can do many things. Run a program, open a document,
open an URL.
It's kind of hard to make space for it all.