# Error Message Writing

> Error message copy patterns including validation, system errors, and recovery guidance.

- Skill: `dragoon0x/error-message-writing` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add dragoon0x/error-message-writing`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/dragoon0x/error-message-writing/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: dragoon0x (https://skillmd.com/u/dragoon0x)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/dragoon0x/error-message-writing

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# Error Message Writing

## Error Message Formula

**What happened** + **Why** (if helpful) + **What to do**

### Good Examples
- "File too large. Maximum size is 10MB. Compress the image or choose a smaller file."
- "That email is already registered. Try signing in instead."
- "Connection lost. Your changes are saved locally and will sync when you're back online."

### Bad Examples
- "Error" — says nothing.
- "Invalid input" — which input? What's invalid?
- "Something went wrong. Please try again later." — when is later?
- "Error code 0x8004005" — meaningless to users.

## Tone Rules
- Don't blame the user. "That password is too short" not "You entered an invalid password."
- Don't apologize excessively. "Couldn't load" not "We're so sorry, but unfortunately..."
- Be calm, not alarming. "Check your connection" not "CRITICAL NETWORK FAILURE."
- Match the brand voice, even in errors.