# UX Writing

> Write clear, concise interface copy — labels, buttons, errors, empty states, onboarding — that helps users complete tasks with confidence. Use when crafting microcopy, improving clarity of UI text, or establishing voice and tone for product interfaces.

- Skill: `itsual/ux-writing` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add itsual/ux-writing`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/itsual/ux-writing/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: itsual (https://skillmd.com/u/itsual)
- Updated: 2026-09-21
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/itsual/ux-writing

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# UX Writing

## Overview

UX writing is design with words. Every label, error, and empty state either reduces friction or adds it.

## When to Use

- Writing or rewriting UI microcopy
- Designing empty states, errors, and success messages
- Creating onboarding or in-product guidance text
- Establishing product voice and tone guidelines

## Core Practices

- Lead with the user’s goal and next action
- Use plain language; avoid jargon unless the audience expects it
- Make buttons describe the action (“Save draft,” not “OK”)
- Write errors that explain what happened and how to fix it
- Keep consistency in terminology across the product
- Design copy for scanning — short lines, front-loaded meaning

## Principles

- Clarity first, brand voice second (they should reinforce, not fight)
- Be helpful without being verbose
- Respect the user’s attention and emotional state (especially in errors)
- Inclusive language is part of quality

## Verification

- [ ] A new user can understand key actions without help
- [ ] Error messages enable recovery
- [ ] Terminology is consistent across surfaces