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microcopy

microcopy

7.3
Short pieces of text in apps and websites that guide users
  • noun
  • /ˈmaɪkroʊˌkɑpi/
  • Jargon
translation icon : microtexto
  • She rewrote the button's microcopy to make the call to action more direct.

Examples

  • Always test your microcopy with users to avoid confusing error messages and dropouts.

  • The microcopy on the checkout page guides customers through the payment process efficiently.

  • The app's onboarding relies on microcopy to explain features clearly.

  • The microcopy on the button is very clear.

  • Could you read the microcopy for me?

  • The new website design features engaging microcopy that helps users navigate easily.

  • In user testing, we found that clear microcopy significantly reduced errors during form submission.

How Short

microcopy
  • Jargon
7.3
documentation
  • Specialized
50 3.8

Surface Forms

microcopy singular
microcopies plural

Morphology

microcopy = copy (semi-transparent) = micro + copy

The meaning is built from 'micro-' plus 'copy', but the specialized user-interface sense is a lexicalized extension rather than a fully literal composition.

Etymology

Microcopy comes from the prefix micro- meaning 'small' and the word copy meaning 'writing' or 'text'. So microcopy means very short pieces of text, such as tiny labels or short help lines that guide users in an app.