Better Writing
UX writing and interface copy, from voice and button labels to error messages and empty...
Install
npx skills add trycompai/crm --skill better-writing -g -a claude-code -y- Repository
- trycompai/crm11.8k
- Category
- Design
- Updated
- 4d ago
- License
- MIT
- Context cost
- Mediumabout 2,349 tokens
- Runs scripts
- No, instructions only
What it does
UX writing and interface copy, from voice and button labels to error messages and empty states. Use when writing or reviewing any user-facing text: button and link labels, form errors, placeholders, settings labels, onboarding flows, notifications, or empty states. Triggers on UX writing, microcopy, interface copy, product copy, copywriting, button labels, link text, error messages, empty states, placeholder text, settings labels, capitalization, title case, sentence case, voice and tone.
Writing that disappears into the interface
Clear and brief beats clever, consistency beats variety, and the best error message is the interaction redesigned so the error can't happen. Apply these principles when writing or reviewing any user-facing text.
How copy renders (capitalization via text-transform, truncation, smart punctuation) is covered by the better-typography skill; error markup and announcements (aria-invalid, live regions) by the better-accessibility skill; room for translated strings by the better-layout skill.
Core Principles
1. Recon the Existing Voice
Before writing or reviewing, inspect nearby interface copy, the product's terminology, localization conventions, and any voice or content style guide. Preserve intentional brand character when it remains clear and appropriate to the stakes. Treat a difference from generic plain language as a finding only when it creates inconsistency, ambiguity, translation risk, or an inappropriate tone.
2. One Voice, Flexible Tone
The product has one voice, established by its existing system rather than invented during a local edit. Keep terms consistent: if it's "Archive" in the menu, it isn't "Move to storage" in the toast. Tone flexes with the stakes:
| Context | Tone |
|---|---|
| Success, onboarding, empty states | Warm, can be light |
| Routine actions, settings | Neutral, minimal |
| Errors, destructive confirmations | Calm, plain, zero playfulness |
| Data loss, security | Serious, explicit |
3. Address the Reader Directly
In instructional interface copy, address the reader directly as "you" rather than "the user." Avoid “we” in errors when it creates ambiguity or reads as deflection: prefer “Unable to load content” over “We're having trouble loading this content.” Preserve an established first-person brand voice in low-stakes contexts when it remains clear. Use possessives sparingly (“Favorites” over “Your Favorites”) and never switch perspective accidentally.
