| name | ux-copy |
| description | Write or review UX copy — microcopy, error messages, empty states, CTAs. Trigger with "write copy for", "what should this button say?", "review this error message", or when naming a CTA, wording a confirmation dialog, filling an empty state, or writing onboarding text. |
| argument-hint | <context or copy to review> |
/ux-copy
If you see unfamiliar placeholders or need to check which tools are connected, see CONNECTORS.md.
Write or review UX copy for any interface context.
Usage
/ux-copy $ARGUMENTS
What I Need From You
- Context: What screen, flow, or feature?
- User state: What is the user trying to do? How are they feeling?
- Tone: Formal, friendly, playful, reassuring?
- Constraints: Character limits, platform guidelines?
Principles
- Clear: Say exactly what you mean. No jargon, no ambiguity.
- Concise: Use the fewest words that convey the full meaning.
- Consistent: Same terms for the same things everywhere.
- Useful: Every word should help the user accomplish their goal.
- Human: Write like a helpful person, not a robot.
Copy Patterns
CTAs
- Start with a verb: "Start free trial", "Save changes", "Download report"
- Be specific: "Create account" not "Submit"
- Match the outcome to the label
Error Messages
Structure: What happened + Why + How to fix
- "Payment declined. Your card was declined by your bank. Try a different card or contact your bank."
Empty States
Structure: What this is + Why it's empty + How to start
- "No projects yet. Create your first project to start collaborating with your team."
Confirmation Dialogs
- Make the action clear: "Delete 3 files?" not "Are you sure?"
- Describe consequences: "This can't be undone"
- Label buttons with the action: "Delete files" / "Keep files" not "OK" / "Cancel"
Tooltips
- Concise, helpful, never obvious
Loading States
- Set expectations, reduce anxiety
Onboarding
- Progressive disclosure, one concept at a time
Voice and Tone
Adapt tone to context:
- Success: Celebratory but not over the top
- Error: Empathetic and helpful
- Warning: Clear and actionable
- Neutral: Informative and concise
Output
## UX Copy: [Context]
### Recommended Copy
**[Element]**: [Copy]
### Alternatives
| Option | Copy | Tone | Best For |
|--------|------|------|----------|
| A | [Copy] | [Tone] | [When to use] |
| B | [Copy] | [Tone] | [When to use] |
| C | [Copy] | [Tone] | [When to use] |
### Rationale
[Why this copy works — user context, clarity, action-orientation]
### Localization Notes
[Anything translators should know — idioms to avoid, character expansion, cultural context]
If Connectors Available
If ~~knowledge base is connected:
- Pull your brand voice guidelines and content style guide
- Check for existing copy patterns and terminology standards
If ~~design tool is connected:
- View the screen context in Figma to understand the full user flow
- Check character limits and layout constraints from the design
Tips
- Be specific about context — "Error message when payment fails" is better than "error message."
- Share your brand voice — "We're professional but warm" helps me match your tone.
- Consider the user's emotional state — Error messages need empathy. Success messages can celebrate.
