How we display buttons

When to use a button

Use the button component to help users carry out an action like starting a form or service.

You should use a button if you want to make it clear where to start an interaction.

When to not use a button

You should not use a button if:

  • the council doesn't own the task we're linking to
  • it's not the main task on the page
  • you just want to make a link clearer

You should not use more than 1 button on a page.

How it works

A button should normally compliment the task users are coming to the page to carry out.

If there are multiple tasks on the same page, consider separating into multiple pages.

Good practice when labelling buttons

For most button labels, consider just adding the word 'now' to end of the task of the page. For example, if the page is called 'Apply for a premises licence' the button would be labelled 'Apply now'.

Other examples would include:

  • 'Order now'
  • 'Register now'
  • 'Contact now'
  • 'Submit now'
  • 'Renew now'

Keeping button labels consistent helps to:

  • ensure users get used to seeing a button and knowing it will help them start the task
  • prevent buttons from being too long and breaking over multiple lines - especially true when viewed on a mobile device

Example

Example of button text showing a button for applying for a licence labelled 'Apply now'

Example of how to label a button

Help with this pattern

Contact the webteam via ServiceNow if you need to:

  • ask a question
  • get help with this pattern
  • get help with writing content
  • make a suggestion for something we need to include in this guidance

You can find more guidance on writing content in the content design resources in the GOV.UK Service Manual.

We are still researching these patterns. If you have any research or suggestions that could help us improve this pattern, please tell the Web Team.