better-writing

Reviews and rewrites user-facing interface copy including buttons, errors, and empty states.

Updated Jul 29, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/zomeru/zomlab --skill better-writing-zomeru
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: better-writing
Source: https://github.com/zomeru/zomlab/tree/main/.agents/skills/better-writing
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/zomeru/zomlab --skill better-writing-zomeru

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Inconsistent, vague, or confusing interface copy erodes user trust and makes products harder to use. This Skill applies twelve concrete UX writing principles to write or review microcopy so buttons, errors, links, and empty states are clear, consistent, and actionable. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Copy Review with Findings Tables: Audits existing interface text and reports findings grouped by principle with severity, file location, before/after quotes, and rationale. - Twelve Writing Principles: Covers verb-first buttons, error messages that say how to fix the problem, empty states with a next action, consistent capitalization, toggle labels describing the ON state, and placeholders as format examples. - Use Case: A developer finishing a settings page asks for a copy review; the Skill flags a destructive dialog using "OK" instead of "Delete project", a toggle labeled "Don't send read receipts", and an empty state that only says "No results.", each with a concrete replacement. ## Quick Start Review the user-facing copy in my settings and checkout components and suggest improvements for buttons, errors, and empty states.

Frequently Asked Questions about better-writing

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I write better error messages for forms?▼

Error messages should state how to fix the problem and appear next to the failing field. Replace vague text like "Invalid name" with actionable guidance such as "Use only letters for your name", phrased positively without blame or exclamation marks.

How to write good button labels for UI?▼

Button labels should start with a verb naming the specific action, like "Save draft" or "Delete project". Avoid "OK", "Yes", or "Let's go!", and on destructive confirmations repeat the consequence so the dialog is answerable without reading the body.

What should an empty state say in a web app?▼

An empty state should orient the user and point forward: name the place, explain its purpose, and offer one clear next action such as "Create a project". Search empty states should name the query and offer an exit like clearing filters.

Should UI copy use title case or sentence case?▼

Pick one capitalization policy per element type and apply it consistently. Sentence case is the safer default because it is calmer, avoids per-word case rules, and localizes cleanly; mixing "Save Changes" beside "Discard changes" reads as sloppiness.

When should placeholders not be used as field labels?▼

Placeholders should never serve as a field's only label because they vanish on input. Every field keeps a visible label, while placeholders show the expected format such as [email protected] or DD/MM/YYYY.