Structure and Access
Grouping the Pull-Down Options by Using Separators
The menu options should be combined to form useful groups. The groups are to be separated from each other by a horizontal line.
Note Concerning the Following Dialog Box
If selecting a menu option displays a dialog box, this is to be indicated by placing three periods after the menu option. Do not use blanks between the option name and the first period. (see Technical Notes)
Selection Menus with Access Characters
The user should have a chance to select a menu bar option and therefore to open a pull-down menu by entering a character on the keyboard (access character). If a pull-down menu is opened, it must also be possible to choose every option by entering a character with the keyboard. For a number of standard functions, the characters are predefined. (see
Access Characters and Technical Notes)The used character should be typical for the option. This is usually the first letter or a letter which uniquely distinguishes options with same first letter.
Highlighting the Access Character
The access character is underlined in the menu option. (see Technical Notes)
Selecting a Menu Selection Using a Key Combination
If a menu is closed, it should be possible to choose frequently used functions by using a particular key combination. This can be a function key or another key together with the
CTRL key. The respective combination is to be right-aligned in the menu next to the option name (see Technical Notes).