N
New Tab
Always capitalized. The default Firefox start page unless you have set a different home page.
New Window
Always capitalized.
non-profit
Though “nonprofit” is not incorrect, we prefer to use the hyphenated form.
O
OK
Use instead of "O.K." or "Okay."
OK hand emoji (👌)
Do not use. The finger-and-thumb emoji is being used by some as a "sincere expression of white supremacy,” according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL).
open / open web
As the web is open by its very nature, there is no need to make the distinction; not a forbidden term, but avoid where possible; when specifically and intentionally referring to the Open Web movement, please capitalize.
options
Do not use. Use "settings." With the 2021 Proton redesign, we made a decision to standardize to "settings" for all platforms (instead of our previous approach to follow platform conventions of "Options" for Windows/Linux and "Preferences" for macOS). Note: As of December 2022, we are still inconsistent in our application of this rule as all surfaces (like the about:pages) were not in scope.
P
people
We strive to refer to the people who use our products as "people," not users. This helps to humanize who we design for. In general, avoid the impersonal term of "users" within the product. Do not use "customers."
phone
See “mobile device.”
Picture-in-Picture
Always capitalized with dashes. Internal abbreviation is PiP; do not use PiP in product UI or copy.
pin to taskbar
On Windows devices, applications (like Firefox) can be pinned to the taskbar. The taskbar typically runs along the bottom of the desktop screen but it can be customized to appear elsewhere. Always sentence case 'taskbar.' The MacOS equivalent of this action is to "add to or keep in Dock."
pop-up / pop up
Use pop-up for adjectives and nouns. Use pop up (space and no hyphen) for verbs.
plugin / plugins
Unless you’re talking about physically plugging something in, this should be one word, lowercase, when referring to things like Flash and QuickTime.
preferences
Do not use. Use "settings." With the 2021 Proton redesign, we made a decision to standardize to "settings" for all platforms (instead of our previous approach to follow platform conventions of "Options" for Windows/Linux and "Preferences" for macOS). Note: As of December 2022, we are still inconsistent in our application of this rule as all surfaces (like the about:pages) were not in scope.
primary browser
Making Firefox your 'primary browser' means that Firefox becomes your default browser and is pinned to your taskbar (for Windows users) or kept in your Dock (for MacOS users). Has been used in onboarding and modal messaging.
Primary Password
The password that unlocks other passwords saved locally on Firefox. Primary Password was formerly called Master Password. In English, the term “master” has a racist connotation. Firefox no longer uses this term.
private browsing
Always sentence case.
Private Browsing Mode
Do not use on desktop. “Private Browsing Mode” is an artifact of a time when you toggled a switch between normal and private mode. Instead, use "while using private browsing in a private window."
Private Browsing Sessions
Do not use. “Private Browsing Sessions” are an artifact of a time when you toggled a switch between normal and private mode. Instead, use "while using private browsing in a private window."
Private Tab
Use for mobile only. Follow device guidance for capitalization. Do not use on desktop. On desktop, the "atomic" unit of private browsing is the window. Reference to a “private tab” is unnecessary and potentially misleading as the tab is not a unit of private browsing separate from the window.
private window
Always sentence case.
Q
Quit
To follow desktop platform conventions, use "Quit" in the application menu in Windows only. Linux is "Exit." MacOS does not have this function from the application menu.
R
Reader View
A Firefox feature that strips away clutter like buttons, ads, background images, and videos on webpages. Always capitalized. Do not use "Reader Mode." If a page is available in Reader View, the Reader View icon will appear in the address bar.
right-click
Hyphenated in all forms and uses.