Style Guide: Bold, Italic, or Quotes When I Want to Emphasize Something?

Question

Let’s say I have many lists of this kind on a page: 1. Click on the Foo button. 2. Tick the Bar box. 3. Click on the Save button. How should I emphasize *Foo*, *Bar*, and *Save*? 1. Bold? 1. Click on the **Foo** button. 2. Tick the **Bar** box. 3. Click on the **Save** button. 2. Italic? 1. Click on the *Foo* button. 2. Tick the *Bar* box. 3. Click on the *Save* button. 3. Quotes? 1. Click on the “Foo” button. 2. Tick the “Bar” box. 3. Click on the “Save” button. NOTE: I want the lists to be read as easy as possible.

Answer 1

I agree that bold is a good choice for the structure you’re using. If you were to shorten the sentences I would use quotes:

1. Click on “Foo”.
2. Tick the Bar box.
3. Click “Save”.

I would not use quotes if you leave the sentences as they are; quotes around single words are used if you are discussing the words as words, e.g. “It’s inconceivable!” vs “I do not think that “inconceivable” means what you think it means.” (To bastardize that particular quote.) If you shorten the sentences so you’re not specifying that it’s the Save button you would use quotes to make it clear that you’re using “Save” as a noun, rather than a verb.

Answer 2

This is a matter of choice. I would use bold instead of the other options.

Answer 3

Bold is the most used for emphasizing. You can also use bold + underline.