Buttons trigger an action in a web page. There are 4 variants of the button component with different levels of importance and usages.
Primary Button
Primary button is designed for users to perform the most important task in a web page. The visual design is more distinguishable from the secondary button.
Do's
- make sure the button‘s microcopy represents the action such as “Submit“ or “Register“
- use an icon only when it is necessary
Don'ts
- don't assign an action that should be assigned for a CTA or other variations of buttons
- don't use an icon when it is not relevant or necessary to the action
When to use
- as a form button such as submit, or save
- perform a new task
- move to the next step
- as a primary action
When not to use
do not use for navigation
do not use for downloads
do not use when the primary action is negative - use secondary button
do not use when the action can't be undone, such as delete
Secondary Button
It is used to represent the secondary action in a web page. It is paired with a primary button. The secondary button serves as the negative action of the pair, such as “Delete,” "Cancel" or “Remove”.
Do's
- ensure the button functions a negative action, such as "Cancel", "Delete," "Remove" or "Replace" as the secondary action next to the primary button
- follow the order of the button group; right to the primary button
- use an icon only when it is necessary
Don'ts
- do not use for primary positive actions - Submit, Send, Accept, Apply
- do not use on its own
- don't use an icon when it is not relevant or necessary to the action
When to use
- to indicate a negative action, to pair it with a primary button
- as a secondary action next to the primary button - such as Cancel, Reject
- next to the primary button if it is a yes and no scenario
When not to use
do not use for navigation
do not place it to the left side of the button group
Text Button
Text button is used in a web page with less prominent action. It can be grouped with other buttons or placed independently.
Do's
- make sure the button represents a less important action, such as "Show more", "Expand" or "See details"
Don'ts
- use it when the action has high importance in the hierarchy
When to use
- use with low emphasis in a button group
- use on pages/cards when the main focus should be the content and not the button
- when there is a single action intended
When not to use
do not use for navigation purpose
Call to action (CTA) button
Call to action button (CTA) captures users' attention in a web page. To perform an action or to visit another page for more information. The visual style has bright background colour and a high contrast label to indicate the importance of the action.
Do's
- ensure the button directs to a pre-defined goal, such as 'Search by priority'
Don'ts
- do not use more than once per page (except where the main action or user goal is repeated on the same page)
When to use
- for promoting a message, or highly important content you want to draw users' attention
When not to use
- do not use for site navigation purpose