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Components

List

List is used to present content in a clear and structured way, for example to summarize main points or show the user which steps must be followed in a specific order.

Use List when

  • summarising key points
  • showing multiple steps in a process
  • listing criteria, options, prerequisites, or similar

Avoid List when

  • the items become so long that the list is no longer easy to read
  • information needs to be structured and compared. Use table instead

Example

Unordered list

Ordered list

Guidelines

Lists make content easier to scan and understand. Be mindful of structure and avoid long lists. Instead, break content into several shorter lists to improve readability.

Use ordered (numbered) lists when sequence matters, and unordered lists when it does not.

List or table?

Lists and tables serve different purposes. Using them correctly improves clarity for all users, especially those using screen readers or those with cognitive impairments.

  • A list presents related information in a clear way.
  • A table allows users to view and compare information organised in rows and columns.

Text

All items in a list should follow the same structure and connect clearly to the introductory sentence.

Items should be as short as possible, preferably no more than two sentences. When using lists for simple enumeration, each item should be limited to one sentence, ideally just a few words.

Writing rules for lists

A common mistake when writing lists is incorrect use of colons, full stops, commas, and capitalisation. There are two main rules for punctuation:

  1. When each item continues the introduction:
  • use lowercase at the start of each item
  • do not use a colon after the introduction
  • do not use a full stop at the end of each item

Example

  1. When each item is a complete sentence:
  • use a capital letter at the start of each item
  • end each item with a full stop

Example

Read more about these rules at Språkrådet.

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