Sign in or log in: Which UX copy works best? - UX Pickle (2024)

Reading Time - 3 min

Long story short, “Log In / Sign Up” works better.

You are probably here because you are a designer or a developer having a debate on whether to use ‘sign in/sign up’ or ‘login/register’ or any other combination of these words.

What makes sense is that we need to distinguish these two words since they perform quite distinct roles and address consumers with very different attitudes. The first is a new user who wants to ‘Sign up’ or ‘Register,’ while the second is an existing user who wants to ‘Log In’ or ‘Sign in’ to their account on the system.

When it comes to user experience, consistency is essential, and whichever method you choose, you’ll need to apply it to all of the products or websites you’re working on.

Why is it a problem?

Sign in or log in: Which UX copy works best? - UX Pickle (1)

The usage of sign up and sign in has a pleasing symmetry that will undoubtedly attract a large number of individuals. Unfortunately, because of the symmetry, the user’s ability to distinguish the button he needs is reduced to only two letters. It’s easy to mistakenly choose to sign up when the user is meant to choose to sign in.

The first letter of the first word of the first button is also the first letter of the second word of the second button. It becomes as confusing as the last sentence is. This is something we’ll call the visual symmetry problem. The visual symmetry problem is not related to the conceptual symmetry problem. If you have a button that says “Sign Up” then, assuming that the user needs to “sign up” to use your site, the button is not wrong. However, if you have buttons that say “Sign Up” and “Sign In”, and you want the user to “Sign In”, then the visual symmetry problem is very real.

Just because everyone does it doesn’t imply it’s excellent UX. There are a lot of terrible UX patterns out there that are norms.

Many companies’ fates are almost entirely determined by one point of conversion, and that is when a customer turns into a user. Far too frequently, this critical duty is borne by a generic “sign up” button, which is lucky to receive even a minute of thought during creation.

If you think about the language of your signup button, you can dramatically boost the number of visitors who become users. Since they demand blind commitment, the typical “Sign Up” buttons don’t work.

How to make the Sign up button work?

  • Make it relevant to your product: “Start Selling Art” if you have an artist marketplace. This makes it less likely that the button will be ignored.
  • Give instead of taking: The words “Get Access” and “Sign Up” both mean the same thing, yet one gives the impression that the visitor is gaining anything while the other does not.
  • Motivate people to take action: ‘Get’, ‘start,’ and ‘try’ are examples of action verbs that will prompt people to act and make an account on your page.
  • Don’t add too many words to the CTA: What we’ve found is that, in general, the more words you add, the less attractive the button becomes.

So, which one should I choose?

Use ‘Create Account’ instead of ‘Sign up’

Create Account is just a more accurate representation of the action being offered. Using the term “Account” opens the door to features like ‘Account Settings’, which are tied to the notion that each user has an individual account.

This function is generally associated with log in/sign In functionality, and if you choose to sign In, you’ll end up with two almost identical buttons, as shown below.

Sign in or log in: Which UX copy works best? - UX Pickle (2)

Use ‘Log in’ instead of ‘Sign in’

Keep in mind that “log in” is a verb and “login” is a noun. The names of the buttons should be verbs, but the reference to the login experience should be a noun. Using “Log in” and “Sign up” helps users distinguish the terms and according to research, works better.

Sign in or log in: Which UX copy works best? - UX Pickle (2024)

FAQs

Sign in or log in: Which UX copy works best? - UX Pickle? ›

Sign in or log in: Which UX copy works best? Reading Time – 3 min Long story short, “Log In / Sign Up” works better. You are probably here because you are a designer or a developer having a debate on whether to use 'sign in/sign up' or 'login/register' or…

Is sign in or log-in better? ›

For accessing accounts over the Internet, the recommendation is using sign in with a separate to when needed. For computers and workstations, they recommend log in.

How do you write login vs log in UX? ›

Keep in mind that “log in” is a verb and “login” is a noun. The names of the buttons should be verbs, but the reference to the login experience should be a noun. Using “Log in” and “Sign up” helps users distinguish the terms and according to research, works better.

What is the difference between UI copy and UX copy? ›

UI text (UI = interface text delivered via screens or voice while using the product) UX copy (UX = text for any part of the user experience, including marketing and support copy)

Should I say log in or sign in? ›

Don't ever use signin - not a word. Log in and Sign in are both appropriate call to actions for this usage. Both are considered verbs when used in this context, prompting an action from the user. In my opinion, use log as opposed to sign.

What's the difference between sign in and login? ›

We can use the phrasal verb “sign in” in the same way as “log in.” But unlike “log in,” “sign in” is common outside of the computer world. As part of security measures in an office building or school, you may have to provide information about yourself before you enter.

Should it be login to or log into? ›

“Log into” is sometimes used instead of “log in to,” but this is generally considered incorrect (as is “login to”).

What is the difference between login and logging in? ›

“Log into” is also a phrasal verb, with the same meaning as “log in” to a computer system. “Logging,” in computer terms, means “making one's presence known to the computer system into which one is signing in.”

Do you login or log on? ›

Log in: Refers to the process of entering specific credentials, such as a username and password, to access a system, website, or application. 2. Log on: Can be a more general term for connecting or accessing a system, which might not always require credentials.

What is a good UX copy? ›

Your UX writing should be time and context-appropriate. Don't be afraid to add humor to your UX copy. Serious and formal tones are out; conversational and positive tones are in. Empty states confuse users, so populate them with clear CTAs. Write a benefit-driven UX copy so users know what's in it for them.

Why is UX copy important? ›

UX copywriting is a specialized form of copywriting that focuses on creating content and text for user interfaces. It plays a crucial role in guiding users, providing information, and facilitating their interaction with your product or website.

What is the difference between duplicate and copy in UX? ›

Copy: Is to take something from a file and put it somewhere else. The most common example being copy and paste. Duplicate: Is to make a duplicate of the document and add it to the file. For example you duplicate a picture and now there are two of the same picture in the file you are using.

What is the difference between Microcopy and UX copy? ›

Microcopy is a small piece of the puzzle that focuses on the specific words and phrases that are used in an interface. UX writing, on the other hand, takes a more holistic approach to the overall tone and voice of a product, and often encompasses larger pieces of content throughout the product journey.

What is the biggest difference between UX and UI? ›

What is the difference between UI and UX? In digital design, user interface (UI) refers to the interactivity, look, and feel of a product screen or web page, while user experience (UX) covers a user's overall experience with the product or website.

What is an example of UX writing vs copywriting? ›

Some examples of copywriting may include web copy, blog posts, case studies, white papers, email sequences, sales pages, and ad copy. UX writing, on the other hand, focuses on the end user and the experience they have within the digital product, often once they've already been sold on it—i.e., have signed up for it.

How do I login or sign in? ›

Type in your email address or your username (e.g., the username part of the email address). Click Next. Type in your account password. Click Sign in.

Is it log in or login into? ›

“Log in” is a phrasal verb meaning “connect to an electronic device, system, or app.” The preposition “to” is often used directly after the verb; “in” and “to” should be written as two separate words (e.g., “log in to the app to update privacy settings”).

Is sign in two words? ›

The verb form is two words, sign in or sign out. Avoid using as a noun or adjective (sign-in, sign-out).

What is the purpose of login in? ›

In computer security, logging in (or logging on, signing in, or signing on) is the process by which an individual gains access to a computer system or program by identifying and authenticating themselves.

References

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