Overview
We use American English spelling. Consult this list for the correct spelling, capitalization, and hyphenation of terms that are commonly used at Autodesk. For words not in this list, use the first-listed spelling in Merriam-Webster.
This list also displays acronyms based on how they should be used on the first reference in the body copy. An entry like virtual reality (VR) means to spell out the term first, and then give the acronym; the acronym can then be used for subsequent references.
0-9
1-on-1 Use only when space is constrained. Preferred: spell out, as in get one-on-one support.
2D Not 2d, not 2-D. Preferred over two-dimensional. No need to spell out on first reference.
3D Not 3d, not 3-D. Preferred over three-dimensional. No need to spell out on first reference.
64-bit/32-bit (adj) Should only be used to modify a noun: a 32-bit operating system. Always takes a hyphen.
A
a.k.a. Abbreviation for also known as. Not aka, not a. k. a.
ACC Do not use as an acronym for Autodesk Construction Cloud.
Accelerator, accelerator Uppercase for branded term when used in conjunction with Autodesk (Autodesk Accelerator), lowercase for generic usage.
account Lowercase in all usages: Autodesk account, your account. See entry for Autodesk account.
adapter Not adaptor.
add-on Note hyphen. Never addon. Do not use add-in, addin.
additive manufacturing Do not capitalize.
ADSK This is Autodesk’s NASDAQ symbol and is a pending trademark of Autodesk. Do not use as shorthand for “Autodesk” in body copy. Exception: ADSK News.
adviser Not advisor.
AEC Do not use on first reference to indicate architecture, engineering and construction generically. OK to use in headlines, where space is limited, or after first reference in body copy.
AEC Collection OK as an abbreviation for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction Collection after first reference.
AEC Excellence Awards Proper noun. Do not spell out AEC.
Ajax Not AJAX. Short for asynchronous JavaScript + XML.
AI See artificial intelligence.
allows Avoid. Lets is preferred to create shorter, friendlier text. Example: The Paintbrush tool lets you create realistic brushstrokes.
AM Not am, not a.m. Include a space after the time: 8:30 AM, 1 AM. See Time.
and/or Avoid if possible and reword the sentence.
animatable
anti-aliasing Note hyphen.
API Acronym for application programming interface. No need to spell out on first reference.
app Not application. Use to refer to a lightweight program that offers limited functionality; for example, a mobile app or utility. When referring to a full-featured program, such as AutoCAD, use software rather than app or application. Also see application.
appendixes Not appendices.
application Do not use as a synonym for software. Also see app.
Architecture, Engineering & Construction Collection OK to abbreviate as AEC Collection after first reference, without including a parenthetical first. Also see Collections.
architecture, engineering, and construction Lowercase when referring generically to the industry. May use AEC after first reference or in headlines.
AREA Use all capital letters. Community resource site for M&E software.
artificial intelligence Do not capitalize. Spell out on first reference and include (AI) as a parenthetical: artificial intelligence (AI). AI is acceptable on second reference, and may be used in headlines where space is limited.
Asia Pacific (n), Asia-Pacific (adj) Don’t abbreviate. Preferred over APAC in customer-facing copy.
AUGI A CAD and BIM user group. Independent organization that is not part of Autodesk.
Autodesk Spell out the company name in all use cases; do not abbreviate as Adesk, ADSK, or any other construction. (Exception: ADSK News.) Autodesk is a both a trade name and a trademark; when required, Autodesk uses ®. When used as a trade name, it may be used in possessive form: Autodesk’s business strategy encompasses a 10-year vision. For more information, see Trademarks and Product Names and Branded Terms.
Autodesk Access An app that delivers automatic product and component updates. Style as a proper noun and always include Autodesk on first reference. On second reference, you may omit Autodesk unless the potential for confusion exists, such as when the verb access is used in proximity. Replaces the legacy Autodesk desktop application (ADA); do not refer to as Autodesk app, Autodesk desktop app, or desktop app.
Yes: Autodesk Access is built with customers’ trust, security, and choice in mind.
Yes: Access replaces the legacy Autodesk desktop app.
Yes: You can access Autodesk Access by clicking…
No: You can access Access by clicking…
Autodesk account **updated guidance as of November 2023** We no longer require capitalization of Account. Treat account as a generic term, whether or not it’s preceded with Autodesk. Use standard articles or modifiers for clarity: Sign into your account, manage subscriptions in your Autodesk account. Do not use synonyms such as subscription portal, subscription center, sub center, or similar.
Autodesk app, Autodesk desktop app Do not use. Term has been deprecated with the introduction of Autodesk Access.
Autodesk Authorized Partner Preferred term is Autodesk Partner. If you use this construction, capitalize as a proper noun. On second reference, use Partner (but partner generically).
Autodesk Authorized Training Center (ATC) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as a parenthetical.
Autodesk Construction Cloud Always use Autodesk with Construction Cloud. Whenever possible, spell out in full construction: Autodesk Construction Cloud. Avoid the acronym ACC unless there are space constraints that make it impossible or impractical to use the full construction.
Autodesk Consulting Capitalize as a proper noun.
Autodesk Developer Conference Not Autodesk Developers Conference.
Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as a parenthetical.
Autodesk Education Community Never use the acronym AEC. On second reference, you can shorten to the Education Community.
Autodesk Flow Autodesk’s industry cloud for media and entertainment. On first reference, always include Autodesk. First reference in third-party content must include the appropriate trademark designation: Autodesk Flow™. On second reference, you may use Flow. Never Flow Cloud.
Autodesk Forma Autodesk’s industry cloud for architecture, engineering, construction, and operations. On first reference, always include Autodesk. First reference in third-party content must include the appropriate trademark designation: Autodesk Forma™. On second reference, you may use Forma. Never Forma Cloud.
Autodesk Fusion Autodesk’s industry cloud for manufacturing. On first reference, always include Autodesk. First reference in third-party content must include the appropriate trademark designation: Autodesk Fusion™. On second reference, you may use Fusion. Never Fusion Cloud.
Autodesk Gallery at One Market
Autodesk Gallery Boston
Autodesk Gallery Portland
Autodesk Gallery, Autodesk galleries, the gallery, the galleries
Autodesk ID Use Autodesk account instead.
Yes: Sign in to your Autodesk account.
No: Sign in with your Autodesk ID.
Autodesk ISV Acronym for independent software vendor.Spell out if possible.
Autodesk ISV Partner Program Do not use; use Autodesk Partner Program instead.
Autodesk Partner Center Capitalize as a proper noun.
Autodesk Partner Portal Obsolete term. Use Autodesk Partner Center.
Autodesk Platform The Autodesk Platform consists of industry clouds and a set of common, cloud-based services. Use the Autodesk Platform (capitalized as a proper noun) in headlines and in the first reference in copy. In subsequent references, use the platform (lowercase) without Autodesk. For more information, see the Autodesk Platform Glossary (SSO required).
Autodesk Rendering Stand-alone service. Generically: rendering.
Autodesk reseller Lowercase; not Autodesk Reseller. Preferred term is Autodesk Partner.
Autodesk University (AU) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as a parenthetical.
B
back end (n), back-end (adj) Exception to Merriam-Webster.
backup (n, adj), back up (v) Exception to Merriam-Webster.
backward compatibility (n), backward compatible (adj) Not backwards compatible.
bar code Exception to Merriam-Webster.
base map
baseline
beta testing
Bezier, Bezier curve Capitalize the B. You may omit the acute accent (Bézier).
bill of materials (BOM) (singular n); bills of materials (BOMs) (plural n) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as a parenthetical.
BIM Acronym for building information modeling. OK to use on first reference.
BIM model Do not use. Use intelligent model instead.
blacklist Do not use. Depending on the context of the sentence, use block (blocked, blocking), add … to a blocked list, or blocked list. See our entry on racially inclusive terminology for more information.
boot camp Two words, not bootcamp.
breakline One word. A breakline indicates there is a distinct change in slope on either side of the line. Disambiguation: break line, the last line of a paragraph (Merriam-Webster).
bug fix Two words, not bugfix. Do not use as a verb.
building information model Do not use. Use intelligent model instead.
building information modeling (BIM) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as a parenthetical. Do not capitalize the phrase as Building Information Modeling.
buy-in (n), buy in (v)
C
CAD No need to spell out for Autodesk audience.
CAD manager A staff title. Do not capitalize manager.
CADAM Spell out on first reference. A generic term for computer-aided design and manufacturing, also a company name.
canceled Not cancelled.
cannot Can’t is preferred for more user-friendly content.
capability Always lowercase. Use to refer to a set of Autodesk features (functionalities) that enables a workflow or part of a workflow. Example: Machining, Simulation, and Generative Design in Fusion are sold as extensions and appear as capabilities in Fusion products.
catalog Not catalogue.
cel Animation term.
centercross
centerhole
centerline
centermark
center point
Central Time Treat as a proper noun. Exception to The Chicago Manual of Style. See Time.
CgFX Exception to formatting file types in all caps.
check-in (n), check in (v) Hyphen in noun form, two words in verb form.
check mark Two words. Not checkmark.
check-out (n), check out (v) Hyphen in noun form, two words in verb form. The former is an exception to Merriam-Webster (checkout).
checkbox One word. Not check box.
clear Use clear for checkboxes and radio buttons and deselect for other UI widgets.
client-server (adj) Not client/server.
cloud Lowercase for generic references.
cloud product Lowercase. Use when referring to products offered as components of Autodesk’s industry clouds, to differentiate next-generation products from legacy products. Example: Forma Concept is a cloud product that enables Forma workflows.
co-founder Note the hyphen. Exception to Merriam-Webster. When capitalizing in a title, Co-founder.
co-linear Note hyphen; exception to Merriam-Webster.
co-marketing
co-sinusoidal
color Not colour, except in trademarked term Colour Warper.
color decision list (CDL)
color grading (n, adj) No hyphen.
Color Transformation Language (CTL)
companywide
computer numerical control (CNC)
common data experience Outdated term replaced with Design and Make Data.
conceptual energy analysis (CEA)
contract manager Lowercase. Do not abbreviate as CM.
copy protection (n) copy-protect (v), copy-protected (adj) Use hyphen only when the adjective precedes its object.
Yes: The copy-protected file was corrupted.
Yes: The file was copy protected.
cost-effectiveness (n), cost-effective (adj), cost-effectively (adv)
cross sectional (adj)
crowdsourcing (n), crowdsource (v)
cut line
D
data Singular and plural.
data set Not dataset.
data store Not datastore.
datum Do not use. Use data for singular or plural.
day one Not day 1.
dealer Do not use. Instead, use Autodesk Partner (preferred) or reseller.
decision maker (n), decision making (n), decision-making (adj) Exception to Merriam-Webster, which uses a hyphen in the noun form.
deselect Use clear for checkboxes and radio buttons and deselect for other UI widgets.
Design and Make, Design and Make Platform A brand category developed by Autodesk. Style as a proper noun and spell out and. You may use an ampersand (Design & Make) in cases where space is constrained or to streamline text in program names or visual assets. Note: Platform should be singular. Only use Design and Make Platforms (plural) when the context could lead to a lack of clarity or confusion between the category and the Autodesk Platform. For more details, please see our Design and Make Platform editorial usage guidelines (SSO required). Examples:
Autodesk is a global leader in Design and Make technology.
Autodesk’s new annual research report, “The State of Design & Make,” was launched in 2023.
Autodesk is an innovator in the Design and Make Platform category.
Design and Make data A set of platform capabilities that enable seamless data access and connections between workstreams; industry clouds and Autodesk products; and third-party applications. Only capitalize “data” when referring to “Design and Make Data” capabilities. Example: Through Design and Make Data, Autodesk delivers collaboration, data management, and enhanced product workflow capabilities to our customers. For more information, see our Platform Data Glossary (SSO required).
developer guide An Autodesk manual type, not developer’s guide.
dialog Not dialogue. OK to use alone when referring to a dialog box.
digital factory Lowercase. Always include an article (a, an, the) when used as a noun: Here are four ways the digital factory is changing manufacturing.
digital signature
Digital Signature Standard (DSS) Proper noun.
do’s and don’ts
dot-com (n, adj)
double-buffering
double-click (n, v)
double-density (adj)
double-precision (adj)
downtime Avoid when referring to an Autodesk product or program.
dpi Dots per inch. No need to spell out on first reference.
drafter Not draftsman.
drag (v) Not drag and drop.
drag-and-drop (adj)
drop-down list
DWF™ Autodesk proprietary file type. Use ™ on first reference.
DWG™ Autodesk proprietary file type. Use ™ on first reference.
DXF™ Autodesk proprietary file type. Use ™ on first reference.
E
e-book Uppercase as E-book only at the beginning of a sentence or in headlines and subheads.
e-course Preferred: online course.
e-learning Preferred: online course.
Earth, earth Uppercase when referring to the planet and lowercase when referring to soil.
Eastern Time Treat as a proper noun. Exception to The Chicago Manual of Style. See Time.
eco-design Not ecodesign.
edit decision list (EDL) Not edit-decision list.
Education plan Use plan, not program, and always capitalize Education and lowercase plan.
email (n, adj) Not e-mail. Lowercase email addresses.
embed Not imbed.
end point Two words when referring to a point marking the completion of a process or stage of a process.
end user (n), end-user (adj)
end-of-life (EOL) (n, adj) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as parenthetical.
endpoint One word when referring to either of two points or values that mark the ends of a line segment or interval.
ENERGY STAR Note all caps.
engineer-to-order (ETO) (n, adj)
ensure Do not use alone. Always qualify this term (can ensure, helps ensure) to avoid false claims, per Legal.
Enterprise Business Agreement (EBA) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as parenthetical.
Enterprise plan Capitalize only the first word when referring to Autodesk’s subscription plan offering. Example: My company has 45 users on the Autodesk Enterprise plan.
enterprise-wide
entitlement Do not use to refer to the benefits acquired when subscribing to a product. Instead, use product, the product name, or specify the license type.
Yes: To get access to the generative design capabilities, please subscribe to [product name].
No: To get access to the generative design capabilities, please subscribe to an appropriate entitlement type.
Yes: The [name] API, which is available with your subscription plan, can help you…
No: This is what the Entitlement API can help you with…
Yes: Download Autodesk Access to get the products in your subscription plan.
No: Download Autodesk Access to obtain entitlements.
equal sign Not equals sign. Exception to The Chicago Manual of Style.
Ethernet
euro
F
F-curve
FAQ Not FAQs, unless referring to several different sets of frequently asked questions.
field name
file name But in syntax statements, < filename >, with no space between the < > and the word.
file tree Two words; lowercase.
file type Two words.
Flex Always capitalize when referring to Autodesk’s pay-as-you-go offering. Do not use pay-per-use or PPU.
flyout (n), fly out (v)
flythrough (n), fly through (v)
forward Not forwards.
forward compatibility (n), forward compatible (adj) Not forwards compatible.
frame rate
free-form Not freeform.
freehand (adj, adv)
freshwater (adj) No hyphen.
from within Use from instead. Example: Access the internet directly from your AutoCAD session.
G
game play Not gameplay.
GB Gigabytes; not gb or G B.
gbXML Green building extensible markup language.
generative AI Do not capitalize. Spell out on first reference, with (AI) as a parenthetical: generative artificial intelligence (AI). Use generative AI on subsequent references and in headlines where space is limited.
generative design Lowercase for generic use; Autodesk Generative Design when referring to a stand-alone utility available with Netfabb Ultimate and Fusion 360 Ultimate.
geodatabase
geographic information system (GIS)
georeferenced (adj)
GHz Gigahertz. Example: 1.8 GHz.
global positioning system (GPS)
GMask
GmbH
gradeline
grandfathered Do not use. If denoting “maintained,” use maintained, maintained at, or allowed to keep. See our entry on racially inclusive terminology for more information.
graphics card Not graphic card.
graphics hardware Not graphic hardware.
graphics processing unit (GPU)
gray Not grey.
grayed, grayed out Use dimmed or not enabled instead.
grayscale
gridline
H
handheld
hardline drawing
health care (n, adj)
help, help to Do not add to after help. It’s unnecessary and creates a formal tone.
high definition (HD)
high dynamic range (HDR)
high dynamic range imaging (HDRI)
home page Two words, not homepage.
hotfix Update is the preferred term. Refers to a temporary urgent fix made to a critical bug.
hotkey
how-to, how-to’s
I
image-based lighting (IBL)
imperial dimensions Not necessarily the same as metric.
in-product
inbox No hyphen.
independent software vendor (ISV) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as parenthetical.
indexes Not indices.
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
industry cloud Do not capitalize. Drop industry when the industry designation precedes the term cloud. Example: Autodesk Forma is an architecture, engineering, and construction cloud. An Autodesk industry cloud consists of products that connect processes and streamline workflows in that industry, offering capabilities that span the full lifecycle of a project. For more information, see the Autodesk Platform Glossary (SSO required).
InfiniBand
infrastructure modeling
inline (adj, adv) Exception to Merriam-Webster.
input (v) Do not use. Use enter instead.
integrated development environment (IDE)
integrated project delivery (IPD)
Intermediate Data Format (IDF)
internet Lowercase. Exception to Merriam-Webster.
Internet of Things (IoT)
intranet
inverse kinematics (IK) Not inverse kinetics.
J
JavaScript
jobsite
jump start (n), jump-start (v) Note the hyphen in the verb usage.
K
KB (not Kb) Kilobytes. Example: 2 KB.
keyframe, keyframed, keyframing Not key-frame, key-framed, key-framing.
kickoff (n, adj)
knowledge base Not knowledgebase.
L
LandXML
lb Abbreviation for pound, even when plural.
LEED Acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. No need to spell out on first reference. If spelling out, use title case.
left side Not left-hand side.
leftmost
lets Preferred over allows, enables, or gives you the capability to create shorter, friendlier text.
level of detail (LOD)
license Not licence.
LIDAR Acronym for light detecting and ranging. No need to spell out on first reference. Lowercase when spelling out.
lifecycle (n, adj) Exception to Merriam-Webster.
lightweighting
line style Not linestyle.
line width Not linewidth.
linetype
lineweight Not line weight.
linework
lip sync (n), lip-syncer (n), lip-sync (v), lip-synced (v), lip-syncing (v)
log file (n)
log in (v) Do not use. Use sign in.
log into (v) Do not use. Use sign in.
log on (v) Do not use. Use sign in.
login (n) Do not use. Use sign-in.
lookup tables (LUTs)
lowercase (n, v, adj) Style as one word in all usage. Exception to Merriam-Webster.
M
M&E Collection Do not use to abbreviate Media & Entertainment Collection unless space is limited.
main stage (n), main-stage (adj) Hyphenate only when it precedes its object.
maintenance plan Not Maintenance Subscription.
manufacturing-informed design (MID) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as parenthetical. Note hyphen.
mark up (v)
marketplace
markup (n, adj)
marshland
master, master and slave: Do not use. For general use, to denote hierarchy or dependency, use primary/secondary. To denote computing nodes, use head node/compute node. For use in M&E content, to denote object control, use source/target. To denote “controller,” use driver/driven. To denote “control,” use main/driven or primary/replica. See our entry on racially inclusive terminology for more information.
match line Not matchline.
matrixes
MB (not mb or M B) Megabytes.
Media & Entertainment Collection Always spell out; do not abbreviate as M&E Collection (unless space is limited). See Collections.
MEP (adj) Acronym for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. OK to use on first reference.
MHz Megahertz.
microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)
mm Abbreviation for millimeters, no period. Example: 10 mm.
mockup (n)
modeling Not modelling.
more than Use instead of over in quantifying increases. Example: the river rose more than 25 feet.
motion capture (n, adj)
motion graphics (n) Treat as a singular noun when referring to the field or concept: Motion graphics is a type of animation. Treat as a plural when referring to discrete instances or multiples: The motion graphics on this site are exceptional.
Mountain Time Exception to The Chicago Manual of Style. See Time.
mouse-click (n)
movie-making (n) Exception to Merriam-Webster.
multi-touch
multi-user Not Multiuser, multiuser, Multi-User.
multi-year Not Multiyear, multi year, Multi Year Subscription.
N
N/A Abbreviation for not available or not applicable. Always capitalize.
named user Avoid. Only use if referring to Autodesk’s legacy purchasing model. User is preferred.
non-player character (NPC) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as parenthetical.
noon Not 12:00 noon.
number one (adj) Okay to use #1 as a graphic element. But avoid using No. or # in copy when space is tight as they’re not widely used in other languages (see Abbreviating “number”). From a legal perspective, we need to be able to back up this claim in relation to our products.
NURBS Acronym for non-uniform rational basis spline. OK to use on first reference. Lowercase when spelling out.
O
occur Rephrase to avoid passive construction.
offline (adj, adv) No hyphen in all uses. Exception to Merriam-Webster, which hyphenates the adverb form.
okay But OK button.
optical character recognition (OCR) Spell out on first reference.
option Capitalize the option name but not option. Example: The Blur option creates…
OS Do not use. Use operating system instead.
over More than is preferred when quantifying unknowns. Example: More than 100 homes flooded due to recent rain.
P
Pacific Time Exception to The Chicago Manual of Style. See Time.
PANTONE Trademarked term. Always style in all caps.
Partner (n), partner (n, v) Uppercase when referring to authorized Autodesk resellers; see also Autodesk Authorized Partner entry. Lowercase in generic references. Example: We partner with construction managers to speed execution.
path name Exception: in syntax statements, <pathname>.
pathfinding
PCs (plural)
PD&M Collection Do not use to abbreviate Product Design & Manufacturing Collection unless space is limited. See Collections.
PDF (n, adj)
percent Do not use. Always use the % symbol
phase alternating line (PAL) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as a parenthetical.
Phong shading
photorealistic Not photo-realistic; never near-photorealistic.
pick and choose Do not use. Use choose instead.
piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) Autodesk defines it as piping and instrumentation diagram, but some define it as process and instrumentation diagram. Spell out on first reference for clarity and include acronym as a parenthetical.
playout (n), play out (v) The noun form is a broadcasting term.
please Only use please if you’re asking customers to do something that will help you or the company. Don’t use if you’re relaying information or giving direction.
plug-in (n), plug in (v)
plus Hyphenate with preceding numeral, as in 500-plus.
plus sign (+) Use only in display type, and then sparingly, as in 500+.
PM Not pm, not p.m. Include a space after the time: 8:30 PM, 1 PM. See Time.
polyline Don’t shorten to pline.
pop-up (n, adj)
postproduction Not post-production.
pre-architecture
pre-engineering
Premium plan Capitalize only the first word when referring to Autodesk’s subscription plan offering. Example: My company has users on the Autodesk Premium plan.
preorder Not pre-order.
preproduction Not pre-production.
previsualization, previsualize Not pre-visualization.
primary admin
printed circuit board (PCB) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as a parenthetical.
prior to Use before instead.
product data management (PDM) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as parenthetical.
Product Design & Manufacturing Collection Always spell out; do not abbreviate as PD&M Collection (unless space is limited). See Collections.
product family Use products instead, e.g., AutoCAD products.
product lifecycle management (PLM) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as a parenthetical.
product line Use products instead, e.g., AutoCAD products.
projectwide (adj)
proof of concept (n), proof-of-concept (adj)
PS Postscript at end of letter; note that periods are not used.
pull-down (adj)
Python scripting
R
radii Plural of radius.
radiosity
radius dimensions Not radial.
rapid energy modeling Never use the acronym REM.
rational method
ray trace (n, v), ray-trace (adj) Hyphenate only when it precedes its object.
ray tracing (n, v) ray-tracing (adj)
raycast
re-creation (to distinguish from recreation)
re-engineering Note hyphen. Exception to Merriam-Webster.
readme (n) Italicize file name: readme.doc.
readme file
real time (n), real-time (adj)
reality capture (n, adj) No hyphen in either form.
redline (v) Do not use. Depending on the context of the sentence, use mark up (verb) or markup (noun, adjective). See our entry on racially inclusive terminology for more information.
redo (n), redos (plural n)
relational database management system (RDBMS) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as parenthetical. Use an with acronym: an RDBMS.
rendering Lowercase for generic use; Autodesk Rendering when referring to stand-alone service.
request for information (RFI) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as a parenthetical.
reseller Lowercase for generic use.
reverse-engineer (v)
right side Not right-hand side.
right-click (n, v)
rightmost
road map (n) Not roadmap.
road-tested
ROI Acronym for return on investment. No need to spell out on first reference. Lowercase when spelling out.
rollout (n), roll out (v)
roll-up (n), roll up (v)
roto-shapes
rotoscoping
round-trip (n) Also used occasionally as a verb.
royalty-free
rubberbanding
rubbersheeting (n)
runtime (n, adj) Not run-time.
S
said, says Use the present tense says over the past tense said unless the speaker is obviously referring to something in the past. Do not use synonyms, such as exclaims, states, reports, in long-form copy such as customer stories and case studies.
screencast
scrollbar
seat Do not use. Use subscription or license instead.
secondary admin
setup (n, adj), set up (v)
sheet metal (n, adj) Do not hyphenate in either usage.
show reel Not showreel.
side-by-side (adj, adv)
sideshot
sign in (v) Needs no hyphen. Example: Sign in to your account. Do not use log in, log into, or log on.
sign on (n), sign-on (v) Do not use. Use sign in (n) or sign-in (v).
sign out (v) Do not use. Use sign off.
sign-up (n, adj), sign up (v)
sign-in (n) Note hyphen. Example: Check that you are using the correct sign-in.
single sign-on (SSO) Hyphenate sign-on. Spell out on first reference and include acronym as parenthetical. Do not capitalize on if using title case, Single Sign-on.
single user (n), single-user (adj) Not Singleuser, singleuser, Single-user. Examples:
Set permissions for a single user.
Edit the single-user permissions.
single-user subscription Do not use. This term has been retired.
skill set Two words. Not skillset.
snap grid
snap rotation
snap style
snap to
software (n) Always style as an uncountable noun, with no plural. Use with a singular verb. Do not precede with a. Examples: Autodesk software provides [etc.]; Download your software; Revit is BIM software widely used by architects, engineers, and contractors.
software as a service (SaaS) Spell out on first reference and include the acronym as a parenthetical.
software coordinator Lowercase. Do not abbreviate as SC.
software development kit (SDK) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as parenthetical.
spacebar
SSL Acronym for secure sockets layer, a digital certification protocol. No need to spell out on first reference.
stakeholder(s) We suggest reconsidering this word in customer-facing copy, due to its problematic historical connotations (colonialism and indigenous peoples) as well as its nod to power imbalances. As alternatives, consider interested parties, relevant parties, interested groups, contributors, or partners. See our entry on insensitive language to learn more about problematic phrases and guidance on avoiding them.
stand-alone (n, adj) Not standalone.
Standard plan Capitalize only the first word when referring to Autodesk’s subscription plan offering. Example: My company has users on the Autodesk Standard plan.
start-up (n, adj), start up (v)
stereolithography
stormwater
subscriber Not Subscription customer or subscription customer.
subscription Lowercase. Not Subscription, Autodesk Subscription.
support knowledge base
sync Not synch.
T
term Not Subscription plan, monthly plan, quarterly plan, annual plan, multi-year plan, rental period, rental term.
thank you Only use thank you to acknowledge that a customer has done something that will help you or the company (for example, answering a survey).
they When referring to an individual of unspecified gender in the third person, use the singular, gender-neutral “they,” instead of the more awkward “he/she.” If the subject doesn’t have to be singular, it’s also fine to change it to plural. They may be used as a singular pronoun for people who indicate that is their preferred form of address.
At checkout, the customer should know how much they will be required to pay.
At checkout, customers should know how much they will be required to pay.
time to market (n)
time-out (n), time out (v)
timecode
timeline One word. Not time line or time-line.
timewarping
token Lowercase. Unit of measure for Flex purchases.
toll-free
toolbar Not tool bar or tool-bar. Capitalize the toolbar’s name, lowercase toolbar: the Accessory toolbar.
toolkit One word. Exception to Merriam-Webster.
toolpath
toolset
tooltip
toward Not towards.
trackpad
tree line
true-up (n, v) Always hyphenate.
two-step verification
U
UCS (user coordinate system)
UI Better written out as user interface.
UK (n, adj) Not U.K.
underway (adj), under way (adv) In almost every instance, this will be styled as two words. Example:The project is under way but The Navy relies on underway refueling.
Unix
up to date (n, adv), up-to-date (adj) Hyphenate when it precedes the word it modifies.
update Do not use service pack.
uppercase (n, v, adj) Style as one word in all usage. Exception to Merriam-Webster.
US (adj) Not U.S. Use as adjective only; spell out United States as a noun.
USA Use only in addresses and in legal text.
username Not user name.
V
version A software release; use later version, not higher version.
viewport
virtual design and construction (VDC) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as a parenthetical.
virtual reality (VR) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as a parenthetical.
visual effects (VFX) Spell out on first reference and include acronym as a parenthetical.
VRAM No need to spell out on first reference.
VSOS Do not use.
W
web browser Preferred over browser.
Web Feature Service (WFS) Spell out term and include acronym as parenthetical on first reference. Note that this is a proper noun and should take initial caps.
Web Map Service (WMS) Spell out term and include acronym as parenthetical on first reference. Note that this is a proper noun and should take initial caps.
webcast
web page
website
white paper Not whitepaper.
whitelist Do not use. Depending on the context of the sentence, use allow (allowed, allowing), add … to an allowed list, or allowed list. See our entry on racially inclusive terminology for more information.
wide area network (WAN) Spell out term and include acronym as parenthetical on first reference.
work plane
work point
work site Not worksite.
workforce (n) Construed as people, so use workforce… who.
workgroup (n) Construed as a thing, so use workgroup… that.
worksharing Not work sharing.
workstyle
X
x Lowercase italic, when used to indicate an unknown software version and for versions above a certain base number. Example: upgrade from version 2.x.
X-ray Not Xray.
X, Y, and Z coordinates No italics.
xref Short for external reference.
Z
ZIP code
zip file Not trademarked.