Smart menu items
actions.smart_menu_items
Change menu labels dynamically so they state precisely what the command will do when invoked.
Description
Smart menu items change wording with context so the label states precisely what will happen—for example naming the selected object. Static generic labels leave people unsure of the target until after they invoke the command. Dynamic labels help when the object or selection varies and can be named in the menu text. Leave truly global commands static when the meaning never changes and rewriting would add noise.
When to use
Menu commands act on a selection or context that can be named.
Not when
Global commands whose target never changes and stay correctly static.
Agent hint
Reword menu labels with context so they state the actual upcoming command.
Menu labels reword with context to state the actual command.
Labels stay generic/static and do not state what will happen.
Citations
Designing Interfaces 3e ch. Doing Things — Smart Menu Items (Tidwell, Brewer, Valencia)
https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/designing-interfaces-3rd/9781492051954/