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Green button

When to use

You should only use this pattern when:

  • the purpose of the content is to get all users to complete a single task (such as submitting a return)
  • most users could complete the task by using the green button
  • you’re using a detailed guide
  • you’re linking to a digital service, form, tool or calculator

You must discuss with a senior content designer if you want to include a green button for any other reason.

You may need to use a green button when working on:

If there is more than one way to complete the task

You can still use a green button if there is more than one way for users to complete the same task.

The green button should be used for the method that most people will use. You must not use more than one green button on a single page.

Other methods can be shown as additional guidance, inline links or attachments (such as PDF forms).

For an example, check Paying into your Customs Declaration Service cash account.

When not to use

Do not use this pattern:

  • to link the green button to another GOV.UK page
  • if there is more than one task to complete on the page

How to design using this pattern

To decide where to place the button on the page, you should consider:

  • if there is a design pattern for the task
  • the user need (is this a returning or new user, or both)
  • any evidence or user research
  • best practices on existing GOV.UK pages for similar tasks (both mainstream and specialist)

Button text

The wording on the button should describe the task the user is trying to complete, for example:

  • Start now
  • Register now
  • Claim now
  • Apply now
Open this example in a new tab: Green button Display in English Display in Welsh 
                ## Pay by debit or corporate credit card
You can make a full payment online using a debit or corporate credit card. There is a non-refundable fee if you use a corporate credit or debit card. You cannot pay by personal credit card.

Your payment will be accepted on the date you make it and not the date it reaches HMRC’s account (including weekends and bank holidays).

You must make sure the details you enter match those held by your bank or card provider. For example, the billing address should match the one your card is currently registered with.

{button start}[Start now](){/button}
              
                  {button start}[Dechrau nawr](){/button}

Adding analytics

To track the user journey from GOV.UK to the end of a digital service, get the Google Analytics tracking code from the digital service team and use this markdown: 

{button start cross-domain-tracking:UA-XXXXXX-Y}[Start now](){/button}