Scripted image buttons

In application GUIs, buttons are used to execute actions. Examples include 'Submit' and 'Reset'. Using simple HTML, these buttons and their behaviors can be replicated on the Web. There are times, however, when developers want to do more with buttons. Using scripts, developers can create customized buttons that will execute a wide variety of actions and validation procedures such as 'Add', 'Delete', 'Check All', 'Clear All', and more. Scripted image buttons can be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes, with multiple states (normal, onrollover, onclick, etc.).

Usability tips

• Reserve buttons for executable events; use links for navigation.
• Recognize the added download time that will be required for image buttons. Use simple HTML buttons where possible.
• Follow standard GUI guidelines when creating custom buttons such as those described in the MSDN Library (see Figure 4) or the Java Look and Feel Design Guidelines (see Resources).
• Do not rely on images alone to convey a button's meaning. Include an explicit text label on or adjacent to the button. The text label, if not part of the image, will also be readable by text-only browsers.

Figure 4. Microsoft GUI guidelines for command buttons