Use an [inline help text](inline_help_text.md) in settings dialogs that are not constrained by space and are not frequently used. Since settings are rarely changed, users may forget their purpose, so displaying the information immediately makes sense.
## Tooltip
Use a [tooltip](tooltip.md):
- If the space is not enough for showing the inline help text.
- In frequently used dialogs, tool windows, or popups. The more often a person uses an interface, the more likely they are to remember what each option does.
- For icons or other controls that do not have a label.
## Empty state
Fill in [empty states](empty_state.md) of tool windows, tables, trees, and other containers with:
- a reason why the data is missing
- an action that can fix it
- a link to a corresponding article in the web help.
## When to use
Below you will find rules for [tooltips](tooltip.md) and [inline texts](inline_help_text.md).
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Explain complex behavior that a short action or a setting name cannot convey clearly. |
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Provide input format requirements and examples. |
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Suggest alternative ways. |
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Warn about possible issues. |
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Explain limitations. |
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Provide quick navigation to related settings. |
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Explain IDE-specific entities. |
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