MOS:COLLAPSE

MOS:COLLAPSE

MOS:COLLAPSE Resources
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MOS:COLLAPSE is a section of the Wikipedia Manual of Style that provides guidelines on the appropriate use of collapsible content within Wikipedia articles. The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure that collapsible content is used in a way that enhances the readability and accessibility of articles, while maintaining a consistent and professional appearance across the encyclopedia.

Overview

Collapsible content refers to sections of text or other material that can be expanded or collapsed by the reader. This feature is often used to hide detailed information that may not be immediately relevant to all readers, such as technical details, lengthy lists, or supplementary information. While collapsible content can be useful, it should be used judiciously to avoid overcomplicating the article structure or hiding important information.

Guidelines

The following guidelines should be considered when using collapsible content in Wikipedia articles:

Appropriate Use

• Collapsible content should be used sparingly and only when it significantly improves the readability of the article.
• It is appropriate for hiding detailed information that is not essential to the main narrative of the article, such as:

 * Long lists of references or sources
 * Detailed technical specifications
 * Supplementary information that supports the main text

Inappropriate Use

• Do not use collapsible content to hide information that is crucial to understanding the article.
• Avoid using collapsible sections for the main body of the article, as this can hinder readability and accessibility.
• Do not use collapsible content to hide controversial or disputed information.

Technical Implementation

• Collapsible content can be implemented using the {{collapse top}} and {{collapse bottom}} templates.
• Ensure that the "show" and "hide" links are clearly visible and accessible to all users, including those using screen readers.

Accessibility

• Consider the needs of all readers, including those with disabilities, when using collapsible content.
• Ensure that the content is accessible and that the "show" and "hide" functions work properly with assistive technologies.

Examples

Here is an example of how collapsible content might be used in an article:

{{collapse top|title=Technical Specifications}} * Specification 1: Details * Specification 2: Details * Specification 3: Details {{collapse bottom}}

Also see

• Wikipedia:Manual of Style
• Wikipedia:Accessibility
• Wikipedia:Content forking
• Wikipedia:Article size