Slashes

When necessary, differentiate between a slash for URLs and a backslash for servers and folders.

When you instruct customers to enter a slash, always include the spelled-out term (backslash or slash) first, followed by the symbol in parentheses.
Example
Enter two backslashes (\\) ....

See also
Numbers
Special character term collection
URLs and web addresses

Use a slash:

• To imply a combination. Capitalize the word after the slash if the word before the slash is capitalized. For example, if country/region is used as a label in a form, capitalize it as Country/Region.
  Examples
  client/server
  TCP/IP
  CD/DVD drive
  Use the on/off switch to turn your mouse off when you're not using it.
  Turn on the On/Off toggle.

• To separate parts of an internet address. Use two slashes after the protocol name.
  Example
  ftp://example.com/downloads

• In server, folder, and file names.
  Example
  \\mslibrary\catalog\collect.doc

• Between the numerator and denominator of fractions in equations that occur in text.
  Examples
  a/x + b/y = 1
  x + 2/3(y) = m

Don't use a slash as a substitute for or, like product/service. If the UI uses a slash in this way, follow the interface in describing the label, but use or to describe the action in text.
Examples
Select Automatic trapping to add or remove a check mark.
To turn the purchasing workflow on or off ....

Exception It's OK to use country/region and ZIP Code/postal code where space is limited.

See also
and/or
country or region
either/or