Microsoft® Manual of Style, Fourth Edition

Mouse terminology

This topic includes the following sections:

• How to refer to the mouse.

• How to refer to mouse pointers.

• Which verbs to use to refer to mouse actions.

• How to document mouse procedures.

How to refer to the mouse

If you need to refer to more than one mouse, use mouse devices if you can. Otherwise, use mice.

In general, use mouse button to indicate the left mouse button. Use left mouse button only to teach beginning skills or in a discussion of more than one mouse button when not referring to the left mouse button would create ambiguity.

Use right mouse button, not other terms such as mouse button 2 or secondary mouse button. Regardless of accuracy, users understand this term and users who reprogram their buttons make the mental shift.

When ...