Writing & StyleStyle guide

Using Greater-Than Symbols for Menu Sequences

Using Greater-Than Symbols for Menu Sequences records a distinct source-supported procedure-writing task while keeping adjacent procedure choices, accessibility concerns, and implementation mechanics outside the page.

Quick answer

If the editorial style permits it, abbreviate a simple menu sequence with greater-than symbols, with a space on each side of each symbol.

Key details

Core Issueusing greater-than symbols for menu sequences
Registertechnical and professional writing

Important caveats

Scope Boundary

This is an optional formatting convention for simple menu interactions, not a universal requirement for every procedure or UI path.

Further guidance

Content

If the editorial style permits it, abbreviate a simple menu sequence with greater-than symbols, with a space on each side of each symbol.

Purpose

The guidance gives readers a consistent, scannable way to follow the procedure without adding unsupported requirements.

Sources and evidence

Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.

  1. Procedures and instructions checklist — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Current Microsoft checklist evidence for procedure location context, menu-sequence symbols, and options within a procedure step.

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