Using Move and Drag in UI Instructions
Using Move and Drag in UI Instructions records a distinct source-supported procedure or technical-formatting task while keeping adjacent UI behavior, accessibility concerns, and implementation mechanics outside the page.
Use “move” or “drag” when an item is being moved from one place to another; Microsoft applies this to tiles and open windows such as apps, dialogs, files, and panes.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
The verbs describe moving an item, not merely navigating around a page; “move through” is reserved for that navigation task.
Further guidance
Content
Use “move” or “drag” when an item is being moved from one place to another; Microsoft applies this to tiles and open windows such as apps, dialogs, files, and panes.
Purpose
This distinguishes relocation actions from navigation through screens or pages.
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.
- Describing interactions with the UI — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Current Microsoft Style Guide evidence for input-neutral UI action verbs including open, close, go to, select, choose, clear, enter, switch/turn on/turn off, move/drag, move through, and zoom.