How to Type Backslash \
Keyboard shortcuts for Windows, Mac, Chromebook, iPhone & Android. Type or copy backslash instantly.
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The backslash \ is an essential character in programming, file paths, and escape sequences — yet it can be surprisingly hard to find on some keyboards. On US/UK layouts the key is easy to locate, but on German (QWERTZ) and many international keyboards, the backslash is hidden behind key combinations like AltGr+ß.
Whether you need it for Windows file paths (C:\Users\), programming languages, LaTeX commands, or regular expressions, this guide shows you exactly how to type backslash on every major platform and keyboard layout.
All characters on this page are standard Unicode text that works everywhere — in code editors, terminals, browsers, documents, and social media.
Backslash FAQ
The alt code for backslash \ is Alt+92. Hold Alt, type 92 on the numeric keypad, then release. Make sure Num Lock is enabled. This works in all Windows applications.
On a German QWERTZ keyboard, press AltGr+ß (the ß key is to the right of the 0 key). AltGr is the right Alt key. On German Mac keyboards, press Option+Shift+7 or Option+ß depending on your macOS version.
The backslash \ leans to the left (top-right to bottom-left). The forward slash / leans to the right (bottom-left to top-right). Backslash is used in Windows file paths (C:\Users) and escape sequences. Forward slash is used in URLs (https://example.com) and Unix/Mac file paths.
On a US/UK Mac keyboard, press the \ key located above the Return key. On German Mac keyboards, press Option+Shift+7 or Option+ß. You can also use the Character Viewer (Control+Command+Space) and search for backslash.
In programming, the backslash \ serves as an escape character. It tells the computer that the next character has a special meaning: \n is a newline, \t is a tab, \\ is a literal backslash. It's also used in Windows file paths, regular expressions, and LaTeX commands.
Yes! The backslash \ is a standard Unicode character (U+005C) that works everywhere: in Instagram bios, tweets, Facebook posts, WhatsApp messages, and any other platform. It displays correctly on all devices and operating systems.