Slides are typically made from optical-quality glass (soda lime or borosilicate) and the edges are ground or polished for safe handling. Plastic microscope slides are also available, as are those made from fused quartz, which are used for fluorescence microscopy and where ultraviolet transparency is important.

Plain, flat slides are the most common. Specialized concave or cavity slides have shallow depressions or wells that can hold thicker objects, liquids, and tissue culture materials. Most glass microscope slides have ground or polished edges, and the corners may be clipped or rounded for automated handling, safety, or durability. Slides may be etched with grids for estimating size, and some slides have coated or treated surfaces to increase the likelihood of tissue adhesion. Some slides are etched or “frosted” all over, some have white or colored marking areas, and some are pre-labeled. 

Objects or materials may be mounted or secured on the slide and a cover slip or cover glass added to prevent damage and sample loss (evaporation, etc.) or to maintain the shape and thickness of the sample. A coverslip may be simply placed atop the specimen or permanently affixed with a mounting medium. Some microscopes have clips or clamps on their stages to position microscope slides for viewing and securely hold them while the stage is moved.