---
title: Alias Properties (Alias Tab)
ms.prod: sql
ms.prod_service: sql-tools
ms.reviewer: ""
ms.technology: configuration
ms.topic: conceptual
ms.assetid: 2d1498e2-129c-4ce7-88e5-408e4037243c
author: markingmyname
ms.author: maghan
ms.custom: seo-lt-2019
ms.date: 03/14/2017
monikerRange: ">=sql-server-2016||=sqlallproducts-allversions"
---

# <Alias> Properties (Alias Tab)

[!INCLUDE[appliesto-ss-xxxx-xxxx-xxx-md-winonly](../../includes/appliesto-ss-xxxx-xxxx-xxx-md-winonly.md)]

An alias is an alternate name that can be used to make a connection. The alias encapsulates the required elements of a connection string, and exposes them with a name chosen by the user. Use the **Alias** page on the **\<**Alias name**> Properties** dialog box to view or specify the elements of connection string of an Alias.

## Options

**Alias Name**

The name (alias) that you want to use to refer to this connection.  

**Pipe Name** / **Port No**  

Additional elements of the connection string. The name of this box varies with the selected protocol. See the topics listed below for examples.  

**Protocol**

The protocol used for the connection.

**Server**

The name of the [!INCLUDE[msCoName](../../includes/msconame-md.md)] [!INCLUDE[ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)] instance being connected to.  

## See Also

- [Creating a Valid Connection String Using Shared Memory Protocol](../../tools/configuration-manager/creating-a-valid-connection-string-using-shared-memory-protocol.md)
- [Creating a Valid Connection String Using TCP IP](../../tools/configuration-manager/creating-a-valid-connection-string-using-tcp-ip.md)
- [Creating a Valid Connection String Using Named Pipes](https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/90930ff2-143b-4651-8ae3-297103600e4f)