Although MS Word has long been considered industry standard, many writers have moved on to Google’s free cloud-based word processing platform, Google Docs. You can’t go wrong with a good em dash — and that’s a fact. If you’re like most of the writers we know, chances are you’re already comfortable employing this enigmatic piece of punctuation— if anything, you use it too much. To type an en dash, hold down the Option key and press the Minus key. You can also copy and paste the dashes from another document, such as a web page, into … I talked to Mr. Jo… Microsoft Word automatically converts two hyphens into a em-dash … I use the em dash a lot, so am glad that you do too. Just as you use parentheses to set aside auxiliary information (like this), you can use em dashes for the same purpose. I also use ellipsis a lot and probably more than I should when an em dash would work better. This sentence could also be written with commas or parentheses. The novelty of the em dash makes it perfect for text that you want to stand out. Now, add the em dash into the box under With using the Alt-0151 or Shift-Option-Hyphen (on Mac) keyboard shortcuts. In many cases, an em dash can be subbed in for either of these punctuation marks. Find an en dash (–), an em dash (—), or a minus sign (−) already in some text—in this sentence, for example—and paste it where a new one is wanted. On the Mac, press Shift-Option and the minus key to make en em-dash. Thank you! Your email address will not be published. For an em dash, the combination is Shift+Option+Hyphen. It’s simple to use an em dash on Mac computers. In the native Mac word processor, Text Edit, you’ll have access to the Emojis & Symbols menu under Edit, which you can browse for the em dash. But despite its flexibility, there’s one way in which the em dash is anything but intuitive — and that’s typographically. Am I doing something wrong? Make an em dash or en dash with a keyboard shortcut. Alternatively, an em dash can be typed with a double hyphen by pressing the Hyphen key twice and then press Space. Get writing! Essentially, a hyphen is a dash (-), an en dash is the length of two dashes (–), and an em dash is the length of three dashes (—). Inserting an em-dash in Word. “Just trust me on this one, okay?”. You never have to go menu hunting for em dashes again. However, in this program, dual hyphens stay dual hyphens by default. On a Mac, the keyboard shortcut Option + Dash (-) makes an en dash, and Option + Shift + Dash (-) makes an em dash. Portland is a city where the weather — by which we mean rain, and a lot of it — can be a detractor for those who are susceptible to seasonal affective disorder. How do you make an EM dash on a Mac in Microsoft Word? If you're a Mac user, congratulations: you basically only need to read the next sentence. In many cases, an em dash can be subbed in for either of these punctuation marks. Bonus method Apart from these two methods, you can also create a substitution rule in Google Docs to enter em dash based on a custom shortcut. I cannot tell you how many times I have searched online for how to insert an em dash in Google docs and never found this! Jamie Cattanach (@jamiecattanach) is a writer whose work has been featured at Fodor’s, Yahoo, SELF, Ms. Magazine, the Establishment, Roads & Kingdoms and other outlets. When I create an em-dash in MS Word by typing two dashes between words with no spaces, I end up with something that doesn’t look like your examples or published works. I was afraid I was overloading my writing with em dashes and it’s welcome news that it appears I am not. An em dash can also separate two independent clauses, just like a semicolon does, though it may feel more casual and signify that the two ideas are quite closely related. Â. Since MacOS Yosemite was launched, Dashboard is … Also important: em dash style varies slightly across Curbed, Racked, and Eater. The ability to type a long dash has disappeared from Catalina. Navigate to the user Dashboard on Dashe.io Using the ⌘ + -key no longer works unlike previous versions. To type the En Dash Symbol on Mac, press [ Option ] + [ – ] shortcut on your keyboard. Click on the flag icon in the menu bar Select Show Keyboard VIewer from the drop-down list Hold down the Shift, Option, or Option Shift and watch the display If a character is surrounded by a box, it combines with the next character you type, if it is a valid combination. Train your eye to recognize the shorter en dash (–), which should not be used in place of an em dash. Mac operating systems all have the same shortcut for the em dash, which makes the process quick and simple. It will also convert “space-hyphen-space” into “space-en dash … Alternatively, you can insert these special characters using the Insert Symbol menu. If you want to take a look at what you can access via the Dashboard, here is the complete list of 1703 Widgets currently available and supported. Want to update your UK keyboard to a new one? Em dashes (—) are powerful characters you can use in your writing to create a long, dramatic pause or place emphasis on a phrase. For Mac: press “option+shift+hyphen key”. Learn how your comment data is processed. Photo via Alissa Kumarova / ShutterstockÂ. Required fields are marked *. To type an em dash, hold down the Shift … One of the most popular word processors on the market, MS Word offers users a variety of ways to make an em dash appear.Â, The first of these is AutoFormat, which is likely already enabled and will automatically create an em dash when you type a double hyphen (–). Using the AutoFormat feature in Microsoft Word, you can create both an Em dash (—) and En dash (–) automatically by typing hyphens. To do a hashtag on a UK Mac, press Alt + 3. If you — like me — use Google Docs almost exclusively and love your em dashes, I’d recommend creating an automatic substitution command. (Yes, I could cram an em-dash into just about every sentence I write if my editors would allow it. You could also add an auto-correct option. I had resorted to finding an em dash from another source, copying and pasting it into my own doc, and then changing the font to match my doc. In Word, you’ll hold down Shift+ Option+minus rather than the Ctrl+Alt+minus mentioned above. Now I just get a beep, and no EM dash. All you need to do is hold down the following keys: ALT + SHIFT + MINUS. The words are crammed right up against the ends of the em-dash rather than having a nice spaced look. Word will automatically convert it to an em-dash. Your email address will not be published. Enter your email below. Em dashes (—) are powerful characters you can use in your writing to create a long, dramatic pause or place emphasis on a phrase. Ta-da! There’s several ways to insert an em dash on PC, but not every technique will work for you. First comes love, then comes marriage — then comes the $30,000 bill for the wedding. An em dash is a punctuation mark that can be used in place of other punctuation and can add style. For instance, if you’re separating an independent clause and a list, an em dash is just as valid an option as a colon. Platform-dependent methods [ edit ] To make a dash using the Unicode numbers 2013 (en dash), 2014 (em dash) or 2212 (minus sign), see Unicode input § Hexadecimal … The em dash draws a reader’s attention, partly because of the physical separation that the longer dash creates and partly because these dashes appear less frequently than hyphens and en dashes. Now you can get the top stories from Lifehacker delivered to your inbox. If you’re currently using a Windows machine, it’s a bit more complicated. Step 1: Record macros for inserting en and em dashes. If you’re like most of the writers we know, chances are you’re already comfortable employing this enigmatic piece of punctuation— if anything, you use it too much. Racked: Spaces around em dashes. Thanks for this, but I’m still having em-dash issues. Word will automatically convert it to an em-dash.On some Mac keyboards, the option key is called “alt”. It’s possible to force spaces by using the Insert function you describe, but should I? If you — like me — use Google Docs almost exclusively and. your em dashes, I’d recommend creating an automatic substitution command. These shortcuts can work on any software including MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, on both Windows and Mac. See our privacy policy for details. For Windows users, simply press down the Alt key and type 0150 using the numeric keypad, then let go of the Alt key. In MS Word for Mac, you can convert hyphens to dashes automatically as you type. Use your word processor’s built-in autocorrect function. To type an en-dash, you’ll need to press the Alt key and the Minus key at the same time. (Yes, I could cram an em-dash into just about every sentence I write if my editors would allow it. So now you’ve got everything you need to put em dashes in your own writing — the when, the where and the how. Please call my lawyer—Richard Smith—on Tuesday. For Mac users: To type an em dash, hold down the Shift and Option keys and press the Minus key. Method 2: Highlight the character in a document and click on the wheel in the Palette's bottom left corner. By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use and Ah, the em dash — that multifaceted, all-purpose punctuation mark that can act as a parenthesis, comma, colon, semicolon or even quotation mark. Use this method in any text field in Mac OS X. In the native Mac word processor, Text Edit, you’ll have access to the Emojis & Symbols menu under Edit, which you can browse for the em dash. No matter where you do your writing, there’s a trick to ensuring you get the perfect em dash every time! Here are a few choice picks: Alternatively, you can use the Sticky Notes app to copy and paste this character for added convenience (or copy it from Google). Mac OS X. Inserting an em-dash in Word. For desktop PC: press “alt+ctrl+minus” on the numeric keypad (the number section on the far right of your keyboard). then select Ω in the emoji keyboard — from here you can find and insert your em dash, Hold down ALT + type 0151 then release the alt key (this may not work on all Windows PCs), If you’re using Microsoft Word, you can set two (-) dashes to auto-correct to an em dash (—). First things first: To create an em dash ( — ) on a Mac keyboard, press option + shift + -. :-}. In order to make AutoFormat change your — to —, you’ll need to type one word before and one word after the double hyphen, without pressing the spacebar until the end.Â, Example: hocus–pocus (space) becomes hocus—pocus. If AutoFormat is not enabled (and you don’t want it to be), you can also find em dashes by navigating to the Insert tab, selecting Symbol, choosing More Symbols, and clicking the em dash on the second row. Thanks for this. Finally, there’s also a keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+minus, where Num Lock is enabled and you’re utilizing the minus symbol on your numeric keypad. Indeed, em dashes are so versatile it’s hard to find examples wherein they’re truly wrong. On the other hand, MS Word, either on a PC or a Mac computer, will automatically render an Em Dash when you type 2 hyphens, without any space in the middle of both hyphens, … Find out what makes it stand out from other dashes. Learning to use proper punctuation — including periods, commas, question marks and more—will make you into a much stronger writer.Â. Privacy Policy. Thanks. We use cookies (your browsing data) to provide content that's helpful to you. So what are you waiting for? In Google Docs, if you … Mac Dashboard shortcuts. Mac OS X Download Article. The above shortcuts are all valid ways you can use to type the em dash in Word. I’be been on Google for days to find out how to type an “em dash” on the iPhone, but i could not find a workaround for that — do you know one? Em dashes are also particularly useful in setting aside appositives that contain commas, since they offer a less cluttered, more streamlined sentence to the reader. Record Macros and Assign Them to Shortcut Keys. While a standard keyboard allows you use a regular dash (-), it may not have the impact or excitement you intend. In order to put an em dash into your work, navigate to the “Insert” menu, and then select “Special Characters.” Instead of scrolling through the various symbols available to you, you can simply search for “em,” and the dash will come right up. The trick will not work if you … 1. There’s a pretty simple shortcut which works on laptops and desktop macOS systems by default. In Mac OSX, em dashes can be easily written by holding down the Shift and Option keys simultaneously, then typing a hyphen. Ridiculously complicated. Keyboard Shortcut. Please call my lawyer (Richard Smith) on Tuesday. All you need to do is hold down the following keys: ALT + SHIFT + MINUS. Press the WINDOWS key + [ . ] Choose the pop-up menu option "Show Character Selected in Application". Leah Williams is a writer specialising in video games & entertainment. If there were ever a competition for the most versatile punctuation mark, the em dash  would without doubt be a front runner for the title. Here’s how you can rectify this with a few shortcuts. Please call my lawyer, Richard Smith, on Tuesday. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Click on the “Tools” menu, and then click on “Preferences.” At the bottom, you’ll see a tick box next to the words “Automatic substitution.” Ensure it’s toggled on, and then set a command to replace — with — (grab the symbol from the “Special Characters” menu referenced above, and copy/paste it into the right-hand text box). Hold down the Option (Alt) key and type a hyphen for an en dash. With such a wide range of acceptable applications, an em dash might seem easy to use. For Mac: press “option+shift+hyphen key”. Hey presto, you have your very own em dash. Who says you have to follow grammar rules?!). Users have the ability to download Dashe on Mac OS or Windows via our website. Now, here is how you use the macOS Dashboard to improve your productivity. Manually Create Hyphens and Dashes The first thing you’ll need to do is fire up your browser and open a Google Docs file to get started. You can use — in HTML to add the em-dash to a website. Yes, I wish to receive exclusive discounts, special offers and competitions from our partners. Hey presto, you have your very own em dash. It’s used in so many manners: to separate clauses that still want to be close friends; to create asides or add emphasis or signal amplification or denote interruption. But just in case you’re looking for ways to spice up your punctuation, here are a few scenarios in which an em dash is a valid option. I can breathe again. An em dash might set off a phrase at … With Google Docs, you can either copy and paste either one from the Windows Character Map, press the em dash on the iOS keyboard (if you’re using a Mac), or use Google Doc’s Special Characters Window: Go … However, where parentheses cast the information very much as an aside, em dashes have a tendency to emphasize the information — so be sure you choose wisely.Â. Next time you need that added ‘oomph’ in your sentence, crack out one of these bad boys. If you are on mac, below is a shortcut to help you type the em dash sign in Word. In Word, you’ll hold down Shift+ Option+minus rather than the Ctrl+Alt+minus mentioned above. We still aren’t sure if the manuscript is going to be accepted — we’re in a rather nail-bitey mood as of late.Â, “Shh,” he interrupted her, grinning. If you’re operating on a Mac, the basic instructions for MS Word and Google Docs above should still apply — though you’ll have different keyboard shortcuts. This is across several apps including native macOS ones, and 3rd party like Adobe's. 1. More Less. You can also record macros for inserting dashes and assign those macros to key combinations. It’s simple to use an em dash on Mac computers. Method 1: Highlight the character in a document and drag it to the field just below the text "Character Info" in the Palette. There are a few things you need for a safe hiking trip — sunscreen, water and high-quality footwear. In Mac OS X, you can press the keys Option+Shift+ – (hyphen) together and the em dash will be inserted. Whether you’re typing away on Microsoft word or in the backend of a CMS there’s plenty of ways to summon this special character. If you want to benefit from the em dash without littering your manuscript with double hyphens (–), here’s what you need to know.Â. Command (⌘) + M Type this sign on Mac, press and hold the Command (⌘) key and the hit the M key. Who says you have to follow, Indeed, em dashes are so versatile it’s hard to find examples wherein they’re truly. …  and their plain-old-colon cousins. You can type an en dash on your Mac by hitting option + hyphen (-) You don’t have to be too much of a stickler when it comes to dashes—unless you are strictly bound to a writing style such as APA . Have a look at out best Mac keyboards round up.. How to Write a Synopsis for Your Book: A Guide for Fiction and Nonfiction Writers, 55 Incredible Writing Retreats to Attend in 2021, A Complete Guide to Understanding, Obtaining and Using an ISBN for Your Book, Write About Your Furry Friends: 18 Pet Publications That Want Your Stories, Tools, ebooks and courses, all vetted by our team. It's as simple as that. Go to: Tools>AutoCorrect Options>AutoFormat As You Type> and check the box beside “Hypens (–) with dash (—)” This will convert double hyphens to em-dashes. Em dashes are wonderful inventions and great for proving a point. When writing narratives or dialogue, em dashes become even more useful; they can help you bring a reader into the scene by displaying interruptions or changes in tone. We’ve already talked about when to use a semicolon and their plain-old-colon cousins. Eater: Spaces around em dashes.

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