How to Type an Em Dash in Google Docs
Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer specializing in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Google web apps. Besides Guiding Tech, you can read his work at iPhone Hacks, Online Tech Tips, Help Desk Geek, MakeUseOf, and Switching to Mac.
Afam has been a content writer with Guiding Tech Media since August 2023. However, his experience in tech writing dates back to 2018, when he worked as a freelance writer for Make Tech Easier. Over the years, he has grown a reputation for publishing quality guides, reviews, tips, and explainer articles. His work is featured on top websites, including Technical Ustad, Windows Report, and Next of Windows. He has training as a Microsoft Certified Professional and has covered more Microsoft-related guides on these platforms.
Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcut
You can use a universal shortcut to insert the em dash on Google Docs and other word-processing applications. To do that, hold down the Alt key and enter 0151 on the number pad.
Step 1:Place thecursoron the part where you must add the em dash.
Step 2:Hold down theAltkey and type0151on Windows; on Mac, pressOption+Shift+Minus(-).
Method 2: Replacing Consecutive Hyphens
Using two consecutive hyphens is the next best alternative on keyboards without a dedicated em dash key. However, you can also configure Google Docs to automatically substitute two hyphens with an em dash whenever you insert them. Here is how to do it.
Step 1:On the Google Docs window, point toToolsand selectPreferences.
Step 2:In theReplacebox for Automatic substitution, insert ahyphen> insert anEm dashin the With box. You may add the Em dash using theAlt+0151Windows orShift+Option+Hyphen(on Mac) keyboard shortcuts.
Step 3:ClickOKto add the substitution to Google Docs.
That’s it! You should now see an em dash whenever you press the hyphen key twice and follow it with a space.
Method 3: Insert Em Dash as a Special Character
There’s also another way to insert an em dash in Google Docs, and that’s via the Special Characters selections screen.
Step 1:Open theInsertmenu > selectSpecial Charactersto access the Insert Special Characters pop-up box.
Step 2:Search forEm; it should appear in the search results. Click thesymbolto add it to your document.
Now, you don’t need to re-open the Insert Special Characters box each time you want to insert an em dash. You can move it out of your way and continue working on your document, and your em dash — including hundreds of other special characters — is a click away!
You may also explore insertingtextboxes,picturesand other elements in Google Docs.
Was this helpful?
Last updated on 12 August, 2024
Leave a ReplyCancel reply
Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked*
Name*
Email*
Comment*
Δ
Read Next
The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.
More in Internet and Social
How to Open JSON Files on Windows and Mac
How to Export Lucidchart Diagrams to Microsoft Word and Excel
JOIN THE NEWSLETTER
Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.
© 2024 Guiding Tech Media. All Rights Reserved.
