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How To Get Em-Dash Without Numeric Keypad

Anonymous
2020-01-23T14:08:17+00:00

I have a new laptop from Microsoft that does not have a numeric keypad. When using Word 365 I am trying to insert an Em Dash. I've found multiple sources that indicate I can still use a keyboard shortcut to insert the Em Dash (such as https://www.shortquts.com/what-are-the-keyboard-shortcuts-with-alt-2/) by holding down the Alt key and pressing 0151. However, whenever I do that my computer instantly brings up the key tips (or the ribbon shortcuts) that correspond to the Alt key. So, pressing 0151 brings up some kind of autosave function for OneDrive. 

And no combination of holding down Alt or not holding down Alt seems to help.

Am I stuck with inserting Em Dashes the old fashioned way?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For home | Windows

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  1. Charles Kenyon 166.6K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2020-01-23T18:19:18+00:00

    I created an AutoCorrect entry for the M-dash that is triggered by three dashes. It works fine.

    If you go to Insert Symbol, Special Characters (as shown by Diane) and select M-Dash, try clicking on the AutoCorrect button.

    40+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2020-01-23T14:17:28+00:00

    Hi Jim,

    >> Alt key and pressing 0151.

    You need to use the numeric keypad for this.

    Did you try Ctrl+Shift+M ? Inset tab > Symbols > More Symbols > Special characters to see the assigned shortcuts or change them.

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2020-03-23T00:12:12+00:00

    I have the same question except there are no character maps or shortcut set ups in Gmail or the Mail app. I went from Mac to Surface and this no shortcut for "em dash" is driving me nuts because all the answers that exist don't work for the simple case of writing an email in the Mail app or browser instance and/or quickly editing a google doc. Any ideas?

    1. I prefer to not have to copy and paste every time (bc I would also have to paste without formatting, just an extra step)
    2. I can't find a shortcuts bar for when I type in a browser
    3. I do not have a numeric keypad

    Thanks for your help!

    8 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2020-03-23T00:38:27+00:00

    Thanks for your reply, Stefan, and understood. 

    I'm just aghast at the fact that Microsoft wouldn't think of a simple character that often used in writing as a shortcut to the hyphen key that already exists. Mind-blowing. 

    I'll use your rec with the Microsoft Character Map and Pin it to the taskbar for the quickest reference solution laid out.

    6 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Charles Kenyon 166.6K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2020-01-24T10:23:42+00:00

    Yes, plain text works. When I used the AutoCorrect button it just started as formatted text. Should work as long as the font supports it.

    5 people found this answer helpful.
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