How To Get Em-Dash Without Numeric Keypad

Question

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?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

That's a great idea, but why is it formatted text? I might try this in Outlook, where my Word shortcuts for em and en dashes for some reason don't work (although the Symbol dialog in Outlook shows them as assigned).

Answer 4

Using the "Plain text" option should work equally well.

Answer 5

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.