How to Insert Em Dash on a PC: A Comprehensive Guide

Em dashes (—) are used to add emphasis or to provide a direct address in writing. If you need to type an em dash on your PC, you can use several methods. Below, we explore the most common ways to insert an em dash, including keyboard shortcuts, software-specific methods, and general guidelines. Whether you are using MS Word, LibreOffice, or another application, you can easily add an em dash to your text.

Common Method: Spaces, Hyphens, and Spaces

One of the most common ways to create an em dash is using a space, two hyphens, and another space. For example, if you type “ a space two hyphens and a space ”, it will automatically convert to “—”. This method is straightforward and doesn't require any additional software or special settings. Once the em dash is in place, you can remove the spaces if they are not grammatically necessary.

However, it's important to note that not all software respects this conversion, and therefore, manually inserting the em dash might be more dependable in certain situations.

MacOS: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you are using a MacOS with a US English keyboard, you can use the following keyboard shortcuts to insert an em dash:

Press Option Hyphen to insert an en dash (–). Press Shift Option Hyphen to insert an em dash (—).

These shortcuts are typically muscle memory for those who use Macs with US English keyboards. However, it is worth checking if your keyboard layout differs as it might affect the shortcuts.

Windows: Using the Alt Key and Number Keypad

For Windows users with a numeric keypad, you can use the following method:

Press and hold the Alt key. On the numeric keypad (not the top row of numbers), type 0151. Release the Alt key. This should insert an em dash (—).

Note: If your laptop lacks a numeric keypad, you can use the Num Lock key to enable the numeric keypad function on the top row of your keyboard.

Software-Specific Methods

Depending on the software you are using, different methods may be available to insert an em dash. Here’s how you can do it in some common applications:

MS Word

Click the Insert tab. Click the Symbols button. Select More Symbols... at the bottom of the list. In the dialog box that opens, click the Special Characters tab. Click on the em dash (—) to insert it into your document.

Quora and Other Forums

In some forums like Quora, two hyphens in a row automatically convert to an em dash. This method is also sometimes used in other applications as well, but it is not always reliable. It is a quicker method, but manual insertion can ensure accuracy.

General Laptop Tips

For laptops with a numeric keypad, you can also use the Alt key combination:

Press Alt Crtl Hyphen at the same time to insert an em dash.

Conclusion

Inserting an em dash on a PC is a simple task once you know the correct method for your device and software. Whether you are using a MacOS or Windows, you can find a way to insert an em dash with keyboard shortcuts, through built-in software features, or by manual entry. Remember to check the specific guidelines for forums and other applications you use frequently to ensure smooth usage.

By mastering these techniques, you can enhance the readability and grammatical correctness of your digital documents and online posts. Happy typing!