5 Ways to Type Dashes

2024 Author: Jason Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-31 09:30

The dash is an accessory that is often overlooked when writing. The dash has many functions and various sizes. The two most commonly used dashes are the short dash/ en dash (-) and the long dash/ em dash (-). An en dash is as long as a lowercase "n", while an em dash is as long as an uppercase "M". You can use these dashes in your writing to signify separation, dialogue, and more. Read on below to learn how to type dashes in various situations.

Step

Method 1 of 5: Microsoft Word

Step 1. Open a Word document

Place the cursor where the dash will appear. When you are ready to type the dash, use one of the following key combinations.

Short dashes are usually used to separate numbers in a range, while long dashes can indicate splits in a sentence. Stylistically, the long dash function is similar to parentheses, but will be read more strongly. See this guide for more details on how to properly use it

Step 2. Type a short dash

Hold down Ctrl and press - on the numeric pad. A short dash will appear.

Step 3. Type a long dash

Hold down Ctrl+Alt and press - on the number pad. A long dash will appear.

Method 2 of 5: Windows alt=""Image" code</h3" />

Step 1. Use this method on text fields in Windows

Almost all versions of Windows in North America and Western Europe support Alt codes. This key combination can be used in a text field to access special characters, including long and short dashes.

If you are using a laptop, you must first press the NumLock key to activate the numeric pad. Pressing the number keys at the top of the keyboard will not display symbols

Step 2. Type a short dash

Hold down the Alt key, press 0150 on the number pad, then release the Alt key. A short dash will appear in the text field where the cursor is.

Step 3. Type a long dash

Hold down the Alt key, press 0151 on the number pad, then release the Alt key. A long dash will appear in the text field where the cursor is.

Method 3 of 5: Mac OS X

Step 1. Use this method in a text field in Mac OS X

Almost all versions of OS X support this code. You can use it in a text editor or any other safe field to enter text.

Step 2. Type a short dash

Hold down the Option key and press - on the number pad. A short dash will appear.

Step 3. Type a long dash

Hold down Option+⇧ Shift and press - on the number pad. A long dash will appear.

Method 4 of 5: Linux

Step 1. Use the code to create a dash

Just like Windows, Linux supports four-digit codes to display special symbols. To access code input, place the cursor where you want to enter the dash, then press Ctrl+⇧ Shift+U. You'll see the underlined "u" appear. Enter the code you need and the symbol will appear.

• To create a short dash, press 2013 and then press Enter.
• To create a long dash, press 2014 and then press Enter.

Step 2. Use the Compose button

If your keyboard doesn't have a dedicated Compose key, assign a key on your keyboard to the Compose key, so you can quickly create dash symbols. You have to select a button that you don't normally use.

• To map the Compose key, go to Settings in Linux and select Keyboard Layout. Click Options and then set the key on the keyboard to be the Compose key.
• To create a short dash, press Compose and then --.
• To create a long dash, press Compose and then ---.

Method 5 of 5: HTML

Step 1. Open the HTML editor

You can use custom HTML code to display dashes on websites. There are several options that prevent defects in certain browsers, both will produce the same output. You should use the second option, as it's easier to read if someone else is browsing your code.

Step 2. Type a short dash

To insert a short dash into your site, type "-" or "–".