How To Type 8 Top Special Characters On A Mac Keyboard

Welcome to our guide on how to type 8 top special characters on a Mac keyboard! As a Mac user, you may already be familiar with the convenience and efficiency of the operating system. However, when it comes to typing special characters like ®, ©, €, or Ø, you might find yourself stumped. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate your Mac keyboard and effortlessly type these special characters. Whether you’re an avid writer, a designer, or simply someone who wants to add a touch of flair to their written communication, mastering the art of typing special characters will come in handy. So, let’s dive in and unlock the secrets of typing these top special characters on your Mac keyboard!

Inside This Article

1. Character 1: The Degree Symbol (°)
2. Character 2: The Copyright Symbol (©)
3. Character 3: The Trademark Symbol (™)
4. Character 4: The Section Symbol (§)
5. Character 5: The Em Dash (—)
6. Character 6: The En Dash (–)
7. Character 7: The Bullet Point (•)
8. Character 8: The Currency Symbol (€)
9. Conclusion
10. FAQs

Character 1: The Degree Symbol (°)

If you’ve ever needed to express temperature, angles, or geographic coordinates on your Mac, you’ll want to know how to type the degree symbol (°). This small but powerful symbol is commonly used in a variety of fields, including science, math, and navigation. Mac users are in luck, as typing the degree symbol is incredibly easy and can be done with just a few quick keystrokes.

To type the degree symbol (°) on a Mac keyboard, follow these simple steps:

1. Make sure your cursor is in the place where you want to insert the degree symbol.
2. Press and hold the Option key on your Mac keyboard.
3. While holding down the Option key, type the letter “o”.
4. Release both keys, and the degree symbol (°) will appear at the cursor’s position.

That’s it! Now you can easily insert the degree symbol whenever you need it on your Mac. Whether you’re writing a scientific report, composing a mathematical equation, or simply adding a degree measurement to a location, having quick access to this symbol can save you time and effort.

It’s worth noting that the degree symbol (°) can also be found in the Special Characters menu on Mac. To access this menu, click on the “Edit” menu in your desired application, then select “Emoji & Symbols” or “Special Characters”. This will open a window where you can search for and select the degree symbol to insert it into your document.

So, when the need arises to represent temperature, angles, or geographic coordinates, remember that typing the degree symbol (°) on a Mac is as easy as holding down the Option key and typing “o”. With this knowledge in your toolbox, you’ll be able to express yourself accurately and efficiently in a variety of contexts.

Character 2: The Copyright Symbol (©)

The copyright symbol (©) is a commonly used special character that represents the ownership of intellectual property. It is used to indicate that a particular work, such as a book, article, song, or photograph, is protected by copyright laws and cannot be reproduced or used without permission from the copyright holder.

On a Mac keyboard, there are a couple of options to type the copyright symbol:

1. Option 1: Press the Option key (?) and the letter “g” simultaneously. This will produce the copyright symbol (©) wherever your cursor is placed.
2. Option 2: If you have a Touch Bar-enabled MacBook Pro, you can add the copyright symbol by tapping the “123” key on the Touch Bar and then tapping the “©” symbol that appears.

The copyright symbol is often used by authors, musicians, photographers, and other creators to assert their rights over their work. It serves as a reminder to others that the work is original and protected, and that permission must be obtained before using or reproducing it.

Note that the copyright symbol should always be accompanied by the copyright owner’s name and the year of first publication. For example, “© 2021 John Smith.” This provides additional information and helps establish the copyright owner’s identity.

If you frequently need to use the copyright symbol, you can also create a keyboard shortcut for it in the System Preferences of your Mac. This allows you to quickly insert the symbol without having to remember the specific key combination each time.

The copyright symbol is an important tool for protecting intellectual property and ensuring that creators are given proper credit and recognition for their work. So, the next time you need to assert your rights over your creative endeavors, remember to utilize the copyright symbol on your Mac keyboard.

Character 3: The Trademark Symbol (™)

One of the most commonly used special characters on a Mac keyboard is the trademark symbol (™). This symbol is widely recognized and is used to indicate that a particular brand or product is legally registered as a trademark.

To type the trademark symbol on a Mac keyboard, you can use a simple keyboard shortcut. Just press and hold the Option key, then press the letter “2” on your keyboard. Release the keys, and the trademark symbol (™) will appear in your document.

The trademark symbol is frequently used in commercial and legal contexts. It provides legal protection to brand owners and helps to ensure that their intellectual property is recognized and respected.

When using the trademark symbol, it’s important to note that it should only be used to indicate a legally registered trademark. It should not be used to indicate a pending trademark application or a common-law trademark.

It’s worth mentioning that the trademark symbol is not exclusive to the Mac keyboard. It can also be found on other devices, including Windows computers and mobile devices. However, the specific keyboard shortcuts may vary depending on the operating system and device you are using.

In addition to the keyboard shortcut, you can also insert the trademark symbol by using the “Special Characters” menu on your Mac. Simply go to “Edit” in your document editor or text field, select “Special Characters,” and then find the trademark symbol under the “Symbols” tab.

Overall, the trademark symbol is a vital tool for brand owners and serves as a visual reminder of a legally registered trademark. Whether you are drafting a legal document or showcasing your brand on a website, mastering the type of special characters on your Mac keyboard, including the trademark symbol, will ensure accurate and professional representation.

Character 4: The Section Symbol (§)

The section symbol (§) is a special character that is often used to refer to a particular section or part of a document, especially in legal texts, academic papers, and contracts. It is a versatile symbol that can convey various meanings depending on the context.

The section symbol is not readily available on a standard keyboard layout, but Mac users can easily type it using a simple keyboard shortcut. Here’s how to do it:

1. Make sure your cursor is in the place where you want to insert the section symbol.
2. Press and hold the Option key (also known as the Alt key) on your Mac keyboard.
3. While holding the Option key, type the letter s.

When you release the Option key, the section symbol (§) will be inserted at the cursor’s location. If you need to type the section symbol multiple times in a document, you can also use the Option key + Shift + s shortcut.

Note that the availability and appearance of the section symbol may vary depending on the font and application you are using. In some fonts, it may appear as a simple double “S” symbol, while in others, it may have a more distinct and stylized design.

The section symbol is not limited to legal documents and academic writing. It can also be used creatively in other contexts, such as to represent a specific category or topic in a blog post or article. Its use adds a professional touch and enhances the visual appeal of your content.

So, whether you’re writing a legal brief, drafting a research paper, or adding a unique flair to your writing, knowing how to type the section symbol on a Mac keyboard will undoubtedly come in handy.

Character 5: The Em Dash (—)

The em dash (—) is a versatile punctuation mark that is longer than a hyphen. It is used to indicate a break or interruption in a sentence, or to emphasize a specific point. On a Mac keyboard, typing an em dash can be done using one of the following methods:

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts

To insert an em dash using keyboard shortcuts, follow these steps:

• Place the cursor where you want to insert the em dash.
• Press the Option key (?) and the Shift key (?) at the same time.
• While holding down the Option and Shift keys, press the Minus key (-).

After completing these steps, an em dash (—) will appear at the cursor’s position.

Method 2: Using the Character Viewer

The Character Viewer is a built-in tool on a Mac that allows you to access and insert a wide range of special characters, including the em dash. Here’s how to use the Character Viewer:

• Place the cursor where you want to insert the em dash.
• Go to the “Edit” menu in any text editor or application.
• Select “Emoji & Symbols” or “Special Characters” from the drop-down menu.
• In the Character Viewer window, search for “em dash” in the search bar.
• Click on the “em dash” character to insert it at the cursor’s position.

By using either of these methods, you can easily type the em dash on a Mac keyboard. It is a handy punctuation mark that adds emphasis or clarifies the meaning of a sentence.

Character 6: The En Dash (–)

The en dash is a special character that is commonly used to indicate a range of values or to connect two items that are related. It is longer than a hyphen and shorter than an em dash. On a Mac keyboard, typing the en dash character is fairly straightforward.

To type the en dash character (–) on a Mac keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Hold down the Option key on your Mac keyboard.
2. While holding down the Option key, press the hyphen (-) key.
3. Release both keys.

After following these steps, you will see the en dash character (–) appear on your screen. You can then use it to indicate a range of values, such as 10–20 or Monday–Friday.

The en dash is particularly useful in various contexts, including:

• Writing dates and times, such as January 1–5 or 9:00 am–5:00 pm.
• Describing a range of measurements, such as 5–10 meters or 200–300 calories.
• Connecting related terms, such as parent–child relationship or New York–London flight.

Using the en dash can add clarity and professionalism to your writing. It helps to clearly indicate a connection between items or show a range of values. By mastering the use of the en dash, you can enhance the readability and impact of your written communications.

If you frequently need to use the en dash character on your Mac keyboard, you may want to consider creating a keyboard shortcut for it. This can save you time and effort when typing. To create a keyboard shortcut, go to System Preferences, select Keyboard, and then choose Text. From there, you can add a new shortcut that automatically replaces a specific text string with the en dash character.

Character 7: The Bullet Point (•)

When it comes to adding a stylish and effective bullet point to your documents or presentations, the bullet point symbol (•) is the go-to option. It adds visual appeal and helps to organize information in a concise and easily readable format. Whether you’re creating a to-do list, a slide deck, or even a resume, mastering the skill of typing bullet points on a Mac keyboard can be incredibly useful.

To type the bullet point symbol (•) on a Mac keyboard, follow these simple steps:

1. Place your cursor in the location where you want to insert the bullet point.
2. Press and hold the Option key on your Mac keyboard.
3. While holding the Option key, press the 8 key on the top row of your keyboard.
4. Release both keys, and a bullet point symbol (•) will be inserted at the cursor position.

Voila! You’ve successfully typed a bullet point symbol (•) on your Mac! Now you can use it to create lists, highlight important points, or add creative elements to your documents. Remember, the bullet point symbol (•) is a versatile tool that can greatly enhance the visual appeal and organization of your content.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using bullet points:

• Keep your bullet points concise and to the point.
• Use bullet points to highlight key information or important details.
• Use consistent formatting for your bullet points throughout your document.
• Avoid using too many bullet points, as it can make your content appear cluttered.
• Experiment with different bullet point styles to add variety and visual interest.

So the next time you need to create a list or organize information, remember that the bullet point symbol (•) can be easily accessed on your Mac keyboard. Take advantage of this versatile character to add clarity, style, and structure to your documents and presentations.

Character 8: The Currency Symbol (€)

One of the most frequently used special characters on a Mac keyboard is the currency symbol. The currency symbol represents various monetary units used around the world. In this section, we will explore how to type the Euro symbol (€) on a Mac keyboard.

The Euro symbol (€) is the official currency symbol of the Eurozone, which consists of 19 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is widely used in countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and many more. If you frequently deal with financial transactions or have clients in Europe, knowing how to type the Euro symbol is essential.

To type the Euro symbol (€) on a Mac keyboard, follow these simple steps:

1. Make sure the cursor is in the position where you want to insert the Euro symbol.
2. Press and hold the “Option” key on your Mac keyboard.
3. While holding the “Option” key, press the “Shift” key and the number “2” key simultaneously.
4. Release all the keys, and the Euro symbol (€) should appear at the cursor position.

Alternatively, you can also use the keyboard shortcut “Option + Shift + E” to directly type the Euro symbol (€) on your Mac.

Once you have inserted the Euro symbol (€) into your document, you can resize it, change its color, or apply other formatting options as you would with any other text.

It’s worth noting that the location of the Euro symbol (€) may vary slightly depending on the keyboard layout or language settings on your Mac. However, the process of typing it remains the same using the “Option” key along with other specified keys.

With the ability to type the Euro symbol (€) on your Mac keyboard, you can easily include it in financial documents, pricing information, or any other context where the Euro currency is involved.

Conclusion

Mastering the ability to type special characters on a Mac keyboard opens up a world of possibilities for creativity and communication. Whether you need to use symbols for mathematical equations, foreign languages, or even emoticons to add a personal touch to your messages, knowing how to access these characters is essential.

In this article, we explored eight different special characters and the corresponding keyboard shortcuts to type them on a Mac. From the copyright symbol to the euro sign, we covered a range of commonly used symbols.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to try these shortcuts out until they become second nature. With a little time and effort, you’ll be effortlessly incorporating special characters into your writing, adding a polished and professional touch to your work.

So go ahead, give it a try and let your creativity soar with these top special characters on your Mac keyboard!

FAQs

Q: Can I use special characters on a Mac keyboard?
A: Yes, you can definitely use special characters on a Mac keyboard. In fact, Mac keyboards offer a wide range of special character options.

Q: How do I type special characters on a Mac keyboard?
A: To type special characters on a Mac keyboard, simply hold down the Option key (?) and press the corresponding key on the keyboard. This will produce the special character you desire.

Q: What are some commonly used special characters on a Mac keyboard?
A: Some commonly used special characters on a Mac keyboard include the copyright symbol (©), the trademark symbol (™), the degree symbol (°), the euro symbol (€), and the pound symbol (£).

Q: Can I customize the special characters on my Mac keyboard?
A: Unfortunately, you cannot customize the special characters on a Mac keyboard. The special characters are pre-set by Apple and cannot be changed.

Q: How can I find additional special characters on a Mac keyboard?
A: To access a wide range of additional special characters on a Mac keyboard, you can use the “Character Viewer.” Simply go to “Edit” on the menu bar, choose “Emoji & Symbols,” and the Character Viewer will open. From there, you can browse and select various special characters.