Whenever you want to insert a special character into a document, Google Docs is happy to help with its library of built-in symbols, emojis, and punctuation. But the whole process of adding them can be a tedious task. For example, having to repeatedly access the list of special characters in Google Docs can be mind-boggling.
Contents1. Open the special character library faster2. Draw a special character3. Insert value Unicode4. Automatic replacement5. Shortcuts Alt or OptionSpecial Means
That's why the five ways I've listed below should make your life easier when inserting special characters in Google Docs. Whether it's accessing the special character library faster, finding items quickly, or creating shortcuts for your favorite characters, you'll soon find that working with them isn't as bad as front.
To access the Insert Special Characters box in Google Docs, you must first open the Insert menu, then click Special Characters. Break your flow while you work.
Instead, use the Alt + I + C key combination to get to the Insert Special Characters box faster. If you're using Google Docs on a Mac, the key combination lengthens slightly – Ctrl + Option + I + C.
Then it's as if nothing had happened:use the filter menus or the search field to find the special character you're looking for.
Unable to locate a certain character with filter menus or search box? Why not find it by drawing it instead?
Sketch the character roughly — it doesn't have to be perfect — in the blank box below the search bar, and Google Docs will automatically filter out characters that closely match what you've drawn. It works amazingly well, so give it a try.
If you don't want to have to repeatedly search or draw a special character, use its Unicode value instead. First, filter the character, then place the cursor over it. You should see the unicode value, something like U+xxxx.
Next time, just insert the letters and numbers at the end of the Unicode value (omit "U+") in the search box for faster filtering. You may want to store the Unicode values of frequently used special characters in memory.
An even faster way to insert any special character is to use the auto-substitute feature in Google Docs. It takes a bit of work to set up, but once you have it in place, inserting frequently used special characters should be a breeze.
Step 1: Insert a special character into a document as you normally would.
Step 2: Copy the special character to your clipboard.
Step 3: Open the Tools menu, then click Preferences.
Step 4: Insert any character from your keyboard (preferably a combination of characters) into the Replace box. This character or set of characters will be replaced by the special character each time you type them into a document. Then paste the special character (press Ctrl+V or Cmd+V combo) into the With box.
Step 5: Type the character or set of characters, press Space and voila! The special character should appear instead.
You can add as many substitutions as you want. Try to refrain from using common key combinations for your overrides, as they might interfere with your normal workflow.
Another way to insert special characters is to use Alt code shortcuts. These codes allow you to insert the majority of special characters by holding down the Alt key while typing a code into the numeric keypad. For example, the Alt + 0169 code shortcut allows you to easily insert the Copyright symbol.
Note: On keyboards without a dedicated numeric keypad, use the FN key in conjunction with the Alt key when entering numeric characters through the number row.
On Mac, things work a little differently. You must use the Option or Option+Shift keys along with various alphanumeric keys to insert special characters. For example, to insert the Copyright symbol, just press Option + G.
For a list of Alt or Option shortcuts, refer to the appropriate lists by clicking the buttons below:
List of alternative shortcuts – PC
List of Option Shortcuts – Mac
The best thing about Alt or Option shortcuts is that you can use them to insert special characters in any word processor. They are not limited to Google Docs.
With the tips above, inserting special characters in Google Docs should be a breeze. The first three tips should help you get to your favorite characters faster. But if you deal with them all the time, remember to use override or Alt/Option hotkeys to make the whole process incredibly easier.
I love using the auto-substitute feature - it's my favorite way to insert the em-dash in Google Docs. But what is yours? Do you know any other ways to insert special characters? Share in the comments.
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