In various fields such as mathematics, physics, and even everyday temperature reporting, the degree symbol (°) is essential. For macOS users, knowing how to insert this symbol quickly and efficiently can save time and improve productivity. This comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods to type the degree symbol on a Mac, whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, character viewers, or other built-in macOS tools.
Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts.
Keyboard shortcuts are one of the fastest ways to insert special characters, including the degree symbol. macOS offers a straightforward shortcut for this purpose.
a. Open any text field: This could be a document in Pages, a text box in your web browser, or a note in the Notes app.
b. Press Option + Shift + 8: Hold down the Option (⌥) and Shift (⇧) keys, then press the number 8. The degree symbol (°) will appear.
This method is quick and easy, making it ideal for frequent use.
Method 2: Using the Character Viewer.
The Character Viewer is a built-in utility in macOS that allows you to insert a wide range of symbols and special characters.
1. Open the Character Viewer:
a. Click on the Apple logo () in the top-left corner of the screen.
b. Select System Preferences > Keyboard.
c. Check the box that says Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar.
c. Now, in the menu bar at the top of your screen, click the input menu icon (it looks like a small keyboard or flag) and select Show Emoji & Symbols.
2. Find the Degree Symbol:
a. In the Character Viewer window, type “degree” in the search bar.
b. The degree symbol (°) will appear in the results.
3. Insert the Symbol: Double-click the degree symbol, and it will be inserted into your active text field.
The Character Viewer is useful for accessing a wide variety of symbols, especially if you need more than just the degree symbol.
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Method 3: Using the Emoji & Symbols Menu.
For those who prefer using a graphical interface, the Emoji & Symbols menu offers a simple way to insert the degree symbol.
1. Open the Emoji & Symbols Menu:
a. Place your cursor in the text field where you want the degree symbol.
b. Press Control + Command + Spacebar to open the Emoji & Symbols menu.
2. Search for the Degree Symbol:
a. In the search bar, type “degree”.
b. The degree symbol (°) will appear in the results.
3. Insert the Symbol: Double-click the degree symbol to insert it into your text.
This method is particularly handy if you frequently use emojis and other special characters alongside the degree symbol.
Method 4: Custom Keyboard Shortcuts.
If you often need to type the degree symbol and prefer using a specific key combination, you can create a custom keyboard shortcut.
1. Create a Text Replacement Shortcut:
a. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text.
b. Click the + button to add a new shortcut.
c. In the Replace field, type a shortcut like deg.
d. In the With field, paste the degree symbol (°).
2. Use Your Shortcut:
a. In any text field, type your shortcut (e.g., deg).
b. The degree symbol will replace your shortcut automatically.
This method allows for highly personalized and convenient shortcuts tailored to your typing habits.
Method 5: Using the Keyboard Viewer.
For those who prefer a visual approach to typing special characters, the Keyboard Viewer shows a virtual keyboard on your screen.
1. Enable the Keyboard Viewer:
a. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard.
b. Check the box next to Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar.
c. Click the input menu icon in the menu bar and select Show Keyboard Viewer.
2. Find the Degree Symbol:
a. Hold down the Option key to see the additional characters you can type.
b. Locate the degree symbol on the virtual keyboard and click it.
The Keyboard Viewer provides a visual representation of your keyboard, making it easier to find and use special characters.
Method 6: Using Third-Party Apps.
If you need to insert a variety of special characters frequently, you might consider using third-party apps designed to streamline this process.
1. Download and Install a Character Map App: Apps like PopChar X or Ultra Character Map offer extensive character maps and easy insertion tools.
2. Use the App to Insert the Degree Symbol:
a. Open the app and search for the degree symbol.
b. Use the app’s interface to insert the symbol into your text.
These apps are particularly useful for users who work with a wide range of special characters and symbols.
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Method 7: Copy and Paste.
For occasional use, the simplest method might be to copy the degree symbol from a reliable source and paste it into your text.
1. Copy the Degree Symbol:
a. Find a source with the degree symbol (e.g., this article).
b. Highlight the degree symbol (°) and press Command + C to copy it.
2. Paste the Degree Symbol:
a. Place your cursor in the desired text field.
b. Press Command + V to paste the degree symbol.
This method is straightforward and requires no setup, making it ideal for infrequent use.
Conclusion
Whether you’re drafting a scientific paper, updating a weather report, or simply adding precise details to your text, knowing how to type the degree symbol on macOS can significantly enhance your productivity.
From keyboard shortcuts to the Character Viewer and custom shortcuts, macOS offers a variety of methods to meet your needs. Choose the one that best fits your workflow, and you’ll be inserting the degree symbol with ease in no time.
Originally posted on June 13, 2024 @ 9:07 pm