Long dash, also known as em dash, is a punctuation mark that is longer than a hyphen but shorter than a horizontal bar. It is commonly used to indicate a break in thought or to emphasize a phrase. However, typing a long dash can be tricky, especially if you are not familiar with the right keyboard shortcut. In this article, we will show you how to type long dash in different devices and applications.

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How to Type Long Dash in Windows and Mac

The easiest way to type a long dash in Windows and Mac is to use the keyboard shortcut. To do this, press the following keys:

Windows: Alt + 0151
Mac: Shift + Option + Minus (-)

These shortcuts will insert a long dash in your document or text field.

How to Type Long Dash in Microsoft Word

In Microsoft Word, you can also use the keyboard shortcut to type a long dash. However, there is another way to do it. You can insert a long dash using the AutoCorrect feature. Here’s how:

Open Microsoft Word.
Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.
In the “AutoCorrect” tab, type two hyphens in the “Replace” field.
In the “With” field, type a long dash.
Click “Add” and then “OK”.

Now, every time you type two hyphens in a row, Microsoft Word will automatically replace them with a long dash.

How to Type Long Dash in Google Docs

In Google Docs, you can also use the keyboard shortcut to type a long dash. However, there is another way to do it. You can insert a long dash using the “Special Characters” menu. Here’s how:

Open Google Docs.
Place your cursor where you want to insert a long dash.
Go to Insert > Special Characters.
In the search bar, type “em dash”.
Select the long dash character and click “Insert”.

Now, the long dash character will be inserted into your document.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between a hyphen and a long dash?

A: A hyphen is used to connect two words or to separate syllables in a word. A long dash is used to indicate a break in thought or to emphasize a phrase.

Q: How do I type a long dash on my phone or tablet?

A: On iPhone or iPad, you can type a long dash by holding down the hyphen key until the long dash appears. On Android, you can type a long dash by holding down the hyphen key and selecting the long dash character.

Q: Can I use a long dash in a URL?

A: No, a long dash is not a valid character in a URL. You should use a hyphen instead.

Conclusion

Typing a long dash is not difficult once you know the right keyboard shortcut or feature. Whether you are using Windows, Mac, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs, there are different ways to insert a long dash in your document. We hope this article has helped you learn how to type long dash and improve your writing skills.