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How to get degrees symbol on mac

how to get degrees symbol on mac

Finding the right ways to type the degrees symbol (“, and each solution offers a particular convenience depending on your current workflow or the application you’re using. As a lifelong Mac user, I’ve explored and used different methods to achieve this quickly and efficiently. So, let’s dive into the various ways to get the degrees symbol on a Mac.

1

Common Scenarios:

Crafting a Recipe 🍪

  • Using the degrees symbol while typing up a family recipe.
  • Including the symbol in a digital cookbook on your Mac.
  • Preparing instructions for baking or cooking where temperature is key.

Academic Papers 📚

  • Typing scientific or mathematical documents where temperature measurements are necessary.
  • Inserting the degrees symbol in lab reports or research papers.
  • Discussing thermal gradients in geography or climate studies.

Weather Reporting ☀

  • Creating content for blogs or articles related to weather forecasts.
  • Designing a presentation where you need to portray temperature variances.
  • Adding a professional touch to your written communication about climatology.
2

Step-by-Step Guide. How To Get Degrees Symbol On Mac:

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut 🤓

  • Place the cursor where you want to insert the degrees symbol.
  • Press the Option (⌥) key and the Shift (⇧) key at the same time, followed by the number 8 key. This will result in the degrees symbol (°) appearing in your text.

Note: This method is quick and works in most text fields and applications across macOS.

Conclusion: The keyboard shortcut is ideal for fast typing and when you’re looking to streamline your workflow without disrupting your typing rhythm.

Method 2: Character Viewer 🧐

  • Click on the Spotlight search (magnifying glass icon) in the upper-right corner of your screen, or use the keyboard shortcut Command (⌘) + Space to open it.
  • Type ‘Character Viewer’ into the search bar and open the app.
  • In the Character Viewer, search for ‘degree’ to find the degrees symbol.
  • Select the symbol and click ‘Insert’ to add it to your document.

Note: The Character Viewer provides access to a wide range of special characters and can be a handy tool for anyone working with diverse symbols on a regular basis.

Conclusion: Ideal for those who need a visual selection of symbols and wish to explore various character options beyond just the degrees symbol.

Method 3: Copy and Paste 📋

  • Find a source that includes the degrees symbol, such as an online article or a previous document.
  • Highlight the symbol with your cursor.
  • Use the keyboard shortcut Command (⌘) + C to copy the symbol.
  • Navigate to where you want the symbol in your document, and use the keyboard shortcut Command (⌘) + V to paste it.

Note: This method is straightforward but requires you to have a source from which to copy the symbol each time you need it.

Conclusion: Copy and paste is a quick fix when you’ve got the symbol handy, but not the most efficient for repetitive use.

Method 4: Text Replacement 🔄

  • Navigate to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text.
  • Click on the ‘+’ sign to add a new text replacement.
  • In the ‘Replace’ column, type a shortcut you’ll remember, like ‘deg’.
  • In the ‘With’ column, insert the degrees symbol using one of the methods above (such as the keyboard shortcut).
  • Click ‘Add’ to save the new text replacement.

Note: Whenever you type your chosen shortcut, it will automatically be replaced with the degrees symbol in most applications that support text replacement.

Conclusion: Text replacement is the best long-term solution if you frequently use the degrees symbol in your writing.

Method 5: ASCII Code Input 🧑

  • Enable the ‘Unicode Hex Input’ method by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources.
  • Click the ‘+’ button, find ‘Unicode Hex Input’ under ‘Others’, and add it to your input methods.
  • Press and hold the Option (⌥) key, then type ’00B0′ to get the degrees symbol.
  • Release the keys, and the symbol should appear in your text.

Note: This method requires memorizing a Unicode sequence, which can be cumbersome for some users.

Conclusion: The ASCII code input is a less common approach but becomes quite efficient once you memorize the code.

Method 6: VoiceOver Utility 💬

  • Click on the Spotlight search and type ‘VoiceOver Utility’ to open it.
  • Use the ‘Enable VoiceOver’ command within the application.
  • Speak ‘degrees symbol’ clearly into your microphone.
  • VoiceOver should insert the degrees symbol where your cursor is located.

Note: This feature may not be available in all versions of macOS and can require some setup in your VoiceOver settings to work correctly.

Conclusion: VoiceOver is a particularly helpful method for visually impaired users or those seeking hands-free typing solutions.

3

Precautions and Tips:

Swift Typing 🚀

  • Memorize the keyboard shortcut for the fastest possible insertion.
  • Learn the ASCII code if you are already familiar with such input methods.
  • Use text replacement for the most frequently used symbols to save time.
  • Ensure your Mac system is updated to the latest version for optimal functionality of all features.

You can learn more about Mac keystrokes and shortcuts on the official Apple Support page.

4

Maximize Your Mac’s Potential

Apart from inserting special characters like the degrees symbol, understanding your Mac’s capabilities to the fullest can revolutionize your productivity. From mastering keyboard shortcuts to automating repetitive tasks, there is a wealth of features under the surface of macOS. Use tools such as Automator and AppleScript to create your own shortcuts, or dive into customizing the Touch Bar on supported MacBooks for quick access to your most frequently needed functions.

If you work with different languages or need accessibility features, delve into the extensive options available in System Preferences. Explore text-to-speech, dictation, and voice commands to bring your Mac to life and cater to your unique requirements.

With the right combination of knowledge and creativity, you can turn your Mac into a powerhouse of efficiency and personalization. Check out the official macOS page for detailed guides and resources to get the most out of your Mac experience.

Conclusion:

Ultimately, whether you’re creating a culinary masterpiece, drafting an academic thesis, or forecasting the weather, knowing how to swiftly insert special characters like the degrees symbol is a subtle but significant boost to your Mac usage. Remember that your workflow matters, and choosing the method that aligns with your habits and preferences will make the process seamless.

Keep exploring the depths of your device, and don’t hesitate to visit the Apple Support site whenever you need a helping hand. Happy typing!

FAQ

To type the degree symbol on a Mac, press Shift + Option + 8 keys simultaneously.

Yes, you can go to the Emoji & Symbols viewer (Edit > Emoji & Symbols) to find and insert the degree symbol.

Absolutely, use the Shift + Option + 8 shortcut or the Emoji & Symbols viewer within Pages to insert the degree symbol.

While in Numbers, either use the Shift + Option + 8 keyboard shortcut or the Emoji & Symbols viewer to add the degree symbol.

Check your keyboard settings to ensure that shortcuts haven’t been altered and that your keyboard layout supports this shortcut.

If your Mac has a Touch Bar, customize it to include the Emoji & Symbols button, from which you can select the degree symbol.

Yes, in the macOS Terminal, type Shift + Option + 8 to insert the degree symbol into your command line.

There are various text expansion apps that allow you to create shortcuts for symbols, but for the degree symbol, the built-in methods are generally quicker.

While macOS doesn’t natively allow custom shortcuts for individual symbols, text expansion tools can provide this functionality.

Visit Apple Support for comprehensive guides on using special characters and other features on your Mac.