How to Type an Em Dash in Google Docs Using a Keyboard Shortcut on Windows

An em dash (—) is a versatile punctuation mark used in professional writing to indicate a pause, emphasize a point, or represent an interruption in dialogue. Unlike the standard hyphen (-) located on your keyboard, an em dash is significantly longer and lacks a dedicated key. If you are writing in Google Docs on a Windows PC, typing an em dash can be frustrating without knowing the correct shortcuts.

Why Use an Em Dash?

Using a double hyphen (–) instead of a proper em dash is generally considered poor typography. An em dash provides a much cleaner, more professional look to your essays, reports, and creative writing. While macOS users have a simple native shortcut (Option + Shift + Hyphen), Windows users have to rely on Alt codes or Google Docs’ specific formatting tools.

Step 1: Use the Windows Alt Code Shortcut

The fastest way to type an em dash in any Windows application, including Google Docs, is by using a specific Alt code. This method requires a keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad.

1. Place your text cursor where you want the em dash to appear in your Google Doc.
2. Ensure that your Num Lock key is turned on.
3. Press and hold down the Alt key on your keyboard.
4. While holding Alt, type 0151 on the numeric keypad (do not use the number row above the letters).
5. Release the Alt key. The em dash (—) will instantly appear.

Step 2: Use the Google Docs Insert Menu

If you are using a laptop without a numeric keypad, the Alt code method will not work. Fortunately, Google Docs includes a built-in character map.

1. Click on the Insert menu at the top of the Google Docs interface.
2. Select Special characters from the drop-down list.
3. A small search window will appear. In the search box on the right, type “em dash”.
4. The em dash symbol will appear in the results grid. Click on the symbol once to insert it directly into your document.
5. You can leave the Special characters box open and continue typing, clicking the symbol again whenever you need another em dash.

Step 3: Create an Automatic Substitution Rule

If you use em dashes frequently, you can train Google Docs to automatically convert a double hyphen (–) into an em dash, saving you time.

1. Click on the Tools menu and select Preferences.
2. Navigate to the Substitutions tab.
3. In the blank “Replace” box on the left, type two hyphens (--).
4. In the blank “With” box on the right, paste an actual em dash (—). You can copy one from a previous paragraph.
5. Ensure the checkbox next to your new rule is ticked, and click OK.

Now, whenever you type two hyphens and press the spacebar, Google Docs will automatically format it into a perfect professional em dash.