The underlined u will be replaced by an em dash.

Luckily, iOS is hip to the em dash.

If you are using Windows, you can use the numeric keypad to enter an Alt code. Press space or enter to let the system know that you're done entering the unicode. There are, in fact, a few ways that you can add dashes to documents in Google Docs and other word processors. Whenever you want to insert a special character to a document, Google Docs is happy to oblige with its library of built-in symbols, emojis, and punctuations. In the Special characters dialog, you can type in dash in the search box and one of those is an en dash. Be Efficient. One expert posted this: The space after the entry is what activates the automatic change.I agree that it's a bit annoying and takes a little getting used to in terms of getting rid of the space. Here’s how to type an em dash in your favorite word processor. If your only option is to use the character map (the least efficient option), consider inserting two hyphens for em dashes in your document for now. 1. (For en dash: Alt+0150) Alternatively, you can copy and paste one in. In 'Replace' type: --(include space on each side) In 'With': Enter the em dash character*: Windows: Hold Alt and enter 0151; Mac: Option + Shift + -* as suggested by OnenOnlyWalter In Google Docs on Android or iOS, long-hold on the hyphen key on your keyboard for access to an en dash, em dash, and bullet character. From Google Docs help: Insert special characters Although MS Word has long been considered industry standard, many writers have moved on to Google’s free cloud-based word processing platform, Google Docs. Since Google Docs is now my go-to word processing software, the lack of em dash compatibility was a … In Google Docs, go to Insert, Special Characters. (You don't need to be holding down ctrl-shift-u while you type the number.) In Google Docs. If you're using Google Docs on an iPhone or iPad, the em dash is only a few keyboard clicks away. Google Docs, on the other hand, doesn't have a built-in shortcut for the em dash. No matter where you do your writing, there’s a trick to ensuring you get the perfect em dash every time! Essentially, a hyphen is a dash (-), an en dash is the length of two dashes (–), and an em dash is the length of three dashes (—). Since Google Docs is now my go-to word processing software, the lack of em dash compatibility was a heartbreaking realization. This is how you can add em dashes to Doc documents. Google Docs, on the other hand, doesn't have a built-in shortcut for the em dash. Inserting the Em dash as a Special Character in Chrome. How to create em dash in Google Docs manually You need to open a Google Docs file to get started with creating dashes and hyphens manually. On most keyboards, you’ll only find the shortest hyphen located in the upper right side of it. In Microsoft Word, the em dash is easily created by typing two sequential hyphens. Go to your opened Google Docs. And, Google Docs also lets you substitute characters — such as consecutive hyphens — with the em dash provided that you tweak some settings.

Press ctrl+shift+u and an underlined u will appear. In Google Docs. However, you can tell it to convert strings of characters into whatever you want, such as special characters like en and em dashes. Navigate to Tools in the menu then Preferences. I'm trying to create an em dash. Some Google Doc users might wonder how they can add an em dash to their documents as that word processor doesn’t include any handy hotkey or toolbar button for it. How to Create an Em Dash From an iOS Keyboard . No matter where you do your writing, there’s a trick to ensuring you get the perfect em dash every time!