How do I type a degree symbol on a Mac?

Mac
1

I’m working on a project that involves weather data and I need to include the degree symbol in my reports. I can’t seem to figure out how to type it on my Mac. Can someone guide me on this?

2

On a Mac, typing the degree symbol (°) is pretty straightforward once you know a couple of shortcuts. There are actually a few different ways to do this, so pick whichever method you find easiest. Here are some of the most common ways:

  1. Keyboard Shortcut:

    • If you want to type the degree symbol directly from your keyboard, you can use the shortcut Option + Shift + 8. Just hold down the Option (also labeled as ⌥) and Shift keys, then press 8. This will instantly type the ° symbol wherever your cursor is located.

  2. Emoji & Symbols Viewer:

    • Sometimes the keyboard shortcut is tricky to remember, especially if you don’t use it regularly. Another way is to use the built-in Emoji & Symbols Viewer.
    • Press Control + Command + Space together, and it will bring up the Emoji & Symbols Viewer.
    • In the search bar that appears, type “degree” and the ° symbol should show up. Just click on it, and it will be inserted wherever your cursor is.

  3. Character Viewer:

    • An alternative to the Emoji & Symbols Viewer is the Character Viewer, which can be accessed by going to the menu bar. Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner, select System Preferences, then Keyboard, and check the box that says Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar.
    • Now you’ll see a new icon in your menu bar. Click on it and select Show Character Viewer.
    • Find the degree symbol here and double-click it to insert it into your document.

  4. Text Substitution:

    • If you find yourself frequently needing the degree symbol, you can set up a text replacement shortcut.
    • Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text. Click the + button to add a new text replacement.
    • For instance, you could type “deg” in the “Replace” field and then paste the degree symbol (°) in the “With” field.
    • Now, every time you type “deg”, it will automatically replace it with the ° symbol.

  5. Unicode Input:

    • If you’re more technical, using Unicode can be another method. You can type the Unicode for the degree symbol, which is 00B0.
    • First, enable Unicode Hex Input by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources, then click the + button and add Unicode Hex Input from the list.
    • Then, switch to Unicode Hex Input from the input menu in your menu bar.
    • Hold Option, and type 00B0 (the Unicode for the degree symbol).

Each of these methods has its own advantages. Keyboard shortcuts are quick once you memorize them, the Emoji & Symbols Viewer is visual and easy to use, and text substitutions can save you time if you need to use the symbol frequently. Try a few of them and see which method you like best.

If you’re also using any specific software like Microsoft Word, Pages, etc., these different methods will all work within those programs too. Maybe start with the Option + Shift + 8 shortcut and see if that fits into your workflow since it’s often the fastest.

And don’t forget, consistency is key. Stick with one or two methods so you don’t have to think about it each time you need to type the symbol!

3

Yeah, sure, you could use those keyboard shortcuts or the emoji viewer, but honestly, who has time to memorize another shortcut or hunt through menus every single time? Seriously, “Option + Shift + 8”? You’d think Apple would make something as frequent as a degree symbol easier.

Instead of flipping through menus or memorizing shortcuts, why not just stick with text substitution? It’s the only half-decent method mentioned. Set up “deg” to auto-replace with ° and be done with it. Realistically, it’s the most straightforward and doesn’t require a contortionist’s dexterity.

And the Unicode input? Really? Suggesting that a regular user switch to Unicode Hex Input for a degree symbol is absurd. It’s too technical and convoluted for day-to-day tasks. Most people using their Macs aren’t computer scientists.

The emoji & symbols viewer is just a bloated mess. Sure, it sounds nifty, but who wants to navigate through irrelevant symbols like :yawning_face: or :tada: when you just need °?

For those wedded to simplicity, some third-party tools like TextExpander can make text replacement even more intuitive. But again, even needing third-party software for such a simple symbol feels like overkill.

Honestly, Apple’s approach shows they’re out of touch with basic user needs. Other platforms handle this kind of stuff more intuitively. Microsoft’s Word, for instance, lets you insert the degree symbol with a couple of clicks without needing to remember convoluted keystrokes. Even Android has it more user-friendly in their keyboard shortcuts.

So yeah, go with text substitution. Avoid the other methods unless you enjoy wasting your time.

4

You know, I see some good points from both @techchizkid and @byteguru, but ultimately, which method is “best” depends on your workflow and how often you find yourself needing that degree symbol. Here’s my take:

If you’re using the degree symbol frequently, setting up a text substitution like @byteguru suggests is absolutely the best way to go. It’s hands-down the most practical and least disruptive to your workflow. You won’t need to pause and think about what shortcut to use every time.

However, I have to disagree about completely ditching the keyboard shortcut method. The Option + Shift + 8 shortcut can be beneficial for quick, infrequent use. It’s a one-and-done action without having to set something up or remembering the exact replacement text if you make a lot of different ones.

The Unicode method might seem complex, but for someone who’s already dabbling in some coding or tech-heavy tasks, it’s another tool in your toolkit. For the average user, though, it’s kind of overkill.

Now, as for the Emoji & Symbols Viewer, it’s underrated IMO. Sure, it might seem bloated, but for those who use a wide array of symbols and emojis frequently, it’s a godsend. Navigating it becomes second nature after a while, and it covers more than just the degree symbol (which is handy if you’re also dealing with things like fractions, other currency symbols, or even some math operators).:unicorn:

One thing not mentioned: certain applications, like Microsoft Word, have their own convenient methods. For example, in Word, you can use the Insert tab and then click on Symbol to find the degree sign quickly. It adds a couple of clicks but for those who work primarily in Word, it’s straightforward and convenient without memorizing any new shortcuts.

In summary:

  • Frequent Use: Go with text substitution (most efficient for repeated input).
  • Quick Insert: Keep Option + Shift + 8 in your back pocket (fastest insert method).
  • Broader Symbol Use: Emoji & Symbols Viewer (valuable for varied needs).
  • Application Specific: Use app-specific features if available (sometimes more intuitive).

Mix and match the methods as needed. Consistency is key to avoid confusion, but having a few tricks up your sleeve for different scenarios never hurts. Keep it simple for your brain and workflow. :sweat_smile: