How to Make Degree Symbol on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a Mac user, you know how challenging it can be to type certain symbols on your keyboard. One of the most common symbols that we need to use frequently is the degree symbol (°), especially when we are working with temperature or angles. The degree symbol may not be present on your keyboard, but don’t worry, it’s super easy to type on your Mac. In this article, we’ll guide you through the different methods for making a degree symbol on your Mac.

There are different ways you can type the degree symbol on your Mac. The easiest way is to use the keyboard shortcut, which is extremely convenient and efficient. However, if you can’t remember all the keyboard shortcuts, there are several other quick and easy methods. Keep reading to learn how to make the degree symbol on your Mac with various methods.

How to Make Degree Symbol on Mac: Detailed Guide

If you’re someone who frequently works with mathematical or scientific data, the degree symbol is probably a feature you use regularly. Located above the number 0 on standard keyboards, creating this symbol can be a little tricky on a Mac. But worry not, in this article, we’ll be guiding you through the easy steps that can help you create the degree symbol on Mac effortlessly.

1. Using Special Characters Menu

Mac gives you easy access to an extensive array of symbols and characters, including the degree symbol, via the Special Characters menu. Here’s what you need to do:

– Place the cursor where you want to insert the degree symbol
– Press “Control + Command + Spacebar” simultaneously to open the Special Characters menu
– Type “degree” into the search bar that appears
– Choose the degree symbol from the list, and it will insert into your document

2. Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you’re someone who prefers shortcuts, there are quite a few keyboard shortcuts that can help you create the degree symbol on your Mac. Here’s how you can create one using quick keyboard shortcuts:

– Hold down the “Option” key and “Shift” key
– Press “8” on your keyboard
– The degree symbol will now appear where you placed your cursor

3. Using AutoCorrect

AutoCorrect is another feature that can help you create degree symbols on Mac efficiently. Here’s how to use AutoCorrect:

– Go to the “System Preferences” icon on your Mac
– Select “Keyboard”
– Select the “Text” tab
– Click on the “+” sign at the bottom left corner of the window
– Add the degree symbol in the “Replace” box and the degree symbol in the “With” box
– Click on “Add”
– Whenever you type the letter combination you’ve set up, the degree symbol will appear

4. Creating Custom Keyboard Shortcuts

Mac offers the option of customizing the keyboard shortcuts, including creating new ones for specific characters. Here’s how you can create a customized keyboard shortcut for degree symbol:

– Go to the “System Preferences” icon on your Mac
– Select “Keyboard”
– Click on the “Shortcuts” tab
– Select “App Shortcuts” from the sidebar
– Click on the “+” icon
– In the “Menu Title” section, type “Degree” and then command-right-click the “°”
– From the contextual menu, choose “Copy Character Info”
– Paste the info in the “Keyboard Shortcut” section by pressing the keys you want to use as the shortcut
– Click on “Add”

5. Typing the Degree Symbol with a Keyboard Shortcut on Microsoft Word

If you have Microsoft Word on your Mac, creating the degree symbol is simple. Here’s how to do it:

– Hold down the “Option” key and press “K”
– Type a space
– The degree symbol will now appear

6. Typing the Degree Symbol with a Keyboard Shortcut on Pages

Pages is the Mac-native word processing program that comes with every Mac. Creating a degree symbol with a keyboard shortcut is simple. Here’s how to do it:

– Hold down the “Option” key and press “0” (zero)
– The degree symbol will now appear

7. Creating the Degree Symbol in Special Fonts

Some fonts have a degree symbol already built into them. If you’re working with one of these fonts, all you need to do is:

– Select the font.
– Type “Option + Shift + 8”
– Your text will now show the degree symbol

8. Using Emoji & Symbols

Every Mac gives you access to a range of symbols and emojis, including the degree symbol. Here’s how you can access the emoji and symbols:

– Place the cursor where you want the degree symbol
– Click on the “Edit” menu
– Choose the option that says “Emoji & Symbols.”
– The symbols palette will appear.
– Select the degree symbol from the package

9. Using Keyboard Viewer

Keyboard Viewer is a virtual keyboard in your Mac that shows you all the characters that you can type using the Option and Shift keys. Here’s how you can use the Keyboard Viewer:

– Go to “System Preferences” and choose “Keyboard.”
– Click on the “Show Keyboard and Emoji viewer in menu bar” option.
– Click on the icon in the menu bar and select “Show Keyboard Viewer.”
– Choose the degree symbol and click on the icon to insert it.

10. Using Third-Party Keyboard Apps

If you’re not satisfied with any of the above options, there are third-party keyboard apps available on the Mac App Store that can help you create the degree symbol easily. Some of the popular apps include “TextExpander,” “Typinator,” and “Keyboard Maestro.”

Final Thoughts

And that’s it. We hope this article has given you a comprehensive guide on how to make the degree symbol on Mac. Regardless of your preferences, whether shortcuts, keyboard viewers, or customizing your keyboard, these methods will all help you create the degree symbol.

Section Two: Methods to Insert Degree Symbols on Mac

1. Using Keyboard Shortcut

The simplest way to insert a degree symbol on a Mac is to use a keyboard shortcut. On your keyboard, press and hold the ‘Option’ key and the letter ‘K’ simultaneously. The degree symbol will appear on the cursor position.

2. Using Character Viewer

You can use the Character Viewer feature to insert a degree symbol on your Mac. Access the Character Viewer by going to the ‘Edit’ drop-down menu on any text editing platform, select ‘Emoji and Symbols,’ then find and select the degree symbol to insert.

3. Use AutoCorrect Feature

Macs have an AutoCorrect feature that can help you automatically insert a degree symbol every time you type a specific shortcut. To configure this feature, go to ‘System Preferences,’ select ‘Keyboard,’ and navigate to the ‘Text’ tab. Click the ‘+’ button at the bottom left of the window, type in the shortcut of choice, input the degree symbol, and click ‘Save.’

4. Copy and Paste Method

If you have a pre-existing degree symbol on any platform, copying and pasting it on your new text platform is another efficient method to insert degree symbols on your Mac. Select the symbol, right-click, click ‘Copy’ and right-click again on your text field, click on ‘Paste.’

5. Using Third-Party Apps

Several third-party apps such as TextExpander, Typinator, and aText can help Mac users automate the degree symbol insert process on their platforms. Installing any of these apps, set up shortcuts, and insert the symbol with ease.

6. Use Keyboard Viewer

Keyboard Viewer allows you to view all keyboard symbols available on your Mac from the desktop. You can use it to insert degree symbols and other keyboards symbols. To access Keyboard Viewer, go to ‘System Preferences,’ select ‘Keyboard,’ with Keyboard selected click the option for ‘Show Keyboard Viewer.’

7. Use Font Book feature

Font Book has characters and symbols that regular Keyboards don’t have. To use this feature, search for the symbol you want to insert, click on it, and select ‘Show Fonts.’ You will see several fonts to choose from. Select the preferred font and insert the symbol.

8. Use the Symbols Window in iWork Apps

If you use Apple’s productivity suite (Pages, Numbers, or Keynote), you can easily use the application’s built-in Symbols window to insert a degree symbol. To do this, select ‘Insert’ on the app’s top menu and select ‘Symbol.’ Find the degree symbol by scrolling through the window, then click ‘Insert.’

9. Use System Preferences

If you use a specific degree symbol frequently, you can add it to the ‘System Preferences.’ Go to ‘System Preferences,’ select ‘Keyboard,’ navigate to the ‘Text’ tab, click the ‘+’ button at the bottom left corner, input the degree symbol, and a shortcut of choice. Click ‘Save.’

10. Use Unicode Callouts

Unicode callouts make it easy to insert several symbols, including the degree symbol on a Mac. Press the ‘Control + Command + Space’ keys all at once. A popup with frequently used symbols and emojis will appear, navigate to the degree symbol, select and click ‘Insert.’

Methods for Making the Degree Symbol on Mac

Now that you know the importance and use of the degree symbol, let us proceed with some methods to make it on your Mac. There are different ways to make the degree sign on Mac, and we have listed them below:

These are the most common methods for making a degree symbol on your Mac. Choose the one that you find easiest and most convenient, and start using it in your documents and emails.

That’s how to make degree symbol on Mac!

Now you know how to type that little circle and amaze your friends with your newfound knowledge. If you find yourself in need of symbols other than the degree symbol, remember that the Special Characters menu is your friend. Thanks for reading and I hope you’ll visit again for more cool tips and tricks!