How to Get Degree Symbol on Mac

Have you ever come across a situation where you needed to use the degree symbol (°) in your text or document on your Mac, but couldn’t find it anywhere on your keyboard? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many Mac users struggle to locate the degree symbol, and it can be frustrating when you need it for scientific or mathematical purposes, or simply to express temperature. But fear not, as in this blog post, we will explore different methods to help you easily get the degree symbol on your Mac. So let’s dive in!

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

To follow along with the methods mentioned in this blog post, all you need is a Mac computer and a text document or any application where you want to insert the degree symbol. Whether you’re using Pages, Microsoft Word, Keynote, or any other text editing software, these methods will work across all applications on your Mac.

What Requires Your Focus?

Before we jump into the different methods of getting the degree symbol on your Mac, there are a few things you need to pay attention to. Firstly, the methods may vary depending on the application you’re using. Some applications have built-in shortcuts or menus for inserting special characters like the degree symbol, while others may require the use of keyboard shortcuts or special codes.

Secondly, it’s important to note that the methods we will discuss here are specifically for Mac computers. If you’re using a Windows or Linux machine, the methods may differ. Lastly, make sure to double-check the font you’re using in your document, as not all fonts support the degree symbol. If you find that the inserted degree symbol is not displaying properly, try changing the font to a different one that supports special characters.

Method 1. How to Get Degree Symbol Using the Keyboard

One of the simplest methods to get the degree symbol on your Mac is by using a keyboard shortcut. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Place your cursor at the location where you want to insert the degree symbol.
Step 2: Press and hold the Shift key, Option key, and the number 8 key simultaneously.
Step 3: Release all the keys, and voila! The degree symbol (°) should appear at the cursor’s location in your text.

Pros:
1. Quick and easy method without the need for any additional software or applications.
2. Works across all text editing applications on your Mac.
3. Doesn’t require a special font to display the degree symbol correctly.

Cons:
1. Requires the memorization and execution of a keyboard shortcut, which may not be intuitive for all users.
2. May not work if the keyboard layout or language settings are different.

Method 2. How to Get Degree Symbol Via the Character Viewer

If you’re unable to locate the degree symbol on your keyboard or the keyboard shortcut doesn’t work in your application, you can use the Character Viewer feature on your Mac. Here’s how you can access and use the Character Viewer:

Step 1: Place your cursor at the location where you want to insert the degree symbol.
Step 2: Go to the menu bar at the top of your Mac screen and click on "Edit."
Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select "Emoji & Symbols" or "Special Characters." This will open the Character Viewer window.
Step 4: In the Character Viewer window, click on the "Search" bar and type "degree" or "degree symbol."
Step 5: The degree symbol (°) should appear in the search results. Click on it to insert it into your text.

Pros:
1. Provides a visual interface to browse and search for various symbols and characters.
2. Allows you to insert the degree symbol without the need for a keyboard shortcut.
3. Works across all applications on your Mac.

Cons:
1. Requires multiple steps to access the Character Viewer.
2. May take some time to locate the degree symbol among the vast collection of characters.

Method 3. How to Get Degree Symbol Using AutoCorrect

Another convenient method to get the degree symbol on your Mac is by using the AutoCorrect feature available in some applications like Microsoft Word. Here’s how you can use AutoCorrect to insert the degree symbol:

Step 1: Place your cursor at the location where you want to insert the degree symbol.
Step 2: Type the letters "deg" after which a small pop-up suggestion should appear with the degree symbol (°).
Step 3: Press the Spacebar or Enter key to accept the suggestion, and the degree symbol will be inserted into your text.

Pros:
1. Works with applications that have the AutoCorrect feature, such as Microsoft Word.
2. Provides a quick and intuitive way to insert the degree symbol without the need for complex keyboard shortcuts or external tools.

Cons:
1. Limited to applications with the AutoCorrect feature, so not applicable in all text editing scenarios.
2. May not work if the AutoCorrect feature is disabled or customized differently in the application.

Method 4. How to Get Degree Symbol Using Third-Party Apps

If the built-in methods mentioned above don’t suit your needs or you frequently require the degree symbol in your work, you can opt for third-party applications that provide easy access to special characters. One popular application for this purpose is "PopChar," which allows you to find and insert various symbols, including the degree symbol. Here’s how you can use PopChar to get the degree symbol on your Mac:

Step 1: Install and launch the PopChar application on your Mac.
Step 2: Place your cursor at the location where you want to insert the degree symbol.
Step 3: Open the PopChar application and search for "degree symbol" in the search bar.
Step 4: The degree symbol (°) should appear in the search results. Click on it to insert it into your text.

Pros:
1. Provides a wide range of special characters and symbols beyond the degree symbol.
2. Allows for easy customization and organization of frequently used characters.
3. Works across all applications on your Mac.

Cons:
1. Requires the installation of a separate third-party application.
2. Some applications may have similar functionality built-in, making PopChar redundant.

Why Can’t I Insert the Degree Symbol?

There might be several reasons why you’re unable to insert the degree symbol on your Mac. Here are a few common issues and possible fixes:

1. Incorrect Keyboard Shortcut: If the keyboard shortcut mentioned earlier doesn’t work, make sure you’re pressing the correct keys simultaneously. Some Mac keyboard layouts may differ, so try using alternative keyboard shortcuts, such as Shift + Option + 0 or Option + K.

2. Wrong Application Settings: Double-check the application settings to ensure that the language or text input settings haven’t been changed. Applications like Microsoft Word may have specific options that need to be enabled for special characters to work correctly.

3. Font Limitations: Some fonts may not support the degree symbol or other special characters. If you’re experiencing issues with a specific font, try changing it to a different one that supports special characters.

Implications and Recommendations

Here are three recommendations to enhance your degree symbol experience on your Mac:

1. Explore Keyboard Preferences: In your Mac’s System Preferences, go to the "Keyboard" settings and click on "Input Sources." Here, you can add or remove keyboard layouts and input methods, which may provide alternative methods for inserting special characters.

2. Customize AutoCorrect: If you frequently use applications like Microsoft Word, take advantage of the AutoCorrect feature by creating custom replacements for special characters. This way, you can create your own shortcuts for inserting the degree symbol and other frequently used symbols.

3. Discover Character Map Applications: Besides PopChar, there are several other third-party applications available that offer similar functionalities for accessing special characters. Explore different options and find the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

5 FAQs about Getting the Degree Symbol on Mac

Q1: Is there a universal keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Mac?

A: No, there isn’t a universal keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Mac. The shortcut mentioned earlier (Shift + Option + 8) is the most commonly used one, but it may not work in all applications or keyboard layouts.

Q2: Can I use the Character Viewer in every application on my Mac?

A: Yes, the Character Viewer is available in almost all applications on your Mac. However, the location or access method may vary slightly depending on the application.

Q3: What if the degree symbol doesn’t display correctly in my document?

A: If the degree symbol doesn’t display correctly in your document, try changing the font to a different one that supports special characters. Additionally, ensure that you’re using the correct encoding settings for your document.

Q4: Are there any other symbols or characters I can access using third-party apps like PopChar?

A: Yes, third-party character map applications like PopChar provide access to a wide range of special characters, symbols, and emojis. You can explore these applications to find the characters you need for your specific use case.

Q5: Can I change the keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?

A: No, the keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Mac is not customizable. However, some applications may allow you to create custom keyboard shortcuts using their own settings.

Final Words

Inserting the degree symbol on your Mac doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the methods discussed in this blog post, you can easily insert the degree symbol in your text or document, regardless of the application you’re using. Whether it’s through keyboard shortcuts, the Character Viewer, AutoCorrect, or third-party applications like PopChar, you now have multiple options to choose from. So go ahead and enhance your Mac typing experience with the degree symbol!{"@context":"https://schema.org”,"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":" Is there a universal keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Mac?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" No, there isn’t a universal keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Mac. The shortcut mentioned earlier (Shift + Option + 8) is the most commonly used one, but it may not work in all applications or keyboard layouts."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Can I use the Character Viewer in every application on my Mac?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Yes, the Character Viewer is available in almost all applications on your Mac. However, the location or access method may vary slightly depending on the application."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" What if the degree symbol doesn’t display correctly in my document?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" If the degree symbol doesn’t display correctly in your document, try changing the font to a different one that supports special characters. Additionally, ensure that you’re using the correct encoding settings for your document."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Are there any other symbols or characters I can access using third-party apps like PopChar?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Yes, third-party character map applications like PopChar provide access to a wide range of special characters, symbols, and emojis. You can explore these applications to find the characters you need for your specific use case."}},{"@type":"Question","name":" Can I change the keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" No, the keyboard shortcut for the degree symbol on Mac is not customizable. However, some applications may allow you to create custom keyboard shortcuts using their own settings."}}]}