Windows input methods
Windows shortcuts vary by keyboard, application, and NumPad availability. Character Map, Word autocorrect, and copy fallback are usually reliable.
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Em Dash Keyboard Shortcuts
Learn practical ways to type an em dash on Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, and HTML. If a shortcut fails, use the copy fallback.
Copy Dash Now
Copy the exact dash symbol you need. The primary character on this page is Em Dash (U+2014), HTML entity —.
Copy Em Dash
Em Dash · U+2014
Copy Spaced Em Dash
Spaced Em Dash · U+2014 with spaces
Copy En Dash
En Dash · U+2013
Copy Double Em Dash
Double Em Dash · U+2014 x 2
Ready to copy Em Dash —
Em Dash Shortcut Quick Reference
- 1. On Mac, try Option + Shift + Hyphen.
- 2. On Windows, use an emoji/symbol picker, character map, Word autocorrect, or copy fallback.
- 3. On iPhone and Android, long-press the hyphen key if your keyboard supports dash variants.
- 4. In HTML, use — when an entity is required.
Dash Generator
Choose a dash symbol, set a count from 1 to 100, and copy the generated output.
Preview
—
Em Dash U+2014 x 1
Dash Tester
Paste a dash to check its Unicode code point and identify whether it is an em dash, en dash, hyphen, minus sign, or long dash.
Characters: 0
No dash detected yet.
Keyboard Shortcut Notes
Mac input method
Most Mac keyboards support Option + Shift + Hyphen for an em dash.
Mobile keyboards
Many iPhone and Android keyboards expose dash variants when you long-press the hyphen key.
HTML entity
Use — when writing HTML and you need an encoded em dash.
Unicode and HTML Entity
Use this table to copy the exact dash character and confirm its Unicode code point, HTML entity, and CSS escape when available.
| Symbol | Name | Unicode | HTML | CSS | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Em Dash | U+2014 | — | \2014 | |
| — | Spaced Em Dash | U+2014 with spaces | — | \0020 \2014 \0020 | |
| – | En Dash | U+2013 | – | \2013 | |
| - | Hyphen-Minus | U+002D | - | \002D |
Shortcut Examples
Mac
Option + Shift + - usually inserts —.
Google Docs
Use Insert > Special characters, automatic substitution, or copy the symbol.
Microsoft Word
Word can replace two hyphens with an em dash depending on AutoFormat settings.
Copy Fallback
If a shortcut is unavailable on your keyboard or app, copy the em dash from this page and paste it where needed.
| Symbol | Name | Code | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Em Dash | U+2014 | Sentence breaks, emphasis, inserted thoughts | One point matters—clarity. |
| – | En Dash | U+2013 | Ranges, scores, relationships | 2020–2026 |
| - | Hyphen-Minus | U+002D | Compound words, keyboard input, slugs | user-friendly |
| − | Minus Sign | U+2212 | Mathematics and negative numbers | 10 − 4 = 6 |
| ― | Horizontal Bar | U+2015 | Typography tests and U+2015-specific use | A horizontal bar ― not a standard em dash |
Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows
- 1. Use Character Map and search for em dash.
- 2. Use Microsoft Word AutoFormat if enabled.
- 3. Use the copy fallback on this page when NumPad or symbol input is unavailable.
Mac
- 1. Press Option + Shift + Hyphen to type —.
- 2. Use copy fallback if the shortcut is remapped.
iPhone
- 1. Open the keyboard.
- 2. Long-press the hyphen key.
- 3. Choose an em dash if your keyboard shows it.
Android
- 1. Open the keyboard.
- 2. Long-press the hyphen key or symbol key.
- 3. Choose an em dash if available.
Google Docs
- 1. Use Insert > Special characters.
- 2. Search for em dash.
- 3. Or copy — from this page.
Microsoft Word
- 1. Type two hyphens between words if AutoFormat is enabled.
- 2. Use Insert > Symbol.
- 3. Or copy — from this page.
FAQ
What is an em dash?
An em dash is the punctuation mark —, Unicode U+2014. It is commonly used for emphasis, interruption, and parenthetical breaks in English writing.
Is an em dash the same as a hyphen?
No. A hyphen is the shorter keyboard mark -, while an em dash is the longer punctuation mark —.
Can I copy the em dash on mobile?
Yes. Tap a copy button on this page, then paste the symbol into your app. If clipboard access fails, select the visible symbol and copy it manually.
What is the Mac shortcut for em dash?
On most Mac keyboards, press Option + Shift + Hyphen.
What is the Windows shortcut for em dash?
Windows input varies. Character Map, Word AutoFormat, or copying the symbol are usually the most reliable methods.
How do I type an em dash in HTML?
Use the numeric entity — or paste the actual — character.
Related Dash Tools
Em Dash Copy Paste
Copy the standard em dash, spaced em dash, and double em dash.
Em Dash Symbol
See Unicode, HTML entity, CSS escape, and related dash symbols.
Em Dash vs En Dash vs Hyphen
Choose the correct dash for punctuation, ranges, words, or math.
Long Em Dash
Copy double, two-em, and three-em dash variants.