How to Make a Degree Symbol in Google Docs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Google Docs is a powerful and widely used online word processing tool that offers a plethora of features to enhance productivity and creativity in document creation. One common requirement in many documents is the need to insert special characters, such as the degree symbol (°). While it may seem straightforward to some, others might find it challenging to locate and use this specific symbol. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to make a degree symbol in Google Docs, ensuring you can effortlessly add it to your documents.

Why Use Google Docs?

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of adding the degree symbol to your document, let’s quickly touch upon why Google Docs is an exceptional choice for your word processing needs. Google Docs is a cloud-based platform, meaning you can access your documents from anywhere with an internet connection. It offers seamless collaboration features, enabling multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously. Moreover, it comes with integrated cloud storage, auto-saving, and revision history, making it a reliable and efficient tool for individuals and businesses alike.

Accessing Special Characters

Google Docs simplifies the process of accessing special characters like the degree symbol through an intuitive interface. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Google Docs

If you haven’t done so already, go to https://docs.google.com and log in to your Google account. Once you’re on the main page, click on the “+ Blank” or “Blank” option to create a new document.

2. Navigate to “Insert”

After opening a new document, you’ll see a menu bar at the top of the page. Click on “Insert” to access a drop-down menu.

3. Select “Special Characters”

Within the “Insert” drop-down menu, you’ll find “Special Characters” near the bottom. Click on it to open the special characters window.

4. Find the Degree Symbol

In the special characters window, you’ll see a search bar on the top right corner. Type “degree” or “degree symbol” in the search bar to locate the symbol.

5. Click on the Degree Symbol

Once you find the degree symbol (°) in the list, click on it to insert it into your document at the cursor’s current position.

Alternative Keyboard Shortcuts

While using the “Special Characters” feature is undoubtedly convenient, there are keyboard shortcuts you can use to add the degree symbol more quickly:

1. Windows and ChromeOS

For Windows and ChromeOS users, press “Ctrl + Shift + u” simultaneously. You’ll see an underlined “u” on the screen. After that, enter “00b0” and press the spacebar. The degree symbol (°) will appear.

2. Mac

For Mac users, press “Option + Shift + 8” to instantly insert the degree symbol (°) into your document.

Using AutoCorrect

Another time-saving method to add the degree symbol is by using AutoCorrect. You can set up AutoCorrect to replace a specific keyword with the degree symbol automatically.

1. Open Google Docs Preferences

Click on “Tools” in the menu bar and select “Preferences” from the drop-down menu.

2. Go to “Substitutions”

In the Preferences dialog box, navigate to the “Substitutions” tab.

3. Add a New AutoCorrect Rule

Click on the “+” button at the bottom left corner of the dialog box to add a new substitution.

4. Set the Keyword and Replacement

In the “Replace” field, type a keyword like “deg” or “degree.” In the “With” field, copy and paste the degree symbol (°).

5. Save the AutoCorrect Rule

Click “OK” to save the AutoCorrect rule.

Now, whenever you type the chosen keyword, Google Docs will automatically replace it with the degree symbol.

Inserting Degrees Celsius (℃) and Fahrenheit (℉)

Apart from the degree symbol (°), you may also need to add degrees Celsius (℃) or Fahrenheit (℉) in your documents. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Degrees Celsius (℃)

To insert the degrees Celsius symbol (℃), follow the same process as inserting the degree symbol (°) from the “Special Characters” window. Simply search for “Celsius” or “degree Celsius,” and click on the symbol to add it to your document.

2. Degrees Fahrenheit (℉)

For the degrees Fahrenheit symbol (℉), the process is similar. Search for “Fahrenheit” or “degree Fahrenheit” in the “Special Characters” window and click on the symbol to insert it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Google Docs is a user-friendly and feature-rich word processing tool that allows users to efficiently insert special characters like the degree symbol (°), degrees Celsius (℃), and degrees Fahrenheit (℉). Whether you prefer using the “Special Characters” window, keyboard shortcuts, or AutoCorrect, Google Docs offers multiple ways to help you make your documents visually appealing and professional.

Now that you have a step-by-step guide at your disposal, you can confidently add the degree symbol to your Google Docs documents with ease. So go ahead, create, collaborate, and leave other websites behind with your top-notch English content! To explore more useful tips and tricks related to Google Docs.

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