How to Type a Long Dash in Microsoft Word

A long dash, professionally known as an em dash (—), is one of the most versatile and elegant punctuation marks in the English language. It is used to indicate a break in thought, add emphasis, or replace commas, parentheses, or colons. While the standard hyphen key is visible on every keyboard, the long dash is tucked away behind shortcuts and hidden settings.

In Microsoft Word, there are four primary ways to generate a long dash: using the automatic formatting feature, keyboard shortcuts, Alt codes, or the manual Symbol menu.

The Fastest Way to Make a Long Dash in Word

The quickest method to create an em dash is using Word’s built-in AutoFormat feature. By default, Word is programmed to recognize two consecutive hyphens and convert them into a long dash as you type.

1. Type a word immediately followed by two hyphens (--).
2. Type the next word without adding a space before or after the hyphens.
3. Press the Spacebar or any punctuation key (like a period or comma).

For example, if you type Conclusion--at least for now and hit space, Word will instantly transform the -- into —. This happens because Word’s Autocorrect engine assumes that two hyphens between characters signify an intentional break, thus converting them to the correct typographic symbol.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows and Mac

Shortcuts are the preferred method for power users and professional editors who want to maintain their typing flow without relying on Word’s automation, which can sometimes be inconsistent depending on the surrounding characters.

Windows Shortcuts

On a Windows PC, the shortcut for a long dash requires a numeric keypad (the block of numbers on the right side of full-sized keyboards).

• The Primary Shortcut: Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Minus Sign (-) on the numeric keypad.
• The Alt Code: Hold down the Alt key and type 0151 on the numeric keypad. When you release the Alt key, the em dash will appear.

It is important to note that the minus sign on the top row of your keyboard (next to the 0 key) will not work for these shortcuts. If you are using a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad, you may need to use the Fn (Function) key to activate the hidden number pad or rely on the Unicode method described later in this article.

Mac Shortcuts

Apple users have a more streamlined experience, as the shortcut is built into the standard keyboard layout and does not require a numeric keypad.

• The Shortcut: Press Option + Shift + Hyphen (-) simultaneously.

This command works universally across macOS, meaning you can use the same finger movements in Word, Pages, or even your web browser.

The Unicode Method for Laptops and Compact Keyboards

Many modern laptops lack a numeric keypad, rendering traditional Alt codes useless. In these cases, Microsoft Word offers a powerful "Alt + X" conversion feature. This method uses the hexadecimal code for the em dash character.

1. Place your cursor where you want the long dash.
2. Type 2014.
3. Immediately press Alt + X.

Word will instantly convert the numbers "2014" into the em dash symbol. This is a highly reliable method because it does not depend on Autocorrect settings or hardware-specific keys. Conversely, if you ever come across a strange symbol in a document and want to know what it is, you can place your cursor after it and press Alt + X to reveal its Unicode value.

Inserting a Long Dash via the Symbol Menu

If you prefer a visual approach or cannot remember the shortcuts, the Symbol menu provides a foolproof way to find and insert the long dash.

1. Navigate to the Insert tab on the top Ribbon.
2. On the far right, click the Symbol icon.
3. Select More Symbols... from the dropdown menu.
4. In the dialog box that appears, click the Special Characters tab.
5. Highlight Em Dash at the top of the list and click Insert.

This menu is particularly useful because it also displays the keyboard shortcut assigned to the character, serving as a helpful reminder for future use. From this window, you can also click Shortcut Key... to reassign the em dash to a custom key combination that fits your personal workflow.

Customizing Autocorrect Settings for Dashes

Sometimes, the automatic conversion of two hyphens into a long dash fails to work. This is usually due to the feature being disabled in Word’s internal settings. To re-enable or customize this behavior, follow these steps:

1. Click on File and select Options.
2. Go to the Proofing section.
3. Click the AutoCorrect Options... button.
4. Select the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
5. Ensure the box labeled Hyphens (--) with dash (—) is checked.

In our testing, we have found that Word is quite specific about the conditions required for this conversion. For a long dash (em dash) to trigger, there must be no space between the hyphens and the words. If you type word - - word (with spaces), Word will likely convert it into a shorter en dash (–) instead of the long em dash.

Understanding the Difference: Em Dash vs. En Dash

A common mistake in professional document preparation is using the wrong type of dash. While they look similar, their functions are distinct.

The Em Dash (—)

The "long dash" the user is searching for is named after the width of a capital letter "M." It is used for structural breaks in sentences. For example: "The package—the one I ordered weeks ago—finally arrived." It adds a sense of drama or emphasis that a comma cannot provide.

The En Dash (–)

The en dash is roughly the width of a capital letter "N." It is shorter than an em dash but longer than a hyphen. Its primary purpose is to indicate a range of values, such as dates or numbers.

• Correct En Dash usage: 1995–2005, or pages 10–20.
• Shortcut for En Dash: Press Ctrl + Minus Sign (on the numeric keypad) in Windows, or Option + Hyphen on a Mac.

The Hyphen (-)

The shortest of the three, the hyphen is used solely to join words together (e.g., "mother-in-law") or to separate syllables at the end of a line. Professional typesetters never use a hyphen as a substitute for a long dash, as it makes the text look cramped and amateurish.

Professional Styling: Should You Use Spaces?

One of the most debated topics in typography is whether to put spaces around a long dash. The answer depends entirely on the style guide you are following.

• AP Style (Associated Press): This style, used by most journalists, requires a space on both sides of the em dash. Example: The meeting — which was long — ended at noon.
• Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS): This is the standard for book publishing and academic papers. It dictates that there should be no spaces around the em dash. Example: The meeting—which was long—ended at noon.
• MLA and APA: Similar to Chicago, these styles generally prefer no spaces around the dash.

When writing in Microsoft Word, be consistent. If you choose the no-space approach, the AutoFormat feature will work more reliably. If you prefer the AP Style with spaces, you may find that Word occasionally tries to turn your long dash into an en dash. In these instances, using the Alt + 0151 or Alt + X methods is the best way to force the correct character.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why won't my shortcut work?

If Ctrl + Alt + Minus isn't working, check your Num Lock key. On many Windows keyboards, the numeric keypad shortcuts only function when Num Lock is active. Additionally, if you are using a third-party application like Zoom or a screen recorder, those programs might have "hotkeys" that override Word's internal shortcuts.

How to do it in Word for the Web?

The browser version of Word (Word Online) is more limited than the desktop application. Most Alt codes do not work in the browser because the browser intercepts the Alt key for its own menu commands. In Word for the Web, you should rely on the two-hyphen AutoFormat trick or copy and paste the em dash from another source.

Non-breaking Em Dashes

In advanced document design, you might find that a long dash appears at the very end of a line, with the following word starting on the next line. This can look awkward. While Word doesn't have a dedicated "non-breaking em dash" key, you can prevent this by inserting a "Non-breaking Space" (Ctrl + Shift + Space) before the dash, though the most common solution is to adjust the tracking or rewording the sentence to force the dash to the next line.

Summary of Methods

To ensure you can always find the right tool for the job, here is a quick reference table for making a long dash in Word:

Conclusion

Mastering the long dash in Microsoft Word is a small step that significantly elevates the professional quality of your writing. Whether you rely on the seamless AutoFormat feature for casual drafting or memorize the Alt + 0151 shortcut for precision editing, having this tool in your repertoire allows you to manage sentence structure with greater flexibility. Remember to distinguish between the em dash and its shorter cousins, and always stick to one spacing convention throughout your document to maintain a polished, authoritative look.

FAQ

What is the difference between a long hyphen and a long dash?

Technically, there is no such thing as a "long hyphen." When people use this term, they are usually referring to an em dash (—). Hyphens are strictly for joining words, while dashes are for separating parts of a sentence.

How do I make a long dash on a laptop without a number pad?

The best way is to type 2014 and then press Alt + X. Alternatively, you can type two hyphens between words and let Word's AutoFormat feature handle the conversion.

Can I create a custom shortcut for the long dash?

Yes. Go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols. Select the Special Characters tab, highlight the Em Dash, and click Shortcut Key. You can then press a new key combination (like Alt + D) and click Assign to set it as your personal shortcut.

Why does Word sometimes make a shorter dash instead of a long one?

Word differentiates between an en dash and an em dash based on spacing. If you put spaces around two hyphens ( word -- word ), Word often creates an en dash (–). If you keep them tight against the words ( word--word ), it creates the long em dash (—).