There are many special characters and symbols commonly used in documents. The keyboards don't have enough room to fit them all.
Microsoft Word helps because it uses a numeric character code called ASCII. You can use the Alt key with specific numeric codes to insert any of the 128 ASCII codes into your document. You can also go directly to the Symbols dialog from the Insert menu.
But if you use a symbol repeatedly, then it makes sense to create a permanent button for it. Add it to Quick Access Toolbar How to Customize MS Office 2010 Quick Access Toolbar How to Customize MS Office 2010 Quick Access Toolbar Quick Access Toolbar is a part of MS Office since version 2003, but has come to the forefront since the introduction of MS Office 2007 and more prominently with MS Office... Read More Don't let the advanced feature of using macros put you off. The process is simple. All you need to do is use the macro recorder.
Start in the Developer tab on the tape. Here's how to display it if you don't see it:
Go to File> Options> Customize Ribbon . In the list of main tabs, check Developer to show it on tape. Click OK. Then go to Ribbon> Developer tab> Code Group> Macros.
On the Developer tab, in the same Code group, click Record Macro .
Type a descriptive name for the symbol shortcut you plan to use (for example, I want to use a one-click button for the "copyright" symbol). Select the option for Button because you want a one-click shortcut on the quick access bar. Store the macro in the Normal template (normal.dot ).
The ribbon customization panel will open. Choose the macro that you just started creating. Click Add to take it to the quick access toolbar.
Give this macro a good image. Select the name of the macro and click Modify . Choose an image for your symbol in the Modify box that appears. Click OK and exit the quick access customization dialog to return to your document.
You have created an empty macro on the Quick Access Toolbar. You will need to fill it with a recording of the specific symbol you want to use the button for. From the ribbon, choose Insert> Symbol , and then choose the symbol you want.
Go to the Developer tab on the ribbon and select Stop recording .
Your new button is ready. When you want to insert a special character or symbol, go to the quick access toolbar and click on it.
What is the special character or symbol you use often in Word? Will this tip help speed up your work?
