Document Editing Problems

How to Insert an Em Dash with Alt+0151 in Windows

Partner Editor Sep 27, 2026 880 views

Question details

The user wants to know the correct keyboard shortcut and procedure for inserting an em dash in Windows.

How to Insert an Em Dash with Alt+0151 in Windows

Product: Windows / Word Processors
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Typing a document and needing to insert an em dash character accurately.
Observed behavior: The standard shortcut is Alt+0151 (not Ctrl+0151) and requires the numeric keypad with Num Lock enabled to successfully output the em dash.

Before you start

Ensure that your keyboard features a numeric keypad and that the Num Lock key is turned on, as Windows Alt codes require the numeric pad to function properly.

Solution 1Recommended

Insert an Em Dash Using the Alt+0151 Shortcut

The standard and quickest method to insert an em dash on a Windows device using the numeric keypad.

Alt codes are built-in Windows shortcuts that allow you to type special characters not found on the standard keyboard layout. To insert an em dash, you must use the Alt key in combination with the specific numeric code 0151.

Enable Num Lock

Press the Num Lock key on your keyboard to activate the numeric keypad. You may see an indicator light turn on.

Position the Cursor

Click exactly where you want the em dash to appear in your document or text field.

Type the Alt Code

Press and hold the 'Alt' key. While holding it, type '0151' consecutively on the numeric keypad.

Release the Alt Key

Let go of the 'Alt' key. The em dash character (—) will instantly appear in your text.

Insert an Em Dash Using the Alt+0151 Shortcut

Laptop Users: If your laptop lacks a dedicated numeric keypad, this standard shortcut might not work. You may need to use the 'Fn' key in combination with hidden number keys (often M, J, K, L, U, I, O), or rely on the Insert Symbol menu instead.

Solution 2

Insert an Em Dash via the Symbol Menu

A reliable alternative method if your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad or if the Alt code shortcut is unresponsive.

Solution 3

Assign a Custom Keyboard Shortcut

Create a personalized, easy-to-remember keyboard shortcut (like Ctrl+M) for frequent insertion of an em dash.

Efficient Document Editing

Easily Insert Symbols and Em Dashes in WPS Writer

WPS Writer perfectly supports standard Windows Alt codes like Alt+0151 for inserting em dashes. Additionally, it offers an intuitive Symbol menu and allows you to assign custom shortcut keys, making document formatting fast and effortless.

1. Open WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your document in WPS Writer. Place your cursor where you need the em dash.
2. Use the Alt Shortcut: Ensure Num Lock is on, hold down the Alt key, type 0151 on the numeric keypad, and release Alt to insert the em dash.
3. Use the Symbol Menu: Alternatively, navigate to the Insert tab, click Symbol, and choose the em dash from the Special Characters list.
4. Customize Your Shortcuts: If you use the em dash frequently, use the Custom Symbols option in WPS Writer to map it to a custom keyboard combination.

Seamlessly supports standard Windows Alt codes like Alt+0151.Fully compatible with Microsoft Word document formats (.docx and .doc).Intuitive Insert Symbol menu for quick access to special characters.Easily assign custom keyboard shortcuts for highly efficient typing.Lightweight, free to download, and available across multiple platforms.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't Alt+0151 working on my laptop?

Laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad often cannot process standard Alt codes out of the box. You may need to press the 'Fn' key alongside a hidden numpad (usually mapped to letter keys like U, I, O, J, K, L) while holding Alt. If that fails, it's best to use the Insert > Symbol menu in your word processor.

What is the difference between Alt+0151 and Ctrl+0151?

Alt+0151 is the default Windows operating system shortcut that uses Alt codes and the numeric keypad to output an em dash. Ctrl+0151 is not a standard shortcut and will not produce an em dash unless you have manually assigned it as a custom shortcut in your specific software.

How do I insert an en dash instead of an em dash?

To insert an en dash (which is slightly shorter than an em dash), hold down the Alt key and type 0150 on your numeric keypad. You can also find the en dash in the Special Characters tab under the Insert Symbol menu.

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