Microsoft Word

How to Insert the Euro Symbol in Word on Mac

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
Microsoft Word

So, you're working on a document in Word on your Mac, and you need to insert a euro symbol. Maybe you're drafting a budget proposal for a European client or organizing your travel expenses for an upcoming trip. Whatever the reason, inserting symbols can sometimes feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack. But fear not. We'll walk through various ways to insert the euro symbol in Word on a Mac, so you can choose the method that fits best with your workflow.

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Keyboard Shortcuts: Quick and Easy

Let's start with something straightforward: keyboard shortcuts. If you're a fan of keeping your hands on the keyboard, this method is for you. On a Mac, you can insert the euro symbol (€) by using a simple keyboard combination. Here's how:

  • Place your cursor where you want the euro symbol to appear in your Word document.
  • Press Option + Shift + 2 simultaneously.

And voilà! The euro symbol should appear right where you want it. It's a handy shortcut to remember, especially if you frequently deal with European currencies. But, let's face it, memorizing shortcuts isn't everyone's cup of tea. If you're like me and often mix up shortcuts, don't worry. There are other methods to explore.

Using Word's Built-in Symbol Menu

Sometimes, menus are your best friend, especially if you're not in a hurry. Word has a built-in symbol menu that makes inserting special characters a breeze. Here's how you can find your friend, the euro symbol, using this menu:

  • Open your Word document and click where you'd like the euro symbol to be inserted.
  • Go to the Insert tab on the Word ribbon.
  • Click on Symbol and then More Symbols... at the bottom of the dropdown menu.
  • In the Symbol dialog box, set the Font to (normal text) if it's not already.
  • Scroll through the list or select Currency Symbols from the Subset dropdown to find the euro symbol.
  • Click on the euro symbol and then click Insert.
  • Close the dialog box when you're done.

Using this method, you not only get the euro symbol but also discover other symbols you might need in the future. It's like having a treasure chest of characters at your fingertips.

Customizing Your Own Keyboard Shortcut

If you love the idea of keyboard shortcuts but want something more personalized, you can create your own shortcut for the euro symbol. This is especially useful if you find yourself typing it quite often. Here's how to set it up:

  • Go to Tools in the menu bar and select Customize Keyboard....
  • In the Categories list, scroll down and select Common Symbols.
  • In the Commands list, find Euro Sign.
  • Click in the Press new shortcut key box and press the keys you'd like to assign. For instance, Control + E could be an easy option.
  • Click Assign, then Close.

Now, whenever you want to insert the euro symbol, just use your custom shortcut. It's a small setup step for a big payoff in efficiency, especially if your work frequently involves European currency.

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Adding the Euro Symbol to AutoCorrect

AutoCorrect isn't just for fixing typos. You can use it to make inserting symbols as easy as typing a specific sequence of letters. Here's how to set it up for the euro symbol:

  • Open Word and click on Word in the menu bar.
  • Select Preferences and then click on AutoCorrect.
  • In the Replace box, type a sequence of letters that you wouldn't normally use in your text, like euro.
  • In the With box, paste the euro symbol (€).
  • Click Add and then OK.

Now, whenever you type “euro” in your document, Word will automatically replace it with the euro symbol. It's a neat trick that can save you time and keep your typing flow uninterrupted.

Using the Character Viewer on Mac

If you're working outside of Word or just prefer another method, the Mac's built-in Character Viewer can come in handy. It's a bit like a universal symbol library. Here's how you can use it:

  • Place your cursor in your Word document where you want the euro symbol.
  • Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer.
  • In the search box, type euro, and the euro symbol will appear.
  • Double-click on the euro symbol to insert it into your document.

The Character Viewer is a great tool not just for Word, but for any application where you need to insert special characters. It's like having a little helper ready whenever you need it.

Spell: AI-Powered Document Editing

Now, if you're looking for something that takes convenience to the next level, Spell might be your new best friend. Imagine drafting and editing with AI seamlessly integrated into your document editor. With Spell, you can create and edit documents much faster, letting AI take care of the drafting while you focus on refining your content. It's like having an assistant who never sleeps.

Spell allows you to describe what you want in natural language, and it drafts a high-quality document in seconds. Need to insert a euro symbol? Just tell Spell what you need, and it does the rest. The ease of use and time-saving benefits make it a fantastic tool for anyone who spends a lot of time in document editors.

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Using Unicode for the Euro Symbol

For those who love a bit of tech magic, using Unicode is another option. It's a bit more technical but can be very satisfying once you get the hang of it. Here's how to use Unicode to insert the euro symbol:

  • In your Word document, place the cursor where you want the euro symbol.
  • Type 20AC (the Unicode for the euro symbol).
  • Immediately after typing it, press Option + X.

The numbers should convert into the euro symbol. This method is a bit like knowing a secret code, and once you've mastered it, you might find it quite fun to use.

Making the Most of Word's AutoText

AutoText is another feature within Word that can help you insert the euro symbol quickly. It allows you to store text or symbols that you use frequently. Here's how to set it up:

  • First, insert the euro symbol in your document using any of the methods above.
  • Select the euro symbol, then go to the Insert tab.
  • Click on Quick Parts and then AutoText.
  • Select Save Selection to AutoText Gallery....
  • Give it a name, like EuroSymbol, and click OK.

Whenever you need to insert the euro symbol, you can now go to Quick Parts and select your saved AutoText. It's a nifty feature that can save you a bit of time and hassle.

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Spell's Real-Time Collaboration

Another fantastic feature of Spell is its real-time collaboration. If you're working on a document with a team, you can see updates live, making the whole process more efficient. Imagine Google Docs but with AI built directly into it. That's Spell. You can insert symbols, draft content, and edit together, all in one place. It's a game-changer for productivity!

With Spell, you don't need to switch between tabs or tools. Everything happens in one place, and that's one of the reasons why we love it so much. It's all about making your workflow smoother and faster.

Using a Third-Party App for Custom Symbols

Sometimes, the built-in options just don't cut it, especially if you're working with numerous symbols regularly. In these cases, a third-party app might be what you need. Apps like TextExpander allow you to create custom shortcuts for any symbol or text you frequently type.

Here's a simple way to use such an app:

  • Download and install a text expansion app like TextExpander.
  • Create a new snippet and assign a shortcut, like euro.
  • Set the snippet content to the euro symbol (€).

Now, whenever you type your shortcut in any application, the app will replace it with the euro symbol. It's a great way to streamline your typing, especially across different platforms and tools.

Final Thoughts

Inserting the euro symbol in Word on a Mac can be simple or as personalized as you like, thanks to the various methods we've explored. From keyboard shortcuts to using Spell for AI-powered editing, there's a solution for everyone. We love how Spell can streamline your document creation with its real-time collaboration and AI assistance, helping you save time and focus on what truly matters. Happy typing!

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been working in product and growth for the last 10 years. He's currently Head of Growth at Sugardoh. Before that he worked at Bump Boxes, Buffer, UserTesting, and a few other early-stage startups.