Using special symbols in word documents can add a unique touch to your document. Knowing how to make a section symbol in your word document is a valuable skill and can help you create a professional looking document. The section symbol (§) is also known as the “pilcrow” and is a common symbol that can be used to divide texts. Adding this symbol to your document can help break up long passages of text and make your document easier to read. In this blog post, we’ll explain how to make a section symbol in your word document. We’ll cover the instructions for both Mac and PC users, as well as a method you can use if you don’t have access to the special characters. Keep reading to learn how to make a section symbol in your word document.
Click on the menu option Insert. On the drop-down menu, click on the menu option Symbol. On the Symbol screen that displays, click on the Special Characters tab. Click on the “section” symbol (§) in the list of symbols that displays, then click on Insert and Close.
When is it important to use a section symbol in Word?
It may be crucial for you to attach section symbols when creating files in Microsoft Word if you work in the legal industry. Knowing how to do so can help you save time, prevent typing mistakes, and follow accepted practices for how legal documents should look. Here are two scenarios from the workplace where you might add the symbol to your document.
Assembling a legal document
Long documents about courtroom proceedings and case developments are frequently assembled and sent by legal professionals. To coordinate the subjects that the case covered, you can insert the section symbol. For instance, one section might discuss the case’s history, while another might clarify how the courts have interpreted the dispute.
Creating a legal citation
Researching earlier court cases can help you as a lawyer by bolstering the claims you make in your own cases. If you type your opinions using Word software, you can cite the relevant legal authority. The section symbol, which denotes the precise place in the source you read where your argument is supported, is frequently included in the citation.
What is a section symbol in Word?
Word has a special character called a section symbol that looks like two intertwined Ss. It designates a specific section of a document, which can help the reader find information when the file’s content is extensive. The author may use the section symbol to separate various topics from one another and make it easier for the reader to find what they’re looking for quickly. For instance, in the terms and conditions of a mobile application, the user can locate the instructions for setting up an account in section 19, page 29, or 18 p 29.
How to make a section symbol in Word
To add a section symbol to a Word document, follow these steps:
1. Open a document in Word
Access the document you want to add the section symbol to. Double-click the Word icon on your desktop to open a blank file if you want to work with one. Click the “File” tab in the top left corner of the screen to find Word documents you’ve already created. From the menu on the left side of the screen, choose “Open.” You can choose a document you’ve just opened or click “Browse” to browse the files you’ve saved on your computer.
2. Direct your cursor to the right section
Determine where on the document you want the section symbol to appear after accessing the file. Position your cursor by aiming it at the desired area and clicking the mouse. You can see the typeface and font size you’ve chosen at the top of the screen; these selections determine the character’s possible style once it is inserted. To ensure that the symbol appears as you intend, think about making different choices. To achieve a formal appearance, for instance, you might choose “12” from the drop-down menu and set the font to Times New Roman.
3. Access the “Insert” tab
Look at the ribbon at the top of the screen after selecting the position. The third section next to the “Home” tab is the “Insert” tab, so choose it. It may lead you to additional options for inserting items into Word files.
4. Click “Symbols”
Click on the “Symbols” button under the “Insert” tab. ” Its visible on the far right of the screen. You can specify which character you want to paste on the document by using the small, downward-pointing arrow that is present.
5. Select “More Symbols”
When you select “Symbols,” a small dialog box displaying special characters appears. Locate the “More symbols” button at the bottom of the box. It might bring up a bigger window showing all the unusual items that can be added to a Word document.
6. Press “Special Characters”
There are two tabs at the top of the window, one of which is labeled “Symbols.” Select “Special Characters,” the second tab on the right. A variety of items to paste onto the document are available to you.
7. Choose the section symbol
In the “Special Characters” tab, look for the section symbol on the table. The character is located in the third-to-last row. Navigate your cursor to select it. To confirm your selection and close the pop-up window, click “Insert” in the bottom left corner of the screen. The section symbol is now visible on the document in the location you specified.
Tips for making a section symbol in Word
Additional instructions for inserting special characters into a Microsoft Word document are provided below:
Use a keyboard shortcut
A keyboard shortcut is a set of keystrokes that together produce special characters. Depending on the type of keyboard your computer has, using a shortcut may be quicker than switching between multiple windows in Word. Instead of the top of the computer, look for the number pad on the right side. The numbers “0,” “1,” “6,” and “7” can be chosen in that order by pressing and holding the “Alt” key. You can see the section symbol on the document when you release the keys.
Copy and paste the symbol
Once you’ve accessed the character via the “Insert” tab or keyboard shortcut, you can copy and paste it into your document if you want to add multiple section symbols. To duplicate a section symbol, highlight it with your mouse and cursor. To copy and paste an object, press and hold the “Ctrl” and “V” keys simultaneously. As an alternative, you can select the symbol with the mouse’s right button, which will open a pop-up menu. Choose “Copy” to duplicate it, then “Paste” to add a new symbol.
Access “Recently used symbols.”
If your computer keyboard lacks a number pad, another option is the “Recently used symbols” tab. It can also be useful to locate and attach the section symbol after using the ribbon in Word. At the bottom of the dialog window, under the “Special characters” tab, is a row labeled “Recently used symbols.” It shows all the special characters you might have used in the document, including any that you might have used as the section symbol. To paste it into the document, click on it and then choose “Insert.”
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How to type the section sign (§) symbol: How to Create the Section Symbol (§) in Documents
FAQ
How do you type the section symbol?
When using Windows, hold down the Alt key while typing the numbers in the table above. On a Windows computer, you would press and hold the Alt key to display the section symbol. Next, enter “0167” in numbers, and then let go of the Alt key. This would create the section symbol (§) in your text.
How do you insert a section symbol in Word on a Mac?
At that point, your document’s insertion point will display the Section Symbol. Contact us to set up Word training that is tailored to your business. Bonus trivia: The Section Symbol is called the silcrow. The Paragraph Symbol is called the pilcrow.
