How to Add Special Characters and Symbols in Apple Pages and Other Tricks

In 2006, Apple introduced the iWork suite of applications, including Pages, Keynote and Numbers. Over the years, the company has made many changes and included more features. Now apps like Apple Pages and Keynote are solid alternatives to Microsoft Office and Google Docs apps. Apple pages shine with their basic editing and word processing capabilities. The software even offers the possibility of adding mathematical equations, graphics, special characters and much more.

Apple added the ability to add emojis and special characters such as copyright symbols, math symbols, Latin words, currency symbols, etc.

In this article, we are going to talk about how to add them to Apple Pages. We will also mention some tips for customizing the software, the ability to type the voice, automatically correct words in symbols, etc. Let’s start.

1. Add emoticons and special characters

When editing a document, you may encounter a situation where you need to add a copyright symbol, a Celsius character, a different currency, or a simple math symbol.

You can simply go to Edit> Emojis and Symbols and choose a relevant symbol or emoji from the long list. Alternatively, you can tap the character viewer for a simplified menu. It is classified by arrows, Latin words, pictograms, punctuation, etc. It is easier to find a symbol in this menu.

This functionality is integrated directly into macOS. Thus, it works on all applications, including Apple Pages, Microsoft Word, Apple Notes, etc. Memorize the keyboard shortcut Control + Command + Space to quickly access the menu.

2. Long press single words for suggestions

This is also part of the macOS package by default. When writing, when you want to add a special character, you can long press the words on the keyboard to open the relevant symbol suggestions.

For example, you can long press the word “C” to see the symbol options. Similarly, a long press on the word “A” will present a long list of suggestions. If you want to add them to the document, use the numeric shortcuts under the character.

3. Define automatic replacement

If there are certain symbols or special characters that you use frequently, you should consider setting up automatic replacement for these symbols. Let me show you how to configure them in Apple Pages.

Go to Pages> Preferences (Command +,)> Automatic correction. Here you will see a replacement section with two menus.

For example, if you usually need the copyright symbol, type (C) and it will replace it with a copyright symbol. I often need to use the Euro currency symbol, so I have set it to (e) shortcut. Surprisingly, the newly added shortcuts worked in all applications, including Word and OneNote.

4. Add a mathematical equation

As I said earlier, Apple Pages is a perfect word processor for those living in the Apple ecosystem. It is also popular in the education sector.

Apple has added the ability to insert math equations into the Pages application. You can go to Insert> Equation (keyboard shortcut> Option + Command + E) and open the dialog box to add formulas. Now type the formula and it will convert it to a mathematical version. Select Insert and it will add the equation to the document.

5. Insert graphics

Apple Pages is as powerful as Microsoft Word when it comes to displaying statistics and figures through graphics.

Go to Insert> Graphic and choose from the long list of 2D, 3D and interactive graphics. My only problem is that it does not preview a graph before being inserted into the document.

6. Customize the toolbar

Apple Pages comes with a standard toolbar for editing and personalizing a document. However, you can modify them according to your preferences.

From Apple Pages, go to View> Customize Toolbar and use the drag and drop function as desired. You can also configure the software to display the text and the icon.

7. Add an iPhone signature

We’ve always talked about how Apple integrated its hardware offerings with software tweaks. The same goes for a MacBook and an iPhone.

IPhone users can directly add a signature or sketch of the phone to Apple Pages. I use it to sign a document. Here’s how.

Open the document in Apple Pages, tap the Image icon on the toolbar and select add sketch. This will trigger the iPhone to open a drawing board. You can draw a sketch or create a sign to add this to the
document.

You can also insert an iPhone image and scan a document using a phone camera into Apple pages.

8. Activate voice to text

Did you know that you can type entire sentences in Apple Pages using the built-in voice detection feature?

Go to Apple Pages, open a document, and select Edit> Start dictation. The software will ask for permission and accept it to start typing by voice. In my experience, it worked fairly well with the English language.

9. Save a document style as a template

This is useful for professionals. You may want to design a notepad with the company symbol, address, email, website, etc. in Apple Pages.

Now you can save this default document as a template in Apple Pages. So you don’t have to create it from scratch every time.

After making the necessary changes, go to File> Save Template and give it an appropriate name.

Use Apple Pages Like a Pro

Apple Pages is a viable competitor to its rivals. And it’s full of clever tips and tricks. Combine that with the integration of the iPhone and you get more than powerful word processing software. And hey, it’s free too.