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Microsoft Word Section Symbol (§) – Shortcuts for Windows, macOS & Ubuntu

When drafting legal documents, academic papers, or referencing sections of laws or contracts, you’ll often need the section symbol in Microsoft Word (§). This symbol is especially common in legal citations (e.g., § 12 of a document) and formal documentation. Fortunately, inserting it is easy on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu using various shortcuts, Unicode, and built-in Word tools.

📚 What Is the Section Symbol (§)?

The section symbol (§), also known as the “double S” or silcrow, is used to refer to a specific section of a legal or academic document. It is typically followed by a number, like:

  • § 25
  • §§ 10–12 (for multiple sections)

Common uses:

  • Legal contracts and laws
  • Policy documents
  • Academic references
  • User manuals

🪟 How to Insert Section Symbol in Word on Windows

✅ Method 1: Alt Code

  • Place your cursor where you want the symbol
  • Hold Alt and type 21 on the numeric keypad
  • Release Alt → § appears

📌 Ensure Num Lock is on, and you are using the numeric keypad.

✅ Method 2: Symbol Menu

  1. Click Insert > Symbol > More Symbols
  2. In the font dropdown, choose a standard font like Calibri or Times New Roman
  3. In the “Character code” box, enter 00A7
  4. Select the section symbol (§) and click Insert

💡 This method is ideal if you don’t have a numeric keypad.

✅ Method 3: Unicode Shortcut

  • Type 00A7 in your document
  • Press Alt + X → it will convert to §

🍏 How to Type Section Symbol in Word on macOS

✅ Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut

  • Press Option + 6 → § will appear instantly

✅ This is the fastest and easiest method for Mac users in Microsoft Word.

✅ Method 2: Emoji & Symbols Viewer

  1. Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer
  2. Search for “section”
  3. Double-click on the § symbol to insert

🧠 You can also assign this symbol a custom shortcut via System Preferences > Keyboard.

🐧 How to Insert Section Symbol in Word on Ubuntu

Ubuntu users often work with:

  • LibreOffice Writer
  • Microsoft Word Online

✅ LibreOffice Method

  1. Go to Insert > Special Character
  2. Choose a Unicode-supporting font like DejaVu Sans
  3. Scroll to or search for § (Unicode U+00A7)
  4. Click Insert

✅ Unicode Input Shortcut

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U
  2. Type 00A7, then press Enter → § appears

📝 Works across most Linux applications, not just Word or LibreOffice.

✅ Word Online

  1. Open your Word document in the browser
  2. Go to Insert > Symbol
  3. Copy and paste § if the symbol is not listed

📋 Summary: Section Symbol Shortcuts by Platform

PlatformMethodShortcut / Steps
WindowsAlt CodeAlt + 21 → §
WindowsUnicode + ConvertType 00A7 then Alt + X
WindowsInsert MenuInsert > Symbol > 00A7
macOSKeyboard ShortcutOption + 6
macOSCharacter ViewerCtrl + Cmd + Space → Search “section”
UbuntuUnicode InputCtrl + Shift + U → 00A7 + Enter
LibreOfficeSpecial CharacterInsert > Special Character > §
Word OnlineManual InsertCopy and paste or use symbol menu

📌 Copy & Paste Ready

Need it now? Just copy and paste this: §

❓ FAQ – Section Symbol in Word

Can I assign a custom shortcut for § in Word?
Yes! Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Keyboard Shortcuts and assign a key combo for “InsertSymbol.”

Does the symbol format correctly in PDFs?
Yes, Word maintains the formatting of the § symbol when exporting to PDF.

Can I use § in Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint too?
Absolutely. The same shortcuts and symbol menus work across all Microsoft Office programs.

Is the section symbol part of standard Unicode?
Yes. Unicode U+00A7 represents the section symbol across all platforms and applications.

Is § supported in all fonts?
Most common fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, and Segoe UI Symbol support it.

✅ Conclusion

Inserting the section symbol in Microsoft Word (§) is fast and easy with the right shortcuts. Whether you’re on Windows (Alt + 21), macOS (Option + 6), or Ubuntu (Unicode U+00A7), you can quickly format legal and academic documents with professionalism. Understanding how to use this symbol effectively enhances clarity and organization, especially in formal writing.

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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