How Do You Do an Underscore on a Keyboard?
What is an Underscore?
An underscore is a punctuation mark used to indicate that a word or phrase is a single unit, and is often used in computer programming and coding. It is denoted by the symbol _
(also known as the underscore or low line).
What are the Different Ways to Type an Underscore?
There are several ways to type an underscore on a keyboard, depending on your operating system and keyboard layout. Here are a few methods:
- Windows
- Using the keyboard: Press the Shift key and the hyphen key (
-
) at the same time. - Using the Alt code: Press the Alt key and the numbers 0178 simultaneously.
- Using the keyboard: Press the Shift key and the hyphen key (
- Mac
- Using the keyboard: Press the Option key (or Alt key on some Macs) and the hypen key (
-
) at the same time. - Using the Unicode character: Press Command key, the Option key, and the U key, then type
005F
and release the keys.
- Using the keyboard: Press the Option key (or Alt key on some Macs) and the hypen key (
- Android
- Using the keyboard: Long-press on the hyphen key (
-
) to access the underscore. - Using the Unicode character: Open the "Insert" menu, select "Symbol" and then select the underscore glyph (
_
)
- Using the keyboard: Long-press on the hyphen key (
Alternative Methods
If you don’t have access to a computer or keyboard, there are alternative methods to type an underscore:
- Using a mobile device: Most smartphones and tablets allow you to type an underscore by long-pressing the period key (
.
) or the hyphen key (-
) and then sliding your finger to the left or right to access the underscore symbol (_
). - Using a word processor or software: Many digital word processors, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs, allow you to insert an underscore using the "Insert" menu or by using keyboard shortcuts (e.g.
Ctrl+Shift+_/ + On a PC or
Cmd+Shift+_/` on a Mac).
Keyboard Shortcuts for Underscores
PC (Windows)
- Ctrl+Shift+_/: Insert underscore symbol
- Ctrl+Shift+Hyphen (
-
): Insert underscore symbol
Mac (OS X)
- Cmd+Shift+_/: Insert underscore symbol
- Cmd+Shift+Hyphen (
-
): Insert underscore symbol
Tips and Tricks
- Use the correct keyboard layout: Make sure your keyboard layout is set to the correct language and region to ensure the underscore symbol is easily accessible.
- Use the correct software: Check your word processor or software settings to ensure you are using the correct font and character set to display the underscore symbol correctly.
- Copy and paste: If you don’t have access to the underscore symbol on your keyboard, you can copy and paste it from a text document or online.
Conclusion
In conclusion, typing an underscore on a keyboard can be done using various methods, depending on your operating system and keyboard layout. Whether you’re a programmer, typist, or simply looking to add flair to your text, knowing how to type an underscore can be a valuable skill to have. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily add this punctuation mark to your repertoire and improve your typing skills.