The em dash, en dash, and hyphen look the same in Google Docs, but each has a specific purpose. This article explains how to type an em dash, en dash, and hyphen in Google Docs.

The Google Docs app on Android and iOS automatically corrects an em dash when two hyphens are placed next to each other. Double-tap the hyphen key, type your word, and then press the space bar. You’ll see Google Docs change the hyphens to an em dash.

Windows users who open Google Docs in a web browser can create an em dash by holding down the Alt key and typing 0151 on the numeric keypad. This shortcut also works in other apps.

macOS users who open Google Docs in a web browser can create an em dash by holding down the Option and Shift keys while typing the hyphen (dash). This shortcut also works in other apps.