Working with text on Mac is much different from that on Windows computers. Among many problems that users face with Mac devices, typing text like exponents is one of the most common.

So, let’s say you’re working on a word document and want to add exponents on a mac keyboard. How can you do it?

This post will look at simple ways to add exponents to your text editor while working with Mac OS.

What are Exponents?

Exponents are usually written in a superscript. These are smaller numbers placed next to a regular-sized number to show the power of a number. For example, you can type 8 x 8 x 8 or 8^3.

But when you’re typing this in an equation, it doesn’t adequately represent your text. So while the computer will accurately compute the expression, it doesn’t go well with how a regular reader would read the text.

So, if you can write 8³ instead of 8^3, it gives your text a different and more engaging visual representation. But, more importantly, it can help save characters on screen too.

When Do You Need to Type Exponents

Exponents can commonly be used when you’re working with spreadsheets or presentations. For example, they can make your documents look more professional when you write them through a superscript keyboard shortcut.

Especially if you are a technical writer or a mathematician, you may need to type exponents more regularly. Likewise, it’s a standard tool for students too.

Since exponents are clever for a scientific notation for more significant numbers, they better understand larger values, making them easier to understand. More importantly, writing higher values and powers of 10 through exponents is easier.

Imagine having to type all the zeros in Avogadro’s number. The Sound’s tedious.

How to Type Exponents on Mac

Now that you know why you should write exponents, let’s look at easy ways to do this job. You can write them quickly on a mac, an expression, or an entire equation. The method may differ slightly on other platforms because of keyboards and available support variations.

But Mac supports software tools to help you write exponents conveniently. For example, some specialized programs have special symbols to add exponents to your text.

How to Write Exponents Using a Mac System

Here are some easy ways to write exponents on a Mac.

Using the Superscript Keyboard Shortcut

In mac, you can work with a superscript keyboard. So, if you have such a keyboard, it will be straightforward to type exponents. Then, with your keyboard, type the entire phrase or equation with the exponent.

The superscript keyboard lets you type exponents in any text editor. So, you can use the built-in text editor for mac or type in a Microsoft word document. Once you order your text, select the portion which must be turned into an exponent.

Press the Control + Command + Shift + + keys to convert the highlighted text into superscript text.

Use Native Programs in Mac and Microsoft Word

It also depends on what program you use to write Mac’s exponents. You can manually shift the typical case to superscript text in Microsoft office and mac programs. This can be done in the following way.

Place Your Cursor

Put your cursor before the first digit that you want in the superscript. Then, you can move the cursor with the arrow keys or click the desired spot.

Open the Character Viewer

Now, open the Character viewer by pressing Control Command Spacebar keys simultaneously. Now, you will see some basic emojis.

Search for Superscript

In the search box at the top of the Character Viewer Window, type ‘Superscript.’ It will automatically show a symbol that should appear above a standard line. For instance, you should see the single-digit numbers from 0 to 9.

Insert the Superscript

Click on your desired number to enter the superscript. Once you click the number, the window should collapse automatically.

Remember, this method works best when you want are typing exponents that are non-alphabetic.

Use Copy/Paste in Pages Text Editor

The next option is to use the clipboard feature on your mac. This method works on all operating systems, so it can be a go-to method if nothing else works for you. Finally, you will copy and paste exponents from an external source. Here is how to do it.

Search the Exponent

First, search for your desired exponent number on a search engine. You can also refer to any previous files where you might have used exponents. However, search engines can give quick results, so search for terms like ‘superscript numbers,’ etc.

Highlight and Copy Exponent

From your desired search result, highlight the exponent part of the text with your mouse. Next, press Ctrl + C on Windows OS and Command + C on Mac OS to copy the exponent.

Paste your Exponent Number

Place the cursor where you wish to add the exponent on your text editor and Press Ctrl + V. In Mac OS, press Command + V.

After pasting the exponent, you can also edit the contents of the exponent. This method is best suited when you cannot apply other techniques we have seen in this post. Moreover, it lets you add any characters in the exponent position.

Type In A Content Management System

Content Management Systems make adding text and modifying web content easier without substantial coding knowledge. Hence, they are an excellent option for writing your text in the average case and exponent scripts.

You need to do the following steps to add superscript text:

First, place your cursor in the text editor of the CMS. Next, you should see a text formatting option. Each content management system can have a different icon or symbol, so depending on your editor, you might have an additional opportunity to format text.

Once you have found the formatting menu, select the superscript option. Next, type the exponent and deselect the exponent case to return to normal.

Conclusion

This article showed you some basic tricks to add exponent text on your mac and Windows devices. This can help write equations and superscript text more fluently for assignments and other needs.