How to Make Custom Special Characters in Word

Steps

Start with Word open and the cursor in the position where the new symbol is to be inserted.

Hit Ctrl-F9 (PC) or cmd-F9 (Mac) to insert a new field code. Curly braces will appear.

Between the curly braces, type EQ \o(X1,X2). In place of X1, type the letter/number/character that will appear on the bottom in the new symbol, and in place of X2 type the letter/number/character that will appear on the top. Note the space after EQ and before \o For any special characters (like the macron, or overline, in the picture) use the Windows character map or Mac Character Palette (see Method Two).

Remove any extra spaces! The only space between the curly braces should be between EQ and \o. Word inputs extra spaces that will have to be deleted manually.

Press Shift-F9 (both PC and Mac) to update the field code and display the new symbol. You must either have the entire field code highlighted or be clicked into the field code for this to work. If there are any problems, just highlight the character (or error message, or blank space, etc.) and press Shift-F9 to display the field code again. Proceed to edit it as needed. See the Troubleshooting Tips below for more information about problems you may encounter here.

Editing a Symbol's Height or Size

Expand the field code by highlighting and pressing Shift-F9.

Highlight the symbol that needs to be changed, then right-click on it and click Font.

Go to the "Character Spacing" tab across the top.

Edit the "Position" field. It can be raised or lowered. Try 1 pt increments to start, and keep trying until the symbol is positioned exactly where desired. You can also type in a number, including decimals (i.e. 1.5,) for the amount of change in position.

When done, click "OK" and then Shift-F9 to view the updated symbol. The one pictured below is a bit too high, as it is raised 5 points from normal. In addition to adjusting the position of the character, adjust the size if needed (it's called "Scaling" in the Font properties box.) Select an option from the list or type in a percentage (up to 600%.)Make Custom Special Characters in Word Step 10.jpg

Stacked Field Codes

When already inside a field code, press CTRL-F9 (PC) or cmd-F9 (Mac) to create a new one. Before Insert:Make Custom Special Characters in Word Step 11Bullet1.jpg After Insert:Make Custom Special Characters in Word Step 11Bullet2.jpg

Modify the inner field code.

Collapse the inner field code (Shift-F9).

Make any additional modifications to the outer field code and collapse it (Shift-F9).

You can do this as many times as you need to in order to create multiple characters.