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If you’ve been using a word processor long enough, you may remember having to type a § symbol on a PC by holding down the ALT key and typing 0167 on the numeric keypad. Thank goodness we’re not in DOS anymore.
For Word for Windows users: You can find the section symbol by going to the Insert menu, then Symbols, then More Symbols. Next, click on the “Special Characters” tab, select the “Section” midway down the list and click “Insert.”
If you don’t want to make that trek every time you need a section symbol, you can assign a keyboard shortcut that’ll be easier to remember than ALT + 0167. Just go to the Insert menu, then Symbols, then More Symbols. Click on the “Special Characters” tab, select the “Section” midway down the list and click the “Shortcut Key” to assign a keyboard shortcut you will remember. I suggest ALT + S (of course, CRTL + S is taken by “Save”).
For Word for Mac users: You have a built-in, systemwide shortcut key (not limited to Word or Microsoft products). Anytime you want a section symbol, just hold down the OPT key and press 6. OPT + 6 gives you a section symbol every time.