How to Type the Degree Symbol in Photoshop & Illustrator

As global temperatures rise and climate change dominates headlines, designers are increasingly tasked with creating visuals that communicate urgent environmental messages. Whether you’re mapping heatwaves in Illustrator or annotating temperature data in Photoshop, knowing how to type the degree symbol (°) is essential. Here’s your comprehensive guide to inserting this tiny but critical character—while reflecting on its growing significance in a world grappling with extreme weather.

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Why the Degree Symbol Matters More Than Ever

The Climate Connection

From infographics about rising sea levels to social media posts on record-breaking heat, the degree symbol has become a shorthand for planetary crisis. A single “°C” or “°F” can convey the difference between a habitable Earth and catastrophic warming. As designers, we wield typography as a tool for awareness—and precision matters.

Cross-Platform Consistency

Whether you’re designing for print or digital, consistency in symbols ensures clarity. A missing degree symbol in a climate report could undermine credibility, while proper usage reinforces professionalism.

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How to Type the Degree Symbol in Photoshop

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcuts (Mac & Windows)

• Mac: Press Option + Shift + 8.
• Windows: Hold Alt and type 0176 on the numeric keypad (ensure Num Lock is on).

Pro Tip: In a warming world, speed matters. Memorize these shortcuts to streamline workflows when creating time-sensitive climate visuals.

Method 2: Glyphs Panel

1. Go to Type > Glyphs.
2. Search for “degree” in the dropdown menu.
3. Double-click the symbol to insert it.

Design Context: Use this method when working with custom fonts that may stylize the degree symbol uniquely—ideal for branding eco-conscious projects.

Method 3: Character Map (Windows)

For designers without a numeric keypad:
1. Open the Character Map app (Win + S, type “Character Map”).
2. Select your font, find the degree symbol, and copy-paste it into Photoshop.

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How to Type the Degree Symbol in Illustrator

Method 1: Universal Shortcut

The same keyboard shortcuts apply (Option + Shift + 8 on Mac, Alt + 0176 on Windows). Illustrator’s text engine mirrors Photoshop’s, making cross-software consistency effortless.

Method 2: Type Tool Tricks

1. Select the Type Tool (T).
2. Right-click and choose Insert Special Character > Symbols > Degree Symbol.

Why It’s Useful: When designing data-heavy climate infographics, this method reduces errors—critical when every decimal point counts.

Method 3: SVG/Unicode Entry

For advanced users:
- Type 00B0 followed by Alt + X (Windows) to convert Unicode into the ° symbol.

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Global Hotspots: Design Applications

1. Climate Reports & Infographics

• Use the degree symbol in temperature trend charts. Pair it with bold colors (e.g., red for heat alerts) to emphasize urgency.

2. Social Media Activism

• Hashtags like #1Point5Degrees rely on visual precision. Ensure your degree symbol stands out in Instagram carousels or Twitter graphics.

3. Sustainable Branding

• Eco-friendly brands often highlight carbon neutrality goals (e.g., “Reduced emissions by 2°C”). Consistent symbol use builds trust.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

Font Compatibility

Some decorative fonts lack the degree symbol. Fallback solutions:
- Switch to a standard font (e.g., Helvetica).
- Create the symbol as a vector shape for custom designs.

Localization Challenges

• In multilingual projects, verify whether to use °C (global scientific standard) or °F (U.S. audiences).

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Beyond the Symbol: Design for a Changing Planet

Typography as Advocacy

Consider pairing the degree symbol with impactful visuals: melting ice caps, drought-stricken landscapes, or renewable energy icons. Every pixel can tell a story.

Accessibility Notes

• Ensure the symbol is legible in small sizes (e.g., mobile screens).
• Use high-contrast colors for readability in dark-mode interfaces.

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Final Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet

| Software | Mac Shortcut | Windows Shortcut |
|----------------|--------------------|--------------------|
| Photoshop | Option + Shift + 8 | Alt + 0176 |
| Illustrator | Option + Shift + 8 | Alt + 0176 |

Save this table—your next climate-aware design might depend on it.