Struggling to type proper ellipses on Linux? You can type three dots to mark an elision or continuation in your texts... but the typographically correct ellipsis character will just look more right. Find out here how to type an ellipsis ( … ) on Linux ⤓ using KDE and Gnome with the keyboard or use a character picker.
First, Teeth of Iron
Would you gnaw through a tree’s trunk with your bare teeth or with a tool made at least in part of metal, say iron?
So would beavers, of course. Beaver teeth get their characteristic color from embedded iron: it renders them both a yellowy orange and durably strong.
Now, if you have cut through a particularly tough and convoluted branching sentence, you can replace what you have extracted with a slim and slender ellipsis:
How to Type an Ellipsis ( … ) on Linux
Using the English (Macintosh) Keyboard Layout
Time needed: 2 minutes
To insert an ellipsis character ( … ) swiftly on Linux:
- Make US-English (Macintosh) the keyboard layout for typing.
Here’s how: To change keyboard layouts on Linux, you can use both the system menu and keyboard shortcuts with Gnome and KDE.
Here’s why: The Mac keyboard layout offers a direct key combination to insert the three-dots ellipsis.. - Put the text cursor where you want to insert the ellipsis.
Here’s where: The ellipsis stands in for omitted text; insert it like that text — including whitespace according to prominent style guides.
- Press AltGr ; (semicolon) or Option ;.
Their word: Gnome include information on switching keyboard layouts in Gnome help.
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Using a Character Picker
To find and copy an ellipsis for inserting anywhere on Linux using the Gnome and KDE character maps:
- Open KCharSelect on KDE or Gnome Characters.
- Search for
ellipsis. - Select and copy the horizontal ellipsis symbol (Unicode code point U+2026).
Other ellipses: You can choose to copy other ellipses as well, of course, like the middle or vertical ellipsis characters.
- Paste it where desired in your document.
Using the Compose Key
To input the ellipsis symbol on Linux using a character combination and the Compose key:
- Enable and configure Compose key support for Linux.
- Press Compose.
- Now type two dots (..).
Here’s what happens: The two full stops will be replaced with one three-dot ellipsis.
How to Type an Ellipsis on Linux: FAQ
Can I also copy the ellipsis for pasting?
Yes.
You can copy the various ellipses (including those not available through direct keyboard input) using the following table and paste them where desired:
Ellipsis … | |
Vertical ellipsis ⋮ | |
Middle ellipsis ⋯ | |
Diagonal upwards ellipsis ⋰ | |
Diagonal downwards ellipsis ⋱ |
Typesetting? How to Insert a Vertical Ellipsis in LaTeX
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(Tested with Gnome 46–49 and KDE 6; first published December 2024, last updated February 2026)