Ldots? Three dots? Ellipsis? Whatever this ( … ) is called, find out here how to type an ellipsis character on Windows (including a shortcut) and elegantly connect your thoughts in writing or end sentences with innuendo…
First, a Deverbative
A deverbative is a noun formed from a verb. Who knew?
For instance, the Ancient Greeks picked up their Verb ellé͞ipein (ἐλλείπειν)—to lack, to be missing, to be absent—and turned it into the noun élleipsis (ἔλλειψις)—the absence.
What was missing? In an élleipsis, it was (and still is) words; words, mind you, that the listener or reader can deduce from the context.
Now, an ellipsis is so useful that there’s a character for it; and in Windows, there’s a way to enter it:
How to Type the Ellipsis Character (‘…’) on Windows
On a Mac? How to type an ellipsis using macOS
Using the Windows On Screen Ellipsis Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest)
The touch on-screen keyboard included with Windows comes with a handy shortcut to typing ellipses.
Time needed: 1 minute
To insert an ellipsis using the touch keyboard on Windows:
- Bring up the Windows touch keyboard.
- Tap or click and hold the . (period) button.
- Select the ellipsis character (…) from the choices that have appeared.
Using the Ellipsis Character Alt-Code (Universal but Cumbersome)
To insert an ellipsis character (…) anywhere on Windows using an Alt-Code:
- Engage Num Lock.
Num Lock: If your keyboard has a number keypad, do make sure the Num Lock indicator is on, so its use produces numbers, not arrow keys or whatever other secondary meaning they have. If it is not, press the NumLock key. - Press 0 1 3 3 on the number keypad while holding down the Alt key.
Alt-Code not Unicode: The Alt + <Number> combination inserts the character corresponding to a unique Windows Alt-number; these do not correspond to Unicode.
Using Copy and Paste Ellipsis (Convenient)
You can always copy and paste the following ellipsis character, of course:
… |
The Ellipsis in Word (with a Keyboard Shortcut)
Word includes its own keyboard shortcut for inserting the ellipsis symbol.
How to Type the Ellipsis Character (‘…’) on Windows: FAQ
Can I set up Windows (or Office) to replace … (three dots) with …?
While you cannot set up text replacement in Windows, you can have Office applications replace three dots with an ellipsis automatically.
Can I add an ellipsis using the physical keyboard directly?
No.
The standard English keyboard layouts for Windows do not include the ellipsis.
(How to type the ellipsis character tested with Windows 11 Version 22H2 and Windows 10 Version 2004; updated March 2024)