how to insert brackets in word
Inserting brackets in Word is super easy! With just a few steps, you can add both regular and curly brackets to your documents. Whether you’re writing a math equation or enclosing some text, this guide will show you exactly how to do it. Let’s jump right into it!
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Insert Brackets in Word
Here’s a breakdown of how to insert both round and curly brackets in your Word document. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be a bracket-inserting pro in no time.
Step 1: Open Your Word Document
First, open the Word document where you want to insert the brackets.
Make sure your document is ready and you have your cursor placed where you want to add the brackets.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Bracket
Decide whether you need round brackets (parentheses) or curly brackets.
Round brackets are commonly used in sentences, while curly brackets are often used in programming or mathematical equations.
Step 3: Insert Round Brackets
To insert round brackets, simply type the opening bracket "(" and the closing bracket ")" using your keyboard.
These brackets are easy to type and can be used anywhere in your text.
Step 4: Insert Curly Brackets
To insert curly brackets, type the opening curly bracket "{" and the closing curly bracket "}" using your keyboard.
These brackets might be a bit trickier to find, but they are usually located near the Enter key on most keyboards.
Step 5: Format Your Text (Optional)
If needed, highlight the enclosed text and apply any formatting like bold or italics.
This helps to emphasize the text within the brackets and makes it stand out.
After completing these steps, you’ll see the brackets appear around your chosen text or space. This simple process can be repeated wherever needed in your document.
Tips for Inserting Brackets in Word
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with the keyboard shortcuts for easy and quick bracket insertion.
- AutoCorrect: Use Word’s AutoCorrect feature to automatically replace certain characters with brackets.
- Math Equations: For more complex mathematical equations, go to "Insert" > "Equation" to find specialized bracket options.
- Consistency: Ensure consistent use of brackets throughout your document by checking formatting and alignment.
- Templates: Create templates with pre-inserted brackets for documents you frequently use, saving time in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I insert square brackets in Word?
Square brackets can be inserted by typing "[" and "]" on your keyboard.
Can I use brackets in a Word table?
Yes, you can insert brackets in any cell of a Word table just like regular text.
What if my keyboard doesn’t have curly brackets?
You can use the "Insert Symbol" feature in Word to find and insert curly brackets.
How do I insert brackets on a Mac?
On a Mac, you can insert brackets using the same keyboard keys: "Shift" + "(" for round brackets and "Shift" + "{" for curly brackets.
Can I change the color of the brackets?
Yes, you can highlight the brackets and change their color using the font color option in the toolbar.
Summary
- Open your Word document.
- Choose the type of bracket.
- Insert round brackets.
- Insert curly brackets.
- Format your text (optional).
Conclusion
Inserting brackets in Word is a breeze once you know how to do it! Whether you need round or curly brackets, these simple steps will guide you through the process effortlessly. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use these tips, the more second nature they will become. Plus, Word offers various tools and features to make your document editing even smoother. So go ahead, give it a try, and see how easy it is to enhance your documents with brackets! For more advanced formatting, explore Word’s extensive range of features and make your documents look professional.

Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.