How to type the symbol of the square brackets « [ ] » with the keyboard

Square brackets are often used in writing, particularly in mathematical formula functions and programming. On a Windows keyboard, they really occupy a specific position between the keys, although this is not the case with operating systems like Mac and Linux.

Hence, you must be able to enter the square brackets sign “[]” on a Windows, Mac, or Linux PC or laptop keyboard if you need to type mathematical equations, computer program code, or make emoticons and ASCII pictures. Here, we’ll explain it to you like we did with the underscore, upscore, and key symbol in earlier articles.

Square brackets feature an opening form and a closing form similar to parentheses. They are used in many fewer situations than parentheses, however, because of this. Here are some examples.

Script in the windows

There are many ways to get the opening bracket “[” and the closing bracket “]” on a laptop or PC running the Windows operating system. We’ll see.

1. “Shift” key, press.
2. To open and close the square bracket sign, simultaneously press the “[” and “]” keys.
3. Release the keys to for the corresponding indications to show.

The open and close bracket keys may be found just above the ENTER key on an English keyboard if you’re using that keyboard to do this procedure.

Using ALT + Ascii Code

Using the ASCII code and the “Alt” key, you may locate the open and close bracket symbols in a quotation, calculation, formula, or programming from any operating system as follows:

1. Keep the “Alt” key depressed.
2. Enter “91” on your number pad to display the square bracket symbol.
3. Keeping the “Alt” key pressed while typing the numerals “93” will close the square bracket symbol.

Keep in mind that this technique only works if you own a computer or laptop with a numeric keypad. The next approach will show you how to accomplish it if your laptop doesn’t have this kind of keyboard.

laptop typing without a numeric keypad

By using the aforementioned ASCII approach together with the “Alt” key, it is possible to locate the numeric keypad on a laptop and input the square brackets sign or another symbol.

1. To start using the number pad that is concealed among your visible keys, first locate the “FN” and “NumLock” keys and press them.
2. You should be aware that when you activate it, the keys J, K, L, U, I, O, 7, 8, and 9 will be replaced by the digits 0 to 9.
3. Use the “Alt” key while typing the numerals 91 to enter the opening square bracket symbol “[.”
4. Press the “Alt” key and the number 93 at the same time to enter the closing bracket sign “]”.

After completed, use the same “FN” and “NumLock” key combination to turn off the temporary numeric keypad.

Type on a MAC

Spanish keyboard: As the square brackets [] on Mac keyboards aren’t visible to the human eye, pressing a key alone won’t create this sign; we’ll need to hit a combination of keys instead. If you want the sign “],” use ALT + Shift + (but not ALT + Shift + for the character “[“).

English keyboard: Follow the same steps as before.

Publish in Linux

If you use the Linux operating system, you may also use the keystrokes listed below to quickly locate the open and closed brackets on your keyboard:

• Press the “Ctrl” key together with the “Shift” and “u” keys at the same time to open the bracket, then hit “5b” on the numeric keypad.
• Press “Ctrl” once more, then “Shift,” “u,” and “5d” to close the bracket.

Making use of the bracket sign

To place anything within or adjacent to a paragraph that is contained in parenthesis, use brackets. This symbol is typically used around mathematical or algebraic formulas:

[x(a+b) – 3(a+b)]

Here, it is noted that, although in everyday speech the square brackets are superior than the parenthesis, this is not the case in mathematics.

As we continue with the instances, square brackets are utilized in dictionaries, notably in the phonetic transcription of words:

animal [wazo]

The words that are deleted from a citation when it is regarded unneeded or irrelevant are often substituted with bracketed ellipses. For example, “We have constructed a typical man […] and we cling to him so strongly that we view as patient or as a monster anything that does not resemble him.” Simenon, G.

Another instance of when to use this punctuation is to provide any details that the reader would need to properly comprehend a quote:

“There are four linguistic areas in this nation [Switzerland], a genuine crossroads.”

“Beauty affects people even when they are not aware of it.” (J.Cocteau)

The phrase “anything that is not color, nor scent, nor melody [or taste, the hungry would add], is infantilism” may be included into a quotation using square brackets. (B.Vian

Regular inquiries

Are there any similarities between a square bracket and a parenthesis?

They do, indeed. The double-spelled symbols for inserting or incorporating extra or clarifying information are parentheses and square brackets. They are also written with a gap between them and the character before or after them, as well as linked to the first and final character they encompass.

What distinguishes the brace from the bracket?

As the usage and the form differ significantly, it is easy to see the variations when comparing the bracket and the key. Consequently, the key is distinguished from the bracket by having a crossbow-like form, and we may discover it in diagrams and synoptic tables. It’s also used as a double symbol to denote options.

Do the brackets come in a variety of shapes?

If you’ve ever observed that this sign changes form when using the Internet or while composing a document in Word or PDF, you should be aware that this is due to the typeface that was used. This often happens when using typefaces that are meant to emphasize or embellish text. The brackets might take on several shapes in this manner.

How should the brackets be written?

Everything relies on a variety of variables, including the computer, laptop, or other device you use and the ongoing work you do. Hence, whether or not your laptop includes a numeric keypad, any of the solutions we’ve given you will be quite helpful.

Why can’t I use my keyboard to enter the brackets?

This incident may concern us since it may lead us to be late for work. Therefore, keep in mind that there are several reasons for this discomfort of not being able to write the brackets. A virus may have invaded the computer, your keyboard may be destroyed, the drivers may need to be updated, or it may simply be misconfigured.