Shortcut subscript doesn't work

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Level 1

18 points

Shortcut subscript doesn't work

Hi everyone

I've encountered a small problem in Pages after updating to Catalina. The shortcut to use subscript in Pages is set as ^ ⌘ - to activate subscript. Analog to it, superscript is ^⌘+.

Though superscript isn't a problem, subscript is because for some reason is sets out to do the command under ^⌘= which is enlarge/minimalize (this could be badly translated from Dutch, it is the command you can see under the tab "window").

I tried it with the onscreen-keyboard, as well, to check whether the - becomes an = after pushing ^⌘ (which it doesn't) so I am a bit stunned to why Pages interprets it as a = .

Up until now I haven't found a way to change the Pages shortcuts. So any help is welcome.

Tech info: Pages 10.3.5

Keyboard: Dutch AZERTY

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Dec 28, 2020 1:58 AM

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Answer 1

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,374 points

Dec 28, 2020 5:42 AM in response to Fabio_DC

Do you achieve a subscript by using the Pages : Format menu : Font : Baseline : Subscript menu item with your Trackpad — and not via keyboard shortcut. Pages is compiled to expect the ^⌘- keyboard shortcut and very likely will not accept any custom assignment for that purpose.

Your alternative is to use Pages equation editor, and enter to insert the subscript couplet into your document. I know what you are thinking, and it would not be my first choice either:

I don't have a Dutch language or keyboard implementation here to test further.

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Answer 2

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,374 points

Dec 28, 2020 6:33 AM in response to Fabio_DC

The equation editor that Apple implements in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote uses a built-in TeX/MathML translator (blahtex) to MathML embedded content. It completely ignores any installed TeX distribution, and only permits a subset of allowed syntax. Wiris, which offers a subscription model MathType now, does not have a version compatible with Pages v10.3.5 or Catalina/Big Sur yet.

See, Add mathematical equations to your document in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. The LaTeX and MathML elements link in the precediing link takes you a page where you can download the blahtex PDF manual, which describes the commands it can accept and translate in the Pages equation editor. You could also directly enter MathML commands.

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Answer 3

Fabio_DC Author

Level 1

18 points

Dec 28, 2020 6:09 AM in response to VikingOSX

"Do you achieve a subscript by using the Pages… with your Trackpad"

Yes, I do. It also works through the Style-tab, under font there's a gear that let's me change it as well.

It's just a little weird, in El Capitan it worked perfectly and at no point using Catalina is the - confused to an =. Only on the occasion of using this particular shortcut in Pages. It is merely a nuisance in working swiftly, that's all.

I've never tried equation editor because I thought you'd have to buy the LaTeX or MathML elements in order for it to work. Using the equator editor would be very handy for me.

Could you comment on that? And if so, push me in the right direction of using it without paid add-ons/extra's? I tried to research it briefly but nowadays Google offers me more things to buy rather than how they work.

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Shortcut subscript doesn't work

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