How to SIMPLY insert thin spaces using a short key ? (like "Option-spacebar" shortcut)

VikingOSX wrote:

Under the Text tab, I added some character sequences like ,, and << to be replaced with the entered thin space Unicode sequence....The thin space text substitution did not work in Pages or TextEdit.

It does work for me. You have a type a space after the character for subtitution to take place. Also you have to make sure Pages > Preferences > Autocorrection is set up as well as the System Preferences, and you have to make sure TextEdit > Edit > Substitutions is set up right.

Philippe,

The quick solution is to enable Hex Unicode Input, and then while holding down the option key, press 2+0+0+9, the unicode number for thin space. You will see it insert. Unicode and HTML codes for thin space here.

To enable Unicode Hex Input:

System Preferences > Language & Text > Input Sources tab > ✓ Unicode Hex Input

That is the short answer.

Under the Text tab, I added some character sequences like ,, and << to be replaced with the entered thin space Unicode sequence. I used the mouse to drag backwards to highlight the thin space to verify it was set. I then logged out and back in. The thin space text substitution did not work in Pages or TextEdit.

Long-term, you may want to create a custom keyboard file (see Ukelele keyboard editor), and place it in your $HOME/Library/Keyboard Layouts folder. The only change would be re-utilizing an unused key to insert the thin space character. You would then choose this keyboard from the Input Sources tab as above. If you wanted a graphical icon for this custom keyboard, it would be a 16x16 .icns file of the same name as your custom keyboard.

Hope this helps.

Tom,

Thanks for the input. The substitution now works as expected. Inserting a space or the next two chars without a space will invoke the substitution.

Pilot error. I was initially too impatient.