I can't type symbols on OS X Mavericks

Try it without the command key.

While the keyboard viewer indicates it that it is still there, it is only because you only need option-shift-k. The command key invokes “command key” shortcuts.

I'm running Mavericks 10.9.4 on an early 2011 MBP and have been looking for the Apple symbol (). Everything I read says Shift+option+K. However, that produces ̊ — a small degree symbol (it's actually a ring or kroužek). (BTW, the Apple symbol in parentheses was a copy-and-paste.) My Keyboard is set for US extended and the Keyboard Viewer shows ̊ when I press Shift+Option+K. Interestingly enough, typing option+k enters the kroužek over whatever is typed next, assuming the next character can take a kroužek: this is option+k then "a" — å. Typing Shift+option+K enters the kroužek over the previously typed character, again assuming the next character can take a kroužek: this is "a" then Shift+option+K — å.

I must be missing something really simple — maybe a setting. I did check Keyboard Preferences and nothing jumped out at me as being wrong — the only input options were "British" and "U.S. Extended". Can anyone figure out what I'm doing wrong?

Shift Option K works on the standard US keyboard, I am not sure that there is a keyboard combination for the apple on the extended keyboard. You should have both US and US Extended as choices under Input source.

The apple is not mapped on the US Extended keyboard. You could use the Character Viewer (Edit menu, Special Characters).

Here is some info on the Character Viewer: OS X Mavericks: Enter special characters and symbols

Thanks, Jeff and Barney. Activating ("+" in the Keyboard Preferences) and selecting the standard U.S. keyboard worked. I figured it was something simple but hadn't thought about clicking the "+" to see other keyboard options. Hmmmm. I wonder .... yep, selecting the British keyboard also works — it uses the same Shift+option+K combination for the Apple symbol.

I can't get the apple symbol by typing Shift Option + K I Just get ̊̊ sorry its Yosemite not Mavericks

paulfrombarry wrote:

I can't get the apple symbol by typing Shift Option + K I Just get ̊̊ sorry its Yosemite not Mavericks

What Input source (keyboard layout) are you using? You can find it in Keyboard preferences, Input Sources tab.

Thanks I've changed it to British now It was on Welsh (my native tongue) but as soon as you told me to look at the input settings I realised , why I wasn't able . Thanks again