If you use a particular character or symbol frequently, it will probably be worth your time to set up a shortcut. Although there are a few shortcuts already built into Word, you can also make your own. There are two main options for inserting characters and symbols quickly, both of which are available from the Symbols dialog box:

• Keyboard shortcuts   This method is very useful; in fact, many keyboard shortcuts are already built into Word (see the Special Characters tab in the Symbol dialog box). You can even make your own by clicking the Shortcut Key button. (See also the course Customize keyboard shortcuts in Word.) The disadvantage is that it can be difficult to remember the exact key combination.
• AutoCorrect   Type a sequence of letters, and let the AutoCorrect feature in Word change the letters to the symbol or character you want. For example, type "\alpha" for a Greek lowercase alpha symbol (α). A text-processing program popular in the math, science, and engineering fields uses this method of character insertion. To use this method, you have to set up the AutoCorrect text (except for a few symbols), but you only have to do it once. And it's easier to remember than keyboard shortcuts.