How to Type ā (A with macron) on Google Docs

Published July 16, 2026, 2 min read

ā is a with macron, a letter used in Latvian, Mandarin Pinyin, Māori and Hawaiian. On Google Docs, the quickest way to get it is Insert → Special characters. This guide covers every method that works, including the capital Ā and fixes for common problems.

ā on Google Docs: Insert → Special characters

Ā on Google Docs: Insert → Special characters

Or copy it:

Method 1: Special characters menu

Click Insert → Special characters.
Type "a with macron" or the code 0101 in the search box, or draw the letter in the box.
Click ā to insert it.

Method 2: Use your computer's shortcut

Docs accepts whatever your operating system types. On Windows use the Win+. symbols panel; on a Mac use Unicode Hex Input (hold Option and type 0101); on a Chromebook press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 0101 and press Space.

Method 3: Automatic substitution

Go to Tools → Preferences → Substitutions.
Add a shortcut such as aaa in the left column and paste ā in the right.
Click OK. Typing the shortcut and a space now inserts ā.

How to type the capital Ā

The uppercase form works the same way with Shift added where a letter is typed.

Special characters menu

Click Insert → Special characters.
Type "capital a with macron" or the code 0100 in the search box, or draw the letter in the box.
Click Ā to insert it.

Use your computer's shortcut

Docs accepts whatever your operating system types. On Windows use the Win+. symbols panel; on a Mac use Unicode Hex Input (hold Option and type 0100); on a Chromebook press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 0100 and press Space.

About the letter ā

ā is Unicode U+0101, named LATIN SMALL LETTER A WITH MACRON. It is used in Latvian, Mandarin Pinyin, Māori and Hawaiian. A flat bar above a vowel, used for long vowels in Latvian, Lithuanian, Māori, Hawaiian and Latin textbooks, and for the first tone in Pinyin. See the ā character page for every code and shortcut.

Troubleshooting

Docs substitutions only work in Docs, not in Sheets or Slides.
If drawing in Special characters gives the wrong match, search by name instead.
Keyboard shortcuts from your computer still work in Docs, so use whichever you know.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut for ā on Google Docs?

Insert → Special characters.

Can I just copy and paste ā?

Yes. Click the copy button above, then paste with Ctrl+V on Windows and Chromebook, Cmd+V on a Mac, or touch and hold and choose Paste on a phone.

What is the Unicode code for ā?

U+0101. In HTML it is ā.

Related guides

All accent shortcuts for Google Docs