How to Do Subscripts on Symbols in Powerpoint

Let PowerPoint be a visual channel of communication; keep the words to a minimum.

Subscripts and superscripts are characters that are either above or below the normal line of text. Often subscripts are used with symbols when writing mathematical notation or chemistry notation. For example in the chemistry expression: "H₂O." PowerPoint can insert a symbol and easily make it into a subscript, or if you're inserting a lot of mathematical formulas, you can use the equation editor built in to PowerPoint. The equation editor is replete with mathematical symbols and structures that you can use to build the equation or expression you want.

Instructions

1. Open the PowerPoint file you want to edit and click on the slide where you need to insert the subscript symbol. Click on the "Insert" tab.

2. Click on the "Symbol" button toward the right side of the ribbon and then click on the drop-down menu at the right-top of the pop-up box. Choose "Superscripts and Subscripts" from the list. Click on the symbol you want and click the "Insert" button. When you're done, click "Close."

3. Select a symbol or character that isn't a part of the set of superscript and subscript symbols. Click on the "Home" tab and then click the arrow in the bottom corner of the "Font" section of the ribbon. In the Font dialog box check the box next to "Subscript" and click "OK."

4. Click on the "Insert" tab and then click "Equation." Click on the "Script" button in the "Structures" section of the ribbon. Choose one of the common structures or choose the open structures with the boxes. A dotted box will appear on the slide where you can enter the subscript.

Tips & Warnings

• Highlight any text in a Microsoft Office program and press "Ctrl+Shift+Plus" to make the text superscript. Press "Ctrl+Plus" to make it subscript.

References

• PowerPoint FAQ: Using Equation Editor with PowerPoint 2007
• Microsoft Office: Format Text as Superscript or Subscript