Ideas for Arc XP

Automatically Convert Double Hyphens Into Em Dash Character

Hi there,

We're looking for an optional setting in Composer Settings that when enabled, when a user types in two hyphens together, it automatically converts this into the em dash character.

For example, I am writing this sentence -- by default, Composer opts to keep this as double hyphens together.

The request for this idea is to instead automatically convert the characters into one – in other words, the em dash as seen in this line of text.

The user currently has to remember to hold down the Alt key and then the dash/hyphen key, which recreates the em dash.

Other apps used outside of Arc XP automatically handle this, where after you type two hyphens and then a space:

-- 

it automatically creates this instead:

I mention at the beginning of this idea that this should be an optional setting. Perhaps not all organizations want this feature, and a choice should be given on whether to automatically convert the characters.

If possible, this feature should work across each of the Composer fields. For example:

  • Main Headline field

  • Subheadline field

  • Body copy

  • Planning tab's Working Headline field

  • Planning tab's Description field

See SB-I-231 idea, which may be related.

Thanks!

  • Troy Blevins
  • Oct 6 2025
  • Needs review
  • Attach files