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
  • Future consideration
  • Attach files
  • Admin
    Caytlyn Trickey commented
    10 Oct 16:04

    Thanks for submitting this! This one has been loosely on our radar for improvements along with other hot keys! We'll keep you updated if we have any movement on our end for this.