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How to add multiple accents to a character

Version: 2.5, 3.x, 4.x - Scientific WorkPlace, Scientific Word

Although SWP and SW have no direct interface for multiple character accents in mathematics, such as math: x hat overline or math: x bar dot, they are supported by LaTeX and you can create them successfully using TeX commands or, in some cases, labels, or decorations.

If you frequently use characters with multiple accents, you can save time by creating them once using the method you prefer and then saving them as a fragments for later recall.

Using TeX commands

Using TeX commands ensures that the symbols you want are correctly represented when your document is typeset. The steps that follow create the accented character math: x bar dot. Use these instructions as a guide and substitute the TeX command appropriate for the accents and characters you want.

  1. Place the insertion point where you want the accented character to appear and start mathematics.
  2. Click TeX button or, from the Insert menu, choose Typeset Object and then choose TeX Field.
  3. Type \dot{\bar{x}} or the TeX commands for the accents you want.
  4. Choose OK.

    In the document window, you see TeX field in place of the character. When you typeset your document, LaTeX interprets the command and the character appears correctly. If you don't encapsulate the TeX command, the character appears correctly after you save and reopen the document.

Note that AMS-TeX supports commands, such as \Dot, \Hat, and \Bar, that improve spacing for multiple accents.

Using labels

You may be able to obtain multiple accents by entering the second accent as a label, as described below to obtain Math: x bar dot. However, the characters produced may not have as good a typeset appearance as those produced with TeX commands.

Use these instructions as a guide and substitute the accents appropriate for the characters you want. Note that not all symbols are available as accents.

  1. Place the insertion point where you want the accented character to appear and start mathematics.
  2. Type x, choose Properties, select the overbar, and then choose OK.
  3. Select Math: x bar and from the Insert menu, choose Label.
  4. Select Above and choose OK.
  5. Type a period and press the spacebar.

Using decorations

You may also be able to obtain multiple accents by entering the second accent as a decoration, as described below to obtain Math: x bar widehat. The characters produced may not have as good a typeset appearance as those produced with TeX commands.

Use these instructions as a guide and substitute the accents appropriate for the characters you want. Note that not all symbols are available as decorations.

  1. Place the insertion point where you want the accented character to appear and start mathematics.
  2. Type x, choose Properties, select the overbar, and then choose OK.
  3. Select Math: x bar and from the Insert menu, choose Decorations.
  4. Select the hat and choose OK.

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Added 03/04/02

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