OpenType Guide · Character Panel
Superscript / Subscript
Superscript raises small characters above the line, for footnote numbers and exponents. Subscript lowers them, as in H₂O. The Character panel buttons shrink regular characters; the OpenType versions use superiors and inferiors drawn for the job, which keep their weight.
See it in Raro
Flip the switch to see what changes.
Where to find it
- Character panel
- Panel menu ☰
- Superscript
Shortcut ⇧ ⌘ = Mac Shift Ctrl = Windows
This one scales the characters. For the font's own, use OpenType, Superscript/Superior or Subscript/Inferior.
- Window
- Type
- Character
- Superscript
Open the Character panel ⌘ T Mac Ctrl T Windows
A button along the bottom of the Character panel, which scales the characters. For the font's own, use the OpenType panel's Position menu.
How to use it
- Select only the characters to raise or lower.
- Use the OpenType Superscript/Superior or Subscript/Inferior if the font has them.
- Otherwise use the Character panel's Superscript or Subscript.
Good to know
- Drawn superiors match the weight of the text; scaled ones look too light.
- For footnotes, keep the number superscript and the note itself in regular text.