The ALT key can help you access alt codes, or characters that aren't readily available on a normal keyboard. These codes can be used to write in foreign languages, to create mathematical equations, or to add fun symbols to your messages. You can generate a symbol on a PC by pressing Alt and entering the symbol's code; You can produce a symbol on a Mac by pressing ⌥ Option and entering the corresponding code. With these codes, you can create awesome symbols, like π,º, ♫ and ♥.
METHOD 1
Selecting a Symbol to Input on a Desktop or Laptop
1.Conduct a quick web search.
If know the name of the symbol but not its ALT code, you can find this information online. Enter the following information into the search bar: the symbol’s name, “Mac” or “Windows”, and the phrase “accent code” or “ALT code” respectively. Tweak the search terms until you find the information you are after.
- For example: “Paragraph symbol Windows ALT code” or “Trademark sign Mac Accent Code”.
2.Consult an ALT code directory.
When you don’t know the symbol’s name or you’re not quite sure what symbol you want to use, scroll through a list of symbols and codes until you find what you’re after.
- For your convenience, we’ve attached a directory of common Windows ALT codes and a directory of common Mac ALT codes. These attachments are located after the introduction.
- Alternatively, you may conduct an internet search for “Mac Accent codes” or “List of Windows ALT Codes”.
3.Familiarize yourself with basic Windows symbols and codes.
- Ç = Alt+1+2+8
- ü = Alt+1+2+9
- é = Alt+1+3+0
- ♥ = Alt+3
- ♫ = Alt+9+8+3+5
- π = Alt+2+2+7
- ° = Alt+2+4+8
- - = Alt+4+5
- × = Alt+0+2+1+5
- ÷ = Alt+0+2+4+7
- % = Alt+3+7
- ± = Alt+2+4+1
METHOD 2
Windows Desktop
1.Identify your symbol and its code. For the purposes of this example, we will select the paragraph symbol (¶). This symbol’s ALT code is 0182.
2.Press and hold Alt.
3.With Alt held down, press the code in sequence.
- For example: Hold Alt as you press 0, then 1, 8, and finally 2.
4.Release Alt. The symbol will appear. Windows users must release Alt to signal that the code is complete.
- For example: the paragraph symbol (¶) will appear on your screen
