How to Type Special Characters Without Dedicated Keys [Article]

On this article, you’ll learn to sort particular characters with out devoted keyboard keys.

Not having each particular character available in your keyboard may be irritating, particularly when programming, navigating directories in a command line, or writing documentation. Two generally used particular characters or symbols in numerous technical contexts are the backslash () and the pipe (|). If these aren’t seen in your keyboard, don’t fear—there are a number of workarounds you should use to sort these characters. (Study extra foundational fundamentals in our Digital Literacy Observe!)

For Home windows Customers

Utilizing Alt Codes

In case your keyboard lacks a selected key, you should use Alt codes to sort the characters you want:

Backslash (): Maintain down the Alt key and kind 092 on the numeric keypad.
Pipe (|): Maintain down the Alt key and kind 124 on the numeric keypad.

Make sure that Num Lock is on if you sort these codes utilizing the numeric keypad.

Utilizing Character Map

Home windows features a utility referred to as Character Map that lets you discover and duplicate any character:

Open the Begin menu, sort Character Map, and open the app.
Examine the “Superior view” field to seek for a personality by title.
Within the search field, sort backslash or vertical line and press Enter.
Choose the character, click on “Choose,” then “Copy,” and paste it the place you want it.

For Mac Customers

Utilizing Keyboard Shortcuts

MacOS makes it comparatively straightforward to sort most characters utilizing keyboard shortcuts:

Backslash (): Press Shift + Choice + 7 (on some layouts, this would possibly differ).
Pipe (|): Press Choice + Shift + L (on some layouts, this would possibly differ).

Utilizing the Keyboard Viewer

Mac additionally gives a Keyboard Viewer, which is a wonderful instrument for visualizing and accessing particular characters:

1. First, make sure the Enter Menu icon is seen in your menu bar:

Go to System Settings > Keyboard
Below “Textual content Enter,” click on “Edit…”
Allow “Present Enter menu in menu bar”

2. As soon as the Enter Menu icon is seen, click on on it and choose “Present Keyboard Viewer”

3. A digital illustration of your keyboard will seem on display

4. To see particular characters:

Press and maintain the Choice key in your bodily keyboard
The Keyboard Viewer will show all out there particular characters for every key

5. To sort a particular character, merely click on on it within the Keyboard Viewer

This methodology is especially helpful for locating and typing characters that aren’t instantly apparent in your keyboard format. It’s additionally a good way to be taught the important thing mixtures for steadily used particular characters, permitting you to sort them extra rapidly sooner or later.

Conclusion

Missing sure keys on a keyboard shouldn’t cease you from accessing the characters you want on your work or private tasks. Whether or not you’re utilizing Home windows, Mac, or Linux, there are a number of strategies out there—from Alt codes to particular utilities just like the Character Map or Emoji & Symbols viewer. With these instruments and strategies, you’ll be capable of navigate this minor inconvenience effectively and proceed your duties with out disruption.

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