How do I type accented characters?

Windows Alt Codes

In Windows, combinations of the ALT key plus a numeric code can be used to type a character (accented letter or punctuation symbol) in any Windows application.  In order to use these codes, your computer should have a separate numeric keypad on the right.

To enter a code, place your cursor in the location where you wish to insert a special character.

Activate the numeric key pad on the right of the keyboard by pressing Num Lock (upper right of keyboard). The Num Lock light on the keyboard will indicate that the numeric key pad is on.

NOTE: You must use the numeric key pad; if you use the number keys on the top of the keyboard, the characters will not appear.

While pressing down the ALT key, type the four-digit code on the numeric key pad at the right edge of the keyboard. The codes are "case sensitive." For instance, the code for lower-case á is ALT+0225, but capital Á is ALT+0193.

Release the ALT key. The character will appear when the ALT key is released.

NOTE: You must include the initial zero in the code. For example to insert á (0225) you must type ALT+0225, NOT ALT+225.

Based on materials compiled by Penn State University.

Macintosh Accent Codes

*The [`] key is located in the upper left hand corner of your keyboard, under the tilde [~] sign.