Alt Codes for Accents – Type Accented Characters Easily on Windows, Mac, and Linux

Typing accented characters is essential for writing in languages like Spanish, French, German, and Italian. Instead of searching for special characters online, you can use Alt codes and keyboard shortcuts to type accents directly.

This guide covers how to type accented letters on Windows, Mac, and Ubuntu/Linux using Alt codes, Unicode, and built-in keyboard shortcuts.

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Alt Codes for Accents on Windows

Windows users can type accented letters using Alt codes with the numeric keypad.

Common Alt Codes for Accents on Windows

Character	Alt Code	Character	Alt Code
Á	Alt + 0193	à	Alt + 0224
É	Alt + 0201	è	Alt + 0232
Í	Alt + 0205	ì	Alt + 0236
Ó	Alt + 0211	ò	Alt + 0242
Ú	Alt + 0218	ù	Alt + 0249
Ñ	Alt + 0209	ñ	Alt + 0241
Ü	Alt + 0220	ü	Alt + 0252

How to Use Alt Codes for Accents on Windows

1. Enable Num Lock (if it’s not already on).
2. Hold down the Alt key.
3. Type the Alt code using the numeric keypad.
4. Release the Alt key, and the accented character will appear.

📌 Note: This method only works with a numeric keypad. Laptop users without a dedicated numpad can use the Character Map (Win + R → Type charmap → Enter).

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Typing Accents on Mac

Mac users don’t need Alt codes—they can use long-press keys or the Option key.

Typing Accents Using Long-Press Keys

Hold down a letter key (e.g., e) for a second, and a menu will appear with accented variations. Choose one by pressing the corresponding number.

Mac Keyboard Shortcuts for Accents

Character	Shortcut
á	Option + e, then a
é	Option + e, then e
í	Option + e, then i
ó	Option + e, then o
ú	Option + e, then u
ñ	Option + n, then n
ü	Option + u, then u

✅ Bonus Tip: Use Cmd + Control + Space to open the Character Viewer and insert accented characters.

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Typing Accents on Ubuntu/Linux

Linux users can type accented characters using Unicode input or the Compose Key.

Typing Accents with Unicode

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U.
2. Type the Unicode code (e.g., 00E9 for é).
3. Press Enter, and the accented letter appears.

Typing Accents with the Compose Key

1. Enable the Compose Key in your keyboard settings.
2. Press Compose, followed by the accent and the letter.

Examples:

• Compose + ‘ + e → é
• Compose + ~ + n → ñ
• Compose + ” + u → ü

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Accents in Microsoft Word and Google Docs

If Alt codes don’t work in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or Google Docs, use the built-in symbol insertion tools:

Microsoft Word

1. Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
2. Select Latin-1 Supplement and find the accented letter.

Google Docs

1. Click Insert → Special Characters.
2. Search for the accented letter or draw it using the handwriting tool.

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FAQs About Alt Codes for Accents

What is the Alt code for é?
The Alt code for é is Alt + 0233 on Windows.

How do I type accents on a laptop without a numeric keypad?
Use the Character Map (Windows), long-press keys (Mac), or Compose Key (Linux).

Can I use Alt codes in browsers like Chrome and Firefox?
Yes! Alt codes work in web browsers, emails, and social media posts.

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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