Typing special characters and symbols on a keyboard can be challenging if you don’t know the right shortcuts. Whether you need mathematical symbols (±, ∞, ∑), currency symbols (€, ¥, £), arrows (→, ↑, ↓), or emojis (☺, ♥, ★), Alt symbols allow you to type them quickly and efficiently.
In this guide, we will explore how to insert Alt symbols on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu using Alt codes, keyboard shortcuts, and system tools.
What Are Alt Symbols?
Alt symbols are special characters that can be inserted using keyboard shortcuts, primarily on Windows systems, where they are accessed via Alt codes (e.g., Alt + 0176 for °).
On macOS and Ubuntu, similar symbols can be typed using Option key combinations or Unicode input methods.
Alt Symbols on Windows – Alt Codes and Shortcuts
Windows provides Alt codes, which allow users to type symbols using the numeric keypad while holding down the Alt key.
How to Use Alt Codes on Windows
- Ensure Num Lock is enabled on your keyboard.
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type the numeric Alt code on the numeric keypad (not the number row).
- Release Alt, and the symbol will appear.
Common Alt Codes on Windows
| Symbol | Alt Code |
|---|---|
| © (Copyright) | Alt + 0169 |
| ® (Registered) | Alt + 0174 |
| ™ (Trademark) | Alt + 0153 |
| ° (Degree) | Alt + 0176 |
| ± (Plus-Minus) | Alt + 0177 |
| ÷ (Division) | Alt + 0247 |
| ∞ (Infinity) | Alt + 236 |
| ♥ (Heart) | Alt + 3 |
| ★ (Star) | Alt + 9733 |
| → (Arrow Right) | Alt + 26 |
📌 Note: Alt codes do not work on laptop keyboards without a numeric keypad unless you use the Fn key with Num Lock to enable a virtual keypad.
Alt Symbols on macOS – Option Key Shortcuts
On macOS, Alt codes do not exist in the same way as on Windows. Instead, symbols can be typed using the Option key (⌥) combined with another key.
How to Type Alt Symbols on Mac
- Hold down the Option (⌥) key.
- Press the corresponding key for the desired symbol.
Common Option Key Shortcuts on Mac
| Symbol | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|
| © (Copyright) | Option + G |
| ® (Registered) | Option + R |
| ™ (Trademark) | Option + 2 |
| ± (Plus-Minus) | Option + Shift + = |
| ÷ (Division) | Option + / |
| ∞ (Infinity) | Option + 5 |
| ♥ (Heart) | Option + Shift + 2 |
| ★ (Star) | Option + Shift + 8 |
| → (Arrow Right) | Option + → |
Alt Symbols on Ubuntu and Linux – Unicode and Compose Key
Ubuntu and other Linux distributions do not support Alt codes but offer alternative methods:
- Unicode Entry:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + U, then type the Unicode hex code and press Enter. - Example:
Ctrl + Shift + U→00A9→Enter→ ©
- Press
- Compose Key Method:
- Enable the Compose Key in settings.
- Press the Compose Key, followed by a sequence of keys.
- Example:
Compose→o→c→ ©
Common Unicode Hex Codes for Ubuntu
| Symbol | Unicode Code | Compose Key Sequence |
|---|---|---|
| © (Copyright) | 00A9 | Compose → o → c |
| ® (Registered) | 00AE | Compose → r → o |
| ™ (Trademark) | 2122 | Compose → t → m |
| ± (Plus-Minus) | 00B1 | Compose → + → - |
| ÷ (Division) | 00F7 | Compose → / → : |
| ∞ (Infinity) | 221E | Compose → o → o |
📌 Tip: You can find Unicode hex codes on websites like UnicodeTable.com.
Special Character Map Tools in Windows, Mac, and Ubuntu
If you don’t remember the keyboard shortcuts, you can use built-in tools to copy and paste symbols:
✔ Windows: Use Character Map (charmap in Start menu).
✔ macOS: Use Emoji & Symbols Viewer (Cmd + Control + Space).
✔ Ubuntu: Use GNOME Character Map (gucharmap in Terminal).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Alt codes work on all keyboards?
No, Alt codes require a numeric keypad. Laptop users without a numpad may need an external keyboard or enable Num Lock with Fn.
How do I type Alt symbols on a Mac?
Use the Option key (⌥) with another key. Example: Option + G for ©.
Why don’t Alt codes work on Ubuntu?
Linux uses Unicode input (Ctrl + Shift + U) or the Compose Key instead of Alt codes.
Where can I find more Alt symbols?
Use Windows Character Map or macOS Emoji & Symbols Viewer.
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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