Key: How to Use a Symbol When You Have a Laptop

This updated guide examines Key: How to Use a Symbol When You Have a Laptop and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 2:

Using ALT Symbols Without a Keypad, PC

1. Check for small numbers on certain keys. These numbers are often of a different color and are offset from the main symbol on the key. The typical locations for these numbers are on the m, j, k, l, u, i, o, 7, 8, and 9 keys.^{[1]XResearch source}
2. Enable the number pad function. Some keyboards without number pads still have number lock keys, which are often labeled 'NumLk'. Otherwise, look for a key that matches the color of the hidden key-number, usually labeled 'FN' key. Hold FN and press the scroll lock key, or just hold FN, depending on the computer, to enable the number pad function.^{[2]XResearch source}
3. Hold the ALT key and enter the code. You may need to hold both FN and ALT at the same time to enter the code. A full list of codes is at http://fsymbols.com/keyboard/windows/alt-codes/list/. Release the ALT key and the symbol will appear.
4. Create a symbol with a number pad. If your keyboard has a number pad on it, this is a much simpler process. Ensure Num Lock is enabled, then just hold alt, enter the code on the number pad, and receive your symbol. This goes for any PC keyboard with a number pad, whether it is a laptop or a desktop.
   • Examples include general symbols like ALT + 1, ☺, or ALT + 12, ♀. The system can also create accented letters such as ALT + 0193, Á, or general foreign characters, like ALT + 0223, ß. Mathematical symbols, such as ALT + 0177, ±, and a few fractions like ALT + 0190, ¾, are also possible.

Method 2of 2:

Using Shortcuts for Keyboard Symbols on a Mac Laptop

1. Hold either the Option key or the Option and Shift keys. Macs are much more standardized than PCs, so this should work on any working Mac keyboard.
2. Select the symbol you want. Note that the selection of available symbols is much more limited than on a PC, and that each is caused by pressing and holding the Option key while pressing one or more of a variety of keys, rather than a strictly of a code. You can find lists of available keyboard symbols at sites like http://fsymbols.com/keyboard/mac/.
   • Accented letters are created by holding down the Option key, then pressing a key for the type of accent, then the letter you want to accent. If it is a capital letter, you will need to hold down shift as well. The accented letter Á, for instance, is obtained by pressing Option and Shift, then pressing E and A in sequence, then releasing all keys.
   • Symbols other than accented letters are still created by holding the Option key and pressing another key, but rather than making the symbols capitalized, the shift key changes the symbol altogether. For instance, holding down Option and pressing = creates ≠, while also holding down the shift key creates ±.
3. Press the key that corresponds to your symbol.