Buzz
Laptops often come with a range of symbols along with a set of standard characters, but these symbols are not typically present on the laptop's keyboard. While it's possible to enter symbols using the numeric keypad, not all laptops include this feature. However, in most cases, there are ways to access hidden symbols.
Steps
Entering ALT Symbols on a Laptop without a Numeric Keypad
Look for small numbers on certain keys. These numbers are usually a different color and are not grouped with the main symbol keys on the keyboard. You may find them on keys like m, j, k, l, u, i, o, 7, 8, and 9.
Enable the numeric keypad function. Some keyboards don't have a numeric keypad but include a 'NumLk' key. If you don't see this key, look for another key with a color matching the hidden number keys, typically the 'FN' key. Press the FN key and the scroll lock key, or just press the FN key depending on the laptop model to activate the numeric keypad function.
Press the ALT key and enter the code. You need to press the FN and ALT keys simultaneously to input a code. A complete list of codes can be found at http://fsymbols.com/keyboard/windows/alt-codes/list/. The symbol will appear as soon as you release the ALT key.
Create symbols using the numeric keypad. If your keyboard includes a numeric keypad, the process becomes easier. Ensure the Num Lock (Numeric Lock) is turned on, then hold the ALT key, input the code on the numeric keypad, and the symbol will appear. This method works on any keyboard with a numeric keypad, whether it's a laptop or desktop.
- For example, familiar symbols like ☺ are entered with ALT + 1, or ♀ appears when you press ALT + 12. The system can also generate accented letters, such as ALT + 0193 for Á, or foreign characters like ß with ALT + 0223. Additionally, you can create mathematical symbols like ± with ALT + 0177, and fractions like ¾ by pressing ALT + 0190.
Use shortcut keys to insert symbols on a Mac laptop
Press the Option key or Option and Shift. Mac devices are more standardized than Windows, so this method applies to all Mac keyboards.
Select the symbol you want. Note that you will not have as many symbol options as you would on a Windows computer. Each symbol is entered by pressing and holding the Option key along with one or more other keys, rather than typing a specific code. You can view the list of available symbols on your keyboard at sites like http://fsymbols.com/keyboard/mac/.
- Accented symbols are created by holding the Option key, pressing a key that adds the accent, followed by the letter you want to accent. For uppercase letters, you must also press the Shift key. For example, Á is entered by pressing Option and Shift, then E and A in sequence, and releasing all keys.
- In addition to accented letters, many other symbols are created by pressing the Option key with another key. Instead of creating uppercase letters, the Shift key will modify the symbol. For example, pressing Option and the = key creates the symbol ≠, but pressing Shift along with Option and = will give you ±.
Press the key for the symbol you desire.
