ALT + Number = Special Characters

  • by Carol Bratt on 20060208 @ 12:29AM EST | google it | send to friends
  • Filed under Carol's Corner Office | (related terms: alt key, symbols, fractions, create)

Did you know that you can create special symbols (such as fractions, etc) by pressing the ALT key on your keyboard and entering a number? It's true!

Here are the steps:

  1. Make certain that the "Num Lock" key is turned on (hint: it's most likely located near the numeric keypad of your keyboard).
     
  2. Press and hold the ALT key.
     
  3. While the ALT key is pressed, type in a number. You can refer to this page or try a few numbers using the samples below.
     
  4. Release the Alt key. The character should appear.

Here are some of the symbols and fractions you can create:

  • Alt + 171 = ½
  • Alt + 172 = ¼
  • Alt + 0174 = ®
  • Alt + 174 = «
  • Alt + 175 = »
  • Alt + 225 = ß

Experiment with your ALT key and see what you can discover!

Visit Carol's web site to learn more tips like this one!