2 Easy Ways to Type a Symbol on a Laptop Keyboard

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An easy-to-follow guide on using ALT codes without a keypad

Co-authored by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: December 11, 2024 Fact Checked

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ALT Code

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Keyboard Symbols on a Mac Laptop

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Q&A

Do you want to type "☺" on your laptop that's missing a keypad? There are a number of symbols included with standard character sets on your computer, but they do not show on your laptop keyboard. These symbols are more easily accessed on the number pad, but laptops don’t always have them. In most cases, however, there is still a way to use these hidden symbols. This wikiHow article teaches you how to use symbols on Windows 10 and 11 or on macOS.

Typing Symbols on a Laptop

Press “Num Lock.” Hold “Alt” and type the number code for the symbol.
Or, hold down “FN” and “Alt” and type in the symbol’s number code.
On Macs, hold “Option” and “Shift” and press the key corresponding to the symbol.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

ALT Code

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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]
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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]
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You may need to hold both FN and ALT at the same time to enter the code. A full list of codes is at https://fsymbols.com/keyboard/windows/alt-codes/list/. Release the ALT key and the symbol will appear.
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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.^{[3]
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- 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.
- Some symbols, like !@#$ require you to press and hold Shift while you press 1234. If that's not working, make sure your keyboard language is set to ENG-US since that's what these codes correlate to. A keyboard set to a language other than ENG-US will work differently and Shift + 2 may not output @.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Keyboard Symbols on a Mac Laptop

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Macs are much more standardized than PCs, so this should work on any working Mac keyboard.^{[4]
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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 code. You can find lists of available keyboard symbols at sites like https://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 + 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 ±.

Community Q&A

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Question

How do I use the "/" symbol?

Community Answer

You just press the question mark key while holding down the Shift key. On some laptops, there will be a separate "/" key next to the question mark key.

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Question

How do you type "@" on a laptop?

Community Answer

It's easy. While holding "Shift," press the number "2". Shift+2=@

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How do I type the # symbol on a laptop?

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Hold down the shift key and press the number 3 on the row of numbers at the top of keyboard.

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