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ASCII and Unicode character encoding enables computers to store and exchange data with other computers and programs. Below are lists of frequently used ASCII and Unicode Latin-based characters. For Unicode characters for non-Latin-based scripts, see Unicode character code charts by script.

• Insert an ASCII or Unicode character into a document
• Common symbol character codes
• Common diacritical character codes
• Common ligature character codes
• ASCII nonprinting control characters
• More information

Insert an ASCII or Unicode character into a document

If you only have to enter a few special characters or symbols, you can use the Character Map or type keyboard shortcuts. See the below tables or Keyboard shortcuts for international characters for a list of ASCII characters.

 Notes 

• Many languages contain symbols that could not be condensed into the 256-characters Extended ACSII set. As such, there are ASCII and Unicode variations to encompass regional characters and symbols, see Unicode character code charts by script.
• If you have trouble entering the characters codes for the characters that you want, try using the Character Map.

Inserting ASCII characters

To insert an ASCII character, press and hold down ALT while typing the character code. For example, to insert the degree (º) symbol, press and hold down ALT while typing 0176 on the numeric keypad.

 Note   You must use the numeric keypad to type the numbers and not the keyboard. Make sure that the NUM LOCK key is on if your keyboard requires it to type numbers on the numeric keypad.

Inserting Unicode characters

To insert a Unicode character, type the character code, press ALT, and then press X. For example, to type a dollar symbol ($), type 0024, press ALT, and then press X. For more Unicode character codes, see Unicode character code charts by script.

 Important   Some of the Microsoft Office programs, such as PowerPoint and InfoPath, cannot convert Unicode codes to characters. If you need a Unicode character and are using one of the programs that doesn't support Unicode characters, use the Character Map to enter the character(s) that you need.

 Notes 

• You must use the numeric keypad to type the numbers and not the keyboard. Make sure that the NUM LOCK key is on if your keyboard requires it to type numbers on the numeric keypad.
• If you have trouble getting the Unicode to convert to your character, type the code using the numeric keypad, select the code, and then click ALT+X.
• If you are using Microsoft Windows XP or later, the universal font for Unicode is automatically installed. If you are using Microsoft Windows 2000, you need to install the Unicode font.

In Microsoft Windows 2000

Using the Character Map

Character Map is a program built into Microsoft Windows that enables you to view the characters that are available in a selected font. Using Character Map, you can copy individual characters or a group of characters to the Clipboard and paste them into any program that can display them.

For more information about the Character Map, see Using the Windows Vista Character Map to enter special characters FAQ.

Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Character Map.

To select a character in the Character Map, click the character, click Select, click the right mouse button in your document where you want the character, and then click Paste.

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Common symbol character codes

For more character symbols, see the Character Map installed on your computer, ASCII character codes, or Unicode character code charts by script.

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Common diacritical character codes

For a complete list of the glyphs and their character codes, see the Character Map.

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Character codes for ligature characters

For more information about typographic ligatures, see Typographic ligature. For a complete list of the ligatures and their character codes, see the Character Map.

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ASCII nonprinting control characters

ASCII table numbers 0–31 are assigned for control characters used to control some peripheral devices such as printers. For example, 12 represents the form feed/new page function. This command instructs a printer to go to the top of the next page.

ASCII nonprinting control characters chart

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More information

• ASCII character codes
• Insert special characters
• Combine characters
• Add characters with an overbar
• Hebrew keyboard
• Enable keyboard layouts for different languages
• Type without using the keyboard with the On-Screen Keyboard (OSK)
• Using the Windows Vista Character Map to enter special characters FAQ
• Keyboard shortcuts for international characters

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