Sometimes typing symbols with a computer keyboard can simply be a fun pastime, while at other times it may be necessary to complete a document or presentation in both academic and professional settings. Whether you're trying to use new emoticons in a chat or preparing a report in a foreign language, learning different methods of typing symbols with a computer keyboard can help improve communication. In some cases the procedure to follow to type the symbols depends on the type of keyboard in use, but there are methods that are always valid, regardless of the input device you have available.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Use the Function Key alt="Image" and the Numeric Keypad of a Standard Keyboard for a Windows Computer
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu by clicking its icon in the lower left corner of the desktop
Step 2. Choose the "Programs" option
Step 3. Go to the "Accessories" section, then choose the "System Tools" option
Finally click the "Character Map" icon.
Step 4. Choose one of the letters present in the "Character Map" appeared and locate the ASCII code to be used together with the "Alt" key
It is indicated in the lower right of the map. Instead, its name is displayed in the lower left part of the window.
Step 5. Use the numeric keypad on your keyboard to type the indicated code while holding down the "Alt" key
When you release it, the required symbol will appear where the text cursor is.
Method 2 of 3: Using the Spanish Language Symbols
Step 1. Type the Spanish language symbols using a Mac
- Add the desired accents on a specific letter by holding down the "Option" key as you type it. For example, hold down the "Option" key while typing the letter "E" to get an "é".
- Use Microsoft Word for Windows systems to type symbols with the keyboard. To add an accent to a specific letter you can use the key combination "Ctrl + '".
- Start the Corel WordPerfect program for Windows systems, then access the "Insert" menu. Select the "Font" option, then choose the international character set. Now select the symbol you want.
Step 2. Use a Windows computer keyboard to type Spanish language symbols
- Start the Windows program you want to use to enter Spanish text;
- Access the "Control Panel" via the "Start" menu by searching for the keywords "control panel". If you are using an older version of Windows, you will need to first select the "Settings" item and then the "Control Panel" icon.
- Double-click the "Keyboard" icon of the "Control Panel";
- Go to the "Language" tab;
- Press the "Add" button;
- Choose the "Spanish" option, then specify which version of the Spanish language you want to use. The entry "Mexico" normally refers to the version of the Spanish keyboard used in Latin America.
- Check the list of keyboards installed on your system to be sure that the Spanish keyboard is one of the options available. If not, try repeating the above steps again.
- Make sure the "Enable taskbar indicator" checkbox at the bottom of the "Keyboard" window is checked. It is also possible to configure the keyboard so that the only operation needed to type the symbols is to press the "Ctrl" key at the same time as pressing the "Shift" key to switch from the Italian keyboard layout to the Spanish one. This way you won't need to use the mouse.
Method 3 of 3: Use Funny Symbols As Emoticons
Step 1. Choose what kind of emoticon you want to use
Emoticons are icons that visually represent an emotion.
Step 2. Use its ASCII code to type in a specific symbol
If you don't know the code to type, do a simple online search. For example, hold down the "Alt" key while typing the code "074" (without quotes) with the numeric keypad on the keyboard. In this case, a small smiley smile will be displayed, while typing the code "076" (always holding down the "Alt" key) will display a smile with a sad expression.
