Depending on the language you're trying to type in, the operating system, and the software you're using, you have a number of ways to type accented letters. In Windows XP, for example, you can install the Spanish keyboard. If you need to type an accented letter in a text document, you can use Microsoft Word. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut to type accented letters on both a Windows computer and a Mac. If you want to find out how, you just have to continue reading the method that best suits you.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Using the Hot Keys in Windows
Step 1. To type accented letters in a Windows system, you can take advantage of some predefined codes based on the accent you want
Note that the "+" symbol, present in the hotkey combination, indicates that the two keys it refers to must be pressed simultaneously. The comma instead separates the symbols that must be typed in succession, one at a time, in the order indicated. For example, the combination "Ctrl + A, E" means that you must press the "Ctrl" and "A" keys at the same time, followed by the "E" key. Below is a list of the codes that may be useful to you:
| Symbol | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| to | Ctrl + ', A | |
| And | Ctrl + ', E | |
| the | Ctrl + ', I | |
| or | Ctrl + ', O | |
| ú | Ctrl + ', U | |
| AND | Ctrl + ', Shift + E | |
| ñ | Ctrl + Shift + ~, N | |
| Ñ | Ctrl + Shift + ~, Shift + N | |
| ü | Ctrl + Shift +:, U |
Method 2 of 5: Using Hot Keys on Mac
Step 1. If you are using a Mac, you simply need to use a few keys on the keyboard to type accented letters
Note that the "+" symbol, present in the hotkey combination, indicates that the two keys it refers to must be pressed simultaneously. While the comma separates the symbols that must be typed in succession, one at a time, in the order indicated. For example, the combination "Ctrl + E, A" means that you must press the "Ctrl" and "E" keys at the same time, followed by the "A" key. Below is a list of the codes that may be useful to you:
| Symbol | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| to | Option + E, A | |
| And | Option + E, E | |
| the | Option + E, I | |
| or | Option + E, O | |
| ú | Option + E, U | |
| AND | Option + E, Shift + E | |
| ñ | Option + N, N | |
| Ñ | Option + N, Shift + N | |
| ü | Option + U, U |
Method 3 of 5: Install the Spanish Keyboard in Windows XP
If you are using Windows XP and constantly need to type accented letters, installing the Spanish keyboard might be your best bet. The two methods seen above are perfect for those who occasionally need to type an accented letter, but in case you want to rename a file, create a graph or use a text editor in a different language, the best solution is to install the Spanish keyboard.
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu
It is located in the lower left corner of the desktop. This will bring up a list of options.
Step 2. Choose the "Control Panel" item
The relevant window will be displayed on the screen.
Step 3. Select the "Language and Regional Options" icon
Step 4. Select the "Languages" tab
This option is located at the top of the window that appears.
Step 5. Press the "Details" button
A new window will be displayed in which there will be a box with the list of languages and keyboards already installed in the system.
Step 6. Press the "Add" button to install the Spanish keyboard
Step 7. Choose a spell checker
You will be given a list of tools. "Spanish (international)" should be the standard choice, but any of the elements will be useful.
Step 8. Press the "OK" button
When you have finished your selection, press the "OK" button to close the current window.
Step 9. Restart your computer
The next time you start Windows, you will see a small square appear on the right side of the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. This is the Windows language bar. By selecting it you will be able to quickly switch between the Spanish keyboard and the standard keyboard.
Method 4 of 5: Quick Methods for Typing Accented Letters
Step 1. Use Microsoft Word
If you want to type accented letters inside a text editor, you can use the symbols provided by Microsoft Word. To do this, access the "Insert" menu, select the "Symbol" item and then browse the list of symbols in the window that appears to choose the one that best suits your needs. While not very efficient, this method is perfect if the amount of accented letters to type is limited.
Step 2. Copy and paste
Run an online search to find the accented letter you need, select it, copy it (by accessing the "Edit" menu of your browser and selecting the "Copy" item or using the hotkey combination "Ctrl + C"), then paste it where you want (by accessing the "Edit" menu of your browser and selecting the "Paste" item or by using the hotkey combination "Ctrl + V"). You can use this method to paste the symbol chosen by the browser into a text editor and vice versa.
Method 5 of 5: Type Accent Letters on iPhone / iPad
Step 1. Start typing as you normally would
Step 2. Touch and hold the letter you want to accent
For example, if you want to write an "is", hold down the "e" key.
