For Windows & Mac · No keyboard switching

Type á, é, ñ, ü — without changing your keyboard.

The fastest reference for ALT codes and Mac shortcuts across 12 languages plus fractions, math, Greek, arrows, currency & dingbats. Tap any character to copy. Build a custom printable chart for your desk.

Windows Hold Alt + type code on numpad
macOS Use Option combos, no numpad needed

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How ALT codes work

A 30-second read per platform. Then you'll never need to look it up again.

Quick answer

On Windows, hold Alt and type a 4-digit code starting with 0 on the numeric keypad (e.g., Alt+0225 produces á). On macOS, press Option+a modifier then the letter (e.g., Option+E then a produces á). The leading zero on Windows is required — it selects the modern Windows-1252 character set.

🪟 Windows

  1. Make sure Num Lock is ON.
  2. Hold down the Alt key.
  3. Type the 4-digit code on the numeric keypad (not the number row).
  4. Release Alt — the character appears.
  5. No numpad? Use Fn+Alt+embedded numpad, or Win+. for the Emoji panel.

🍎 macOS

  1. Press Option + the combo key for the accent.
  2. Then type the base letter. Example: Option+E then a → á.
  3. For ñ: Option+N then n.
  4. Or hold the letter key for a popover of accent options.

🐧 Linux

  1. Enable the Compose key in Keyboard settings.
  2. Compose, ', a → á
  3. Or Ctrl+Shift+U then 4-digit hex Unicode code.

📱 Mobile & web

  1. On phones, long-press the letter for accent options.
  2. On the web, tap any character on this page to copy.
  3. Many browsers support Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+U hex input.

Watch: typing accents the fast way

A 3-minute walkthrough covering the most common traps — laptops without numpads, the difference between ALT and ALT+0 codes, and Eastern European characters that need Unicode input.

Common questions

What is the ALT code for á (a with acute accent)?
The ALT code for lowercase á is Alt+0225. For uppercase Á use Alt+0193. Hold Alt and type the 4-digit code on the numeric keypad with Num Lock on. The leading zero is required.
What is the ALT code for ñ (n with tilde)?
The ALT code for lowercase ñ is Alt+0241. For uppercase Ñ use Alt+0209. On Mac press Option+N then N.
Why do I need the leading zero? (0225 vs 225)
On Windows, Alt + a 4-digit code starting with 0 uses the modern Windows-1252 character set. Without the leading zero it uses the old IBM 437 code page, which produces different characters. Always use the 4-digit code with the leading zero for accents.
My laptop doesn't have a numpad — what now?
A few options. First, check for an embedded numpad (usually Fn + a letter area). Second, open the on-screen keyboard with Win+Ctrl+O. Third (easiest) — use the Windows Emoji panel with Win+. and search by name, e.g. "e acute". Or just tap the character here to copy.
Polish, Czech, Turkish characters don't work with ALT codes — why?
Standard ALT+0 codes only cover the Windows-1252 character set (Western European). Characters like ą, č, ğ, ş need Unicode input. In Word: type the hex code, then press Alt+X. Elsewhere: enable Unicode hex input via registry, or install the language keyboard. This page shows these with U+xxxx codes.
What about macOS Option keys?
Mac uses a different system: Option + an accent key, then the letter. For example, Option+E arms the acute accent, then pressing a produces á. Each character card shows both the Windows ALT code and the Mac combo.
What is the ALT code for ½, ¼, ¾ fractions?
½ is Alt+0189, ¼ is Alt+0188, ¾ is Alt+0190. Other fractions like ⅓, ⅔, ⅛ require Unicode input.
Can I put a printed chart on my wall?
Yes — that's exactly what the Cutout Chart tab is for. Pick your languages and symbol sets, arrange the blocks by dragging, choose your page size, and download as PDF, JPEG, or Word.