Unicode

The preferred route to insert special characters is using the Unicode hexadecimal value and typing it into a computer. Unicode is a global standard which includes every character in every known language script and is constantly expanding. The Unicode website provides a full list of characters and a useful list of those commonly used in chemistry is provided at the bottom of this document.

Many Windows programs including Microsoft Word, support the inserting of characters by entering the Unicode value then pressing Alt+X to convert the code into the desired character. Note that PowerPoint and several other programmes do not support this method.

Alt-codes

This is a depreciating method for Windows which uses the decimal rather than hexadecimal numberset to insert characters. Characters are inserted by holding down the Alt key and type the number using the numberpad on the keyboard, before releasing the alt key for the character will appear. Alt codes 

Alt codes only work using a numberpad (with the numlock turned on). 

Character map

Emoji map 

Windows key + .

Copy and paste

Common issues

Beware auto-capitalisation in a number of programmes. For example Microsoft Word may autocapitalise characters such as lowercase Greek letters which may not be desirable. Check your work as you proceed.

Unicode

The quickest and most reliable way to insert characters is using the Unicode hexadecimal value and typing it into a computer. Unicode is a global standard which includes every character in every known language script and is constantly expanding. The Unicode website provides a full list of characters and a useful list of those commonly used in chemistry is provided at the bottom of this document.

Many Windows programs including Microsoft Word, support the inserting of characters by entering the Unicode value then pressing Alt+X to convert the code into the desired character. 

Alt-codes

Character map

Copy and paste

Unicode

The quickest and most reliable way to insert characters is using the Unicode hexadecimal value and typing it into a computer. Unicode is a global standard which includes every character in every known language script and is constantly expanding. The Unicode website provides a full list of characters and a useful list of those commonly used in chemistry is provided at the bottom of this document.

Many Windows programs including Microsoft Word, support the inserting of characters by entering the Unicode value then pressing Alt+X to convert the code into the desired character. 

Alt-codes

Character map

Copy and paste