How to enter emojis, GIFs and Symbols with Alt Codes on Windows 11

Using Alt Codes for Symbols

Did you know your keyboard has a secret code system for special characters? If your keyboard has a separate number pad (usually on the right side), you can use “Alt codes” to add all sorts of symbols into your text. It might seem old-fashioned, but it works and is much faster than searching online.

Get Ready

First, find the Alt key on your keyboard and press and hold it down. While you’re holding it, type the special number code for the symbol you want using the number pad (not the numbers above the letters). Some codes need a leading zero, so keep that in mind!

The Magic Numbers

After typing the code, release the Alt key. The symbol should appear right where your cursor is.

Tip: It’s helpful to have a list of common Alt codes. Here are a few popular ones:

• Alt + 0169 for the copyright symbol (©)
• Alt + 0174 for the registered symbol (®)
• Alt + 0153 for the trademark symbol (™)
• Alt + 0151 for the em-dash (—)
• Alt + 0149 for a bullet point (•)
• Alt + 0167 for the section symbol (§)
• Alt + 0161 for an upside-down exclamation mark (¡)
• Alt + 0191 for an upside-down question mark (¿)

See the Symbol Appear

Important note: This method requires a number pad that’s turned on. If your keyboard lacks one, or it’s switched off, these codes won’t function. You’ll need to use the Windows emoji panel instead.

The Easy Way: The Emoji Panel

Windows 11 has a great built-in emoji panel, which is also how you can find symbols. It’s simple to use, and you won’t have to memorize any codes.

Open the Panel

When you’re typing in any text box (like in an email, document, or chat), press the Windows key and the period key (.) at the same time.

Find Your Symbol

The emoji panel will open. At the top, you’ll see tabs for Emojis, GIFs, and Symbols. Click on the Symbols tab.

Look and Choose

You will see different groups like Punctuation, Currency, and Language Symbols. Scroll through to find what you need. You can also type a word in the search box at the top of the panel to find symbols faster.

Tip: You can also add emojis and animated GIFs from this panel!

Add It to Your Text

Click on the symbol you want, and it will be placed in your text. You can click on more than one if you need them. Close the panel when you are finished.

Note: These shortcuts usually work in most programs. However, some special software might use different shortcuts. If you’re not sure, check the program’s help section.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-keyboard-tips-and-tricks-588e0b72-0fff-6d3f-aeee-6e5116097942#id0ebf=windows_11

Summary

Why bother with Alt Codes or the Emoji Panel? They let you add special characters, symbols, emojis, and GIFs to your text quickly, without hunting online to copy and paste. This can make your writing look more polished and add some personality.

What happens when done? When you use Alt codes right, the symbol pops up instantly where your cursor is. With the emoji panel, you select what you want, and it appears in your text.