Ubuntu – How to type accented characters like ë

keyboard-layout

Currently I use the character palette applet in gnome panel to put special characters into text.

This is okay, but I have to stop typing, select the character I want from the applet and then copy and paste.

Is there a way to simply type special characters with different key combinations? If so, how do I do it?

Best Answer

Often this is easier with the compose key. With that configured you use key combos to get the special characters. For instance:

  • For ë you press Compose+", e.
  • For ẽ you press Compose+~, e.
  • For ô you press Compose+^, o.
  • For á you press Compose+', a.
  • For à you press Compose+`, a.
  • For € you press Compose+=, e.
  • For £ you press Compose+-, l.

Note that you do not have to hold down the compose key; just press each key in order.

To set the compose key go to System -> Preferences -> Keyboard, then Layouts -> Options. Open up Compose Key Position and choose a key. I use Right-Alt.

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