How to insert characters by pressing ALT + # (numpad)?

Question

How to enable those function (alt + number) on my elementary OS? I can't insert tilde and "ñ" letter because I don't have those buttons and also can't use the alt + number. Someone have an idea? Thanks

Answer 1

In elementary OS 0.4 (Loki), the way to set the compose key is:

1. Open Systems Settings
2. Select Keyboard
3. Select Layout
4. Select which key you want to use as your Compose key

Answer 2

Often this is easier with the compose key. With the compose key configured you use key combos to produce special characters. For example:

• For ë: Compose + " + e
• For ẽ: Compose + ~ + e
• For ô: Compose + ^ + o
• For á: Compose + ' + a

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

To set the compose key

1. Open "System Settings"
2. Select "Keyboard"
3. Select "Options".
4. In the left pane, select "Compose Key Position"
5. In the right pane, choose a key to act as Compose

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Original answer from AskUbuntu

Answer 3

The feature that you mention is typical of Windows systems to write ASCII characters. The *nix OS's, like elementaryOS, don't use ASCII code. But you can use UNICODE, which it's more extensive than ASCII.

To type an unicode character you must use Ctrl+Shift followed by the code you can find at:

List of Unicode characters

To write them:

1. Make sure you don't have Caps Lock on.
2. Hold Ctrl and Shift keys meanwhile type U. Now you can see an underline U.
3. Release the keys Ctrl and Shift, and type the Unicode number.
4. Finally, hit Enter.

For example, to write the "Ñ" character, you must use the combination:

ctrl + shift + u + 00D1 + enter

Scratch-text-editor issue:

When you use this trick in Scratch, you can't see the underline U, but it works also.