How to Type Æ, €, #,©, @ & More Special Characters On Mac

Key Takeaway: Learn to easily type special characters, accents, and symbols on your Mac using methods like holding keys, modifier keys combinations like Shift + Alt/Option, and accessing the Keyboard Viewer. Mastering these techniques is essential for writing in different languages and adding unique characters on your Apple keyboard.



Always willing to learn the quickest way to type special keyboard symbols like Æ, €, #, @, ©, ß, etc.? As of now, you have come across the situation where you want to add the Spanish Phrase “años.” But eventually, how to add the special character on the letter on Mac?

This needs to be learned because the Special Character, also named a diacritical mark, may be more commonly used in specific languages while writing about places, people, or characters. That needs a specific accent or special character outside the 26 Letters on the Apple Keyboard. 

But it is rarely beneficial in English; the English writer across the globe may need to be more familiar with how to type accented letters on macOS. Luckily Apple has added convenient and easy ways to access it, so let’s take a deep dive into different ways to type special characters and letter accents on the Mac.

3 Ways to Type Special Characters in macOS

Here’s how to type °, $, €, @, ®, ©, #, £, €, ¢,™, æ, accents, emojis, and other characters on Mac. 

Method #1. Press And Hold Keys

One of the simplest ways to add special characters to the Text is by pressing and holding the correspondence key. However, this method works firmly on TextEdit, Pages, Mail App, Google Chrome, Safari, or any other typing app where jot down frequently. 

With this method, you can add special characters like

  1. For Instance, navigate to TextEdit App.
  2. Start writing the sentence and consider adding the accent over the “a” alphabet in the sentence. 
  3. When you get to the character, include the accent mark. Hold the A Key rather than pressing and instantly releasing it.
type-special-character-on-mac-from-apple-keyboard
type-special-character-on-mac-from-apple-keyboard
  1. And you will encounter a choice above the character to which you want to add the accent. This can be called the same character with accent marks or variation.
  2. To use it, take the help of the mouse or press the number mentioned below under each special character.
select-special-character-from-suggestions
select-special-character-from-suggestions

As of now and forever, this method is one of the easiest ways to Type Special Characters on any macOS as it’s easy to perform and remember on Apple Mac. But recognize this Only Works The Letter That Has Multiple Variations. 

For example, you want to add the accent over the H Letter and follow the same traditional way; keep pressing and holding the H Key on the Apple Keyboard. Here will not receive any variation.  

Method #2. Modifier Key To type °$€@®©# £€¢™ and Æ

Shift + Alt/Option + K
ÆHold A Key and press 5
Shift + Alt/Option + 2
#Shift + #
£Alt/Option + 3
$Shift + 4
¢Alt/Option + 4
@Shift + 2
©Alt/Option + G
Alt/Option + 2
®Alt/Option +R
DegreesAlt/Option +0 or Shift + Alt/Option + 8
Alt/Option + V

Presumably, you will be familiar with what Modifier Key is. But if not, Option, Command, Shift, and Control are modifier keys on Mac. And the most frequently beneficial modifier keys are Shift and Option. 

But most users need help knowing which key symbol matches the special character. 

Don’t hesitate! It’s easy to find out. Here are some steps you need to follow.

macOS Ventura & Later

  1. Click on Apple Logo > System Settings…
  2. Select Keyboard > Edit…
edit-text-input-on-mac
edit-text-input-on-mac
  1. Enable the toggle next to the Show Input In Menu Bar
show-input-menu-in-mac-menu-bar
show-input-menu-in-mac-menu-bar

macOS Monterey & Earlier

  1. Click on the Apple Logo > System Preferences…
  2. Choose Keyboard > Input Sources. Here you will see the keyboard on the left side.
  1. Tick the Box next to the Show Input In Menu Bar. 

Now what you need to do is exit the System Settings…(System Preferences…) and then select the Show Input In Menu Bar Icon from the menu bar. Now choose Show Keyboard Viewer

open-keyboard-viewer-from-mac-top-menu-bar
open-keyboard-viewer-from-mac-top-menu-bar

Same Image for Ventura And Monterey

The Apple Keyboard will be visible on-screen; pressing the Option Key will show the different characters. Similarly works with a combination of Shift + Option Modifier Keys.  

open-keyboard-on-mac
open-keyboard-on-mac

Note: When you press the modifier keys, you will capture the keys with rounded orange borders; it means it’s a dead key.  

find-special-character-on-mac-keyboard
find-special-character-on-mac-keyboard

What is a Dead Key On Mac? 

Missing Screenshot

For Instance, press the Option + E Dead Key on pages.

You will receive, ‘ , with a yellow mark and then press I.

As a result, the dead key will come over the “I,” and the yellow spot will be removed. That’s It!

use-special-character-from-input-keyboard
use-special-character-from-input-keyboard

As of now, the Shift key is only used for Uppercase Letters and Symbols Located at the upper position of the number line on the Apple Keyboard

If you have ever wondered how to type special characters like Æ, €, #, £, $, ¢, @, ©, ®, a ™, Degrees, Check Or Tick Mark, Option Keys, And More. Here we will let you know in detail how to add such characters using modifier keys.

Select Correct Country for Relevant Keyboard layout…from the top menu. If not showing, then add a new keyboard language to Mac.

change-keyboard-layout-on-mac
change-keyboard-layout-on-mac
  1. Type Character Æ On Mac

This character got marked and gained popularity after Alon-Musk naked his child Æ-A-12. If you wonder how to add this to the Text, keep pressing the A Button. There you encounter Æ (Shift + Alt/Option + ‘) at the 5th position.

find-special-character-on-mac-keyboard
find-special-character-on-mac-keyboard

Press either five on the keyboard or select it using the mouse. 

  1. Type Character € On Mac

The € seems to be invisible on the US keyboard. But in reality, it’s not that. With the combination Option + Shift +2, you can enter the € icon in your Text.

  1. Type Character # On Mac

Another most frequently used character on the various forums and social media #. The # Icon is present above the 3rd in the numeric row on Apple Keyboard. To use it, press Shift + 3.

  1. Type Character £ On Mac

The £ pound sign on the Apple US keyboard seems mysterious as it’s not overlapped on any keyboard keys or using a Non-UK Keyboard. To make it £ visible on the US Apple keyboard, press Option + 3.

  1. Type Character $ On Mac

It is the most frequently mentioned character; to mention it, you can press Shift + 4.

  1. Type Character @ On Mac

@ is a confusing option for Windows users who recently switched to the Mac computer. Nevertheless, it’s the same combination of Shift + 2.

  1. Type Character © And ™ On Mac

Being in the business, we are fond of using the Copyright and Trademark Icons on the e-pamphlets or PDFs we share with end users. Show it on your Business flyover with an Apple Keyboard. 

For Trademark, press Option + 2 and for Copyright, press Option + G.

  1. Type Degrees On Mac

It’s getting colder in your surroundings, and you want to notify family members or friends. You would always mention writing the full word Degree; there is no specific key. Don’t worry. It’s hidden on the Mac Keyboard. Press Shift + Option + 8 or Alt/Option + 0.

  1. Type  On Mac

Having the Apple PC but unfamiliar with where Apple Logo is on the Apple Keyboard is entirely stressful. But now, with a combination of Shift + Option + K keys, you can type TV and Watch. 

  1. Add Checkmark On Mac

Always remained keen to edit PDFs on the Mac computer, but need to know how to add the checkmark on pdf. It’s handy-simply press Command + V, and that’s it!

  1. Type ¿ (Upside-Down Question Mark) On Mac

The inverted question mark is a punctuation mark useful to begin exclamatory and interrogative sentences in languages like Waray, Spanish, and Asturian. Press Shift + Alt/Option + / to use it ahead of such a sentence. 

  1. Type ¥ (Yen) Symbol On Mac

Are you a currency content publisher who frequently writes about the Yen currency; press the Alt/Option + Y to highlight its icon on the Mac Screen. 

  1. Type ≈ (Approximately Equal To) On Mac

To add the Approximately Equal To on the content, press Option + X.

  1. Type ∫ (Integral) On Mac

Most engineers use integral terms in mentioning the size and shape of various things like building, length of cable etc. Are one such engineer willing to share the size and shape of an object? You can add the ∫ in the context by pressing Alt/Option + B for better understanding.  

  1. Type ¡ character used as a conventional representation On Mac

The Upside down or Spanish Exclamation is a punctuation mark to begin the exclamatory or interrogative sentence. To enter a reverse exclamation to your conviction, press Alt/Option + 1 on the Apple Keyboard. 

  1. Type ∞(Infinity) On Mac

The ∞ ( Infinity) term is by engineers to mention that the term is endless, boundless, and at last bigger than any natural number. If you say such words regularly, press the shortcut Alt/Option + 5 on the Apple Keyboard. 

  1. Type ¶ Pilcrow Or Paragraph Mark on Mac

The pilcrow mark is always added in the text where dividing paragraphs is not permitted—similarly, added in the index representing followed by numerals. On the apple keyboard, press the Alt/Option + 7 to highlight Pilcrow or paragraph mark.

  1.  Type • (Bullet) On Mac

In typography, the Bullet Point or Bullet is to mention the list of items. If you are creating such a list, press Alt/Option + 8.

  1. Type ª Superscript or Feminine Ordinal Indicator On Mac

To type the Feminine Ordinal Indicator on the Mac American keyboard, you can press Alt/Option + 9. 

  1. Type — (En-Dash) On Mac

It’s a punctuation mark mostly that clarify the different complex words. Press Shift + Option + – on the keyboard.

  1. Type ∑ (Sigma or Summation) On Mac

This Symbol aims to highlight the sum of multiple terms. To add the context on the Mac computer, press Alt/Option + W. 

  1. Type’ (Diacritical Mark) On Mac

This diacritical spacing character is usually archaic and utilize outwards of pedagogical context. To enter it in your typography, press Alt/Option + E. 

  1. Type ® (Registered) On Mac

The small R in the circle means that a particular service mark or trademark has been enrolled in the US Patent and Trademark office. To add it to your firm logo using a Mac computer, press Alt/Option + R on the Magic or any traditional Apple Keyboard. 

  1. Type † (DaggerMark) On Mac

The Dagger Typographical, also named obelus or obelisk, is used to identify footnotes if an asterisk is used. You can enter this in the context with a combination of Alt/Option + T.  

  1. Type ¨ (Diacritical Mark) On Mac

The dual vertical dots above the words are a kind of diacritical mark. They appeared in various languages like German, Greek, French, Ligurian, etc. To add in its languages, press Alt/Option + U on the Mac keyboard. 

  1. Type ^ (Caret) On Mac

The caret symbol in maths represents various exponents like a cube and a square. However, if you are stuck with how to type ^ instead of ˆ, press Alt/Option + I, and then press the spacebar; that’s it!

  1. Type ø(Slashed Zero) On Mac

The letter is used chiefly in Faroese, Norwegian, Southern Sámi, and Danish. It is used in Mid Front Rounded Vowels languages rather than Southern Sámi. In Southern Sámi, it is used as Diphthong. Press the Alt/Option + O or Shift + Option + O on your keyboard.

  1. Type π (Pi) On Mac

The Pi is a mathematical condition used to find the circle’s circumference. To make it visible on the Mac computer, press Alt/Option + P. That’s It!

  1. Type « (Guillemets) On Mac

Guillemets seems visibling various languages like German, Russian, French, and Italian. However, they marked it as a reverse «. If you are a content writer in the above mentioned language, press Alt/Option + .

  1. Type Å (​​non-SI unit ångström) On Mac

It is a non-SI unit ångström, the physical unit named after the scientist Anders Jonas Ångström. To feature up in your text, press Alt/Option + A.

  1. Type ß (Eszett) On Mac

The ß was firstly abandoned by the Swedish, but later on, it was in German Typography. It represents the phenomenon while following the long Diphthong or a vowel. To appear on the Mac computer, press Alt/Option + S. 

  1. Type ∂ (Stylished Curve d) On Mac

It is mainly mathematical terms that denote {displaystyle {partial z}/{partial x}}. Press Alt/Option + D to feature the stylish curve d on your computer. 

  1. Type ƒ With A Hook On Mac

The minuscule italic ƒ is also known as Florin Sign; derived from various currencies like Dutch guilder, Netherlands Antillean guilder, and Aruban florin. It is the non-italic font. To add it to your context, press Alt/Option + F.

  1. Type ∆ (Greek Letter Delta) On Mac

The Greek Letter ∆ delta is often useful in Computer Science and Mathematics. To type delta, press Alt/Option + J.

  1. Type ¬ (Logical Negation Symbol) On Mac

The symbol seems like a dash with a tail used in Boolean Algebra. With a combination of Alt/Option + L, it can appear on the Mac computer to use in the Text.

  1. Type … (Ellipsis) On Mac

The … (Ellipsis) is a type of Plural word that represents the omission of the word. To use it in your context, press Alt/Option +;

  1. Type Ω (Ohm) On Mac

The Ω is an electrical resistance in the International system of units. Pressing Alt/Option along with Z; you can use this symbol on the Mac. 

  1. Type Ç Cedilla On Mac

The alphabet letter written under the word in various languages like Portuguese and French. To feature up the pronounce like “S.” However, you can write on Apple Mac by pressing the Alt/Option + C or Shift + Alt/Option + C.

  1. Type ~ (Tilde) On Mac

The Wave Line isn’t frequently useful in standard English text, but some are occasionally fond of adding it. Press Alt/Option + N or Shift + Alt/Option + ˜.

  1. Type µ (Variation Of M) On Mac

The lowercase letter of MU is the twelfth letter in the Greek Alphabet. Nevertheless, you can make it visible on your Apple device by pressing Alt/Option + M. 

  1. Type “≤ “(Less Than Equal To)”≥” (Greater Than Equal To) On Mac

The Symbol used in the mathematical ≤ and ≥. To use to derive something, press Alt/Option + , for ≤ & for ≥ press Alt/Option + . 

  1. Type ÷ (Divide) On Mac?

The sign is used in between 2 numbers. To represent the 1st number is divided by the 2nd. If you want to place the sign between two numbers, press Alt/Option + /.

  1. Type ≠ (Unequal, Not Equal To) On Mac

The equal sign with a slash is to show both the values are not equal to each other. If you are deriving such terms on Mac, press Alt/Option + = on the keyboard. 

  1. Type ⁄ (Fraction Slash) On Mac

The Fraction Slash is the mathematical term is benificial to show ratios or fractions. Press Shift + Alt/Option + 1 to use it. 

  1. Type ‹ (Single Left Pointing Angle) On Mac

As of now, it is used as a quotation mark in specific languages. Pressing the Shift + Alt/Option + 3 will appear on the Apple Screen.

  1. Type › ( Single Right Pointing Angle) On Mac

Unlike the single left-pointing angle, this one is used as a quotation in multiple languages. To use it, press Shift + Option +4.

  1. Type fi (Fast Infoset) On Mac

The quick Infoset command is found in bourne shell and its derivatives. To activate, hold down Shift + Alt/Option + 5 on any Mac.

  1. Type ‡ (Double Dagger) On Mac 

The character is mainly use for indicate cross-reference. Also known as diesis, a double obelisk. The Apple keyboard dictionary carries such a symbol; to appear it, press Shift + Option + 7

  1. Type ± (Plus-Minus) On Mac

To indicate the Tolerance and statistic margin of error, this ± symbol is usually use. With a combination of keys on the Mac keyboard, you peep-out such symbols. To do so , press Shift + Option + =

  1. Type ‰ (Per Mille) On Mac

The Per Mille, in other words, we can say part per thousand. It is rarely used in English. The term found in Europe Language; is used to express the fraction less than 1%. This hidden symbol is visible when you press Shift + Option + R. 

  1. Type ˇ (Caron) On Mac

If you want to use caron in languages like Baltic, Slavic, Finnic, Berber, and Semic, press Shift + Option + T on Apple Keyboard. 

  1. Type Á (A-Acute) On Mac

They are used in various languages like Chinese, Dutch, Irish, etc. To use A-Acute in the context, press Shift + Option + Y.

  1. Type ∏ (Mathematical Operators) On Mac

Unlike ∑ the symbol, it represents the product over an array of terms. To type on Mac press Shift + Option + P

  1. Type Í (i-Accute) On Mac

The character ee is replaced by Í in certain languages like Faroese, Icelandic, Czech, and more. Shift + Option + S enter it in your text.  

  1. Type Î (i-Circumflex) On Mac

The i-Circumflex is sometimes used as a unit factor in physics. If you want to enroll this text on your Mac, either mention unit factor for just for sake press Shift + Option + D.

  1. Type Ï (I-Umlaut) On Mac

The I with 2 dots indicates that it’s not Diphthong. It is most commonly seen in the French language. If you want to use it, press Shift + Alt/Option + F. 

  1. Type Ó (O-Accute, Optional Symbol) On Mac

The O- Accute in the Italian language is used to identify the stressed O that needs to be pronounced as a close sound. Shift + Option + H is the combination of keys that can appear in the Symbol on the Mac computer.

  1. Type Ô (O-Circumflex) On Mac

The Ô is used in some languages like Portuguese; it’s said as a long vowel with a highly pronounced and then falling pitch. To use it in the context, press Shift + Option + J.

  1. Type Ò (O-Grave) On Mac

The is of the Latin Script. Mainly used in different languages Italian, Norwegian, Chinese, Kashubian, and many more. Want to add this stylist on the note, Shift + Alt/Option + L

  1. Type Ú (U-Accute) On Mac

Press Shift + Alt/Option + ;. It’s nothing but a Latin Letter used in Dutch, Irish, French, Spanish, Italian, and Galacian as a variant of U. 

  1. Type ¸ (Cedilla) On Mac

The Cedilla, also known as bisht, is usually found under Ç in Latin script. It is hidden in the mac computer; to highlight it, press Shift + Alt/Option + X. 

  1. Type ◊(Lozenge) On Mac

It is captured from the Old French word lozenge; in other words, we can say it as a diamond shape. Earlier in the 14th century, it was used to describe the Shape Dates. However, in this 21st century, it is still available on the Mac keyboard and can be used by pressing Shift + Alt/Option + V. 

  1. Type ı (Dotless) On Mac

It is a dotless letter mainly used in the Latin Script Alphabets like Crimean Tatar, Azerbaijani, Turkish, etc. However, you can still use the Apple English keyboard; press Shift + Alt/Option + B to highlight it. 

  1. Type  (A-Circumflex) On Mac

Press Shift + Alt/Option +M if you want to use this circumflex in different languages like Turkish, French, Portuguese, Frisian, etc, as a variant of A. 

  1. Type ˘ (Breve) On Mac

The rounded curve mark is used in some dictionaries to pronounce some vowels in short. However, it mainly appears in the Slavonic and baltic languages. You can add it to the US Mac keyboard with (Shift + Alt/Option + .) combination. 

Method #3 Emoji And Symbol Choose 

While using the Mac, you can do fun things by adding emojis and special characters in the text. 

As always, by default Mac comes with different categories of Emojis and Symbols such as Emoji, Arrow, Bullets & Stars, Currency Symbols( ¥ ¢ ₽ ₩ ₱ ₹ ﷼), Latin, Letterlike Symbols, Maths Symbols(xxx ∄ ℇ ℏ ≥ ≯ ∑ √ ∱≉), Parentheses, Pictographs, and Punctuations. 

But as usual with macOS, most users get fond of how to access special symbols and Emojis on Mac computers. In reality, it’s not hard science; press the Globe/Fn Key or combination of Control + Command + Space. That’s It!

open-emoji-symbols-on-mac
open-emoji-symbols-on-mac

Moving forward, you can expand and collapse the Character Viewer by clicking the expand and collapse Icon in the upper right corner.

expand-emoji-keyboard-viewer-on-mac
expand-emoji-keyboard-viewer-on-mac

You will receive complete access to the Character Viewer, from which you can select the various categories mentioned in the left side panel. 

select-emoji-type-from-keyboard-viewer-on-mac
select-emoji-type-from-keyboard-viewer-on-mac

Tip: You can also change the character’s size and emojis by selecting the Three-Horizontal Dot in the circle. And then after, from the drop-down, choose a size between Small, Large, and Medium. Additionally, in the Customise List… you will receive more categories that you need or want to remove from the Favourites List.

customize-emoji-keyboard-on-mac
customize-emoji-keyboard-on-mac

At the same point, you can find specific emojis or characters by entering the name or code. However, you can add them to the Favorite list by selecting corresponding emojis or symbols and then clicking on the Add To Favourites below.

add-and-remove-favorites-emoji-on-mac
add-and-remove-favorites-emoji-on-mac

For Instance, type in the search box “Sad” Search Box in the upper-right corner. You will receive all the characters and emojis related to the word SAD. 

find-and-use-emoji-using-search-on-mac
find-and-use-emoji-using-search-on-mac

Conclusion

That’s It Folk! You can now firmly add special characters, like accents, mathematical symbols, characters or letter along with accent marks. And last, arrows and emotion to your words; all of them using Apple Keyboard.

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at [email protected] or through (Facebook)

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