How to Easily Type Foreign Language Characters Without Alt Codes

As globalization continues to bring people closer together, more and more of us find ourselves needing to type foreign language characters. Whether you’re learning a new language, communicating with international colleagues, or creating content that requires special characters, typing foreign letters can be a bit of a challenge for those who are not used to doing so.

Typing foreign language characters often means using Alt codes, which are numeric shortcuts used to create special characters. For example, typing Alt + 164 on a Windows keyboard gives you the letter “ñ.” While Alt codes can be helpful, they’re often hard to remember, especially if you frequently switch between different languages. Fortunately, there are much easier ways to type foreign characters without the hassle of Alt codes.

 

1. Use a keyboard shortcut for switching languages

Most operating systems make it easy to switch between different language keyboards. On Windows, for example, you can add different languages and toggle between them using shortcuts. To switch between languages quickly, you can set up a shortcut key combination like Alt + Shift or Windows + Space.

For Mac users, switching between keyboards can be just as easy. After adding a new language keyboard, you can use Command + Space or Control + Space to toggle between them. This allows you to switch between typing in English and, say, French, German, or Spanish in a few simple clicks.

2. Enable the on-screen keyboard

Another handy option for both Mac and Windows users is the on-screen keyboard. It’s a digital keyboard that appears on your screen, allowing you to click the characters you need with your mouse. You can activate it by searching for “on-screen keyboard” in your device’s search bar.

This can be useful when you need to type a single foreign character but don’t want to fully switch keyboard layouts or memorize codes. Simply pull up the on-screen keyboard and type the special characters directly from there.

3. Use a special character map

Windows users also have access to the Character Map tool, which contains a wide range of foreign characters and symbols. You can open this by searching for “Character Map” in the start menu. From here, you can select the characters you need, copy them, and paste them into your document.

For Mac users, this tool is called the Character Viewer. You can access it by going to Edit > Emoji & Symbols from the top menu or using the shortcut Control + Command + Space. It gives you quick access to a range of foreign language characters, including accented letters, currency symbols, and more.

4. Take advantage of Unicode shortcuts in word processors

If you’re typing in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, many allow you to insert special characters directly. In Word, for example, you can go to the Insert tab and select Symbol, where you’ll find a wide variety of foreign characters.

Google Docs has a similar option: go to Insert > Special Characters to find accented letters, different scripts, and symbols. This method works well for occasional use when typing foreign language content.

5. Use autocorrect for common foreign characters

If you’re not super annoyed by them, many word processors and apps allow you to set up custom shortcuts using the Autocorrect feature. For example, you could set your autocorrect preferences to automatically change “n~” to “ñ” or “c'” to “ç”.

This is particularly useful if you type in multiple languages regularly. Instead of switching between languages or keyboards, you can type simple key combinations and let your autocorrect feature do the rest.

Personally, my phone has keyboards in English and German, and autocorrect is smart enough to know German words when it sees them, even when I’m typing in English.

6. Install a multilingual keyboard app

If you’re typing on a mobile device, there are many keyboard apps that support multiple languages, and they’re usually easier to set up than trying to install multiple keyboards. Popular options like Gboard (Google’s keyboard) and SwiftKey allow you to type in multiple languages without switching layouts. They even have built-in autocorrect and suggestions for multiple languages at once, making it seamless to write in more than one language.

7. Leverage browser extensions and add-ons

For those who do a lot of typing in foreign languages on the web, browser extensions can be a lifesaver. Chrome and Firefox both have numerous add-ons that allow you to type in different languages or insert foreign characters into text boxes without hassle.

Extensions like Google Input Tools allow you to switch between languages and input methods in your browser without having to change your computer’s language settings. It’s an especially useful option for those who don’t want to tweak their system setup.

Conclusion

Typing foreign language characters doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right tools—whether it’s switching keyboard layouts, using an on-screen keyboard, or relying on shortcuts—you can easily add accents, diacritical marks, and entire scripts to your writing. These options will not only save you time but also improve the quality of your communication, whether you’re crafting an email in French, working on a Spanish assignment, or engaging with international clients.

Now that you know how to do it without relying on Alt codes, give these tips a try!