{"id":51384,"date":"2026-06-15T13:20:28","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T13:20:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ubuntuhandbook.org\/?p=51384"},"modified":"2026-06-15T13:20:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T13:20:28","slug":"type-special-diacritical-characters-in-ubuntu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ubuntuhandbook.org\/index.php\/2026\/06\/type-special-diacritical-characters-in-ubuntu\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Type Special or Diacritical Characters in Ubuntu"},"content":{"rendered":"\"\"\r\n\r\n

Want to insert special characters (e.g., e.g., \u00a9, \u00ae, \u00e6, \u00df, \u00bc, \u00ba) and\/or diacritical characters (e.g., \u00e1, \u00e4, \u00e9, \u1ebd) in your Ubuntu desktop?<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Without coping from web or using an app (e.g., Gnome Characters), you can type them directly via your physical keyboard. And, below I’m going to show you how to do the job step by step.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

NOTE: This tutorial is for Ubuntu 22.04, Ubuntu 24.04, and Ubuntu 26.04 with default GNOME Desktop. It works on other desktops and old Ubuntu versions, but the setting options may vary across desktop environments.<\/b><\/p>\r\n

Option 1: Use Alternate Character Key<\/h3>\r\n

As you know, we can hit on keyboard keys to insert first-level keys<\/b>, such a, b, c, d, 1, 2, 3, 4, or, press and hold Shift<\/b> then hit these keys for second-level keys<\/b>, such as A, B, C, D, !, @, #, $.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\"\"<\/a>\r\n\r\n

For many keyboard layouts, there are as well level 3 and 4 keys<\/b>. And, you can type them by using Alternate Character Key (aka AltGr).<\/p>\r\n\r\n

1.<\/b> First, launch Settings<\/b> and navigate to “Keyboard” page. Under “Input Sources”, open the 3 dots menu for your keyboard layout and click “View Keyboard Layout” to check if it supports level 3 and 4 keys.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\"\"<\/a>\r\n\r\n

If NOT, then either add another input source that support level 3 and 4 key input, or, use Compose key instead (See Option 2).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\"\"<\/a>\r\n\r\n

2.<\/b> If you keyboard layout support 3-level and 4-level keys or you switched to one that support them, then you may set an Alternate Character Key by navigating to Settings -> Keyboard -> Special.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

For more choices, install and launch GNOME Tweaks from App Center, then navigate to Keyboard -> Additional Layout\u00a0 Options -> Key to choose the 3rd level.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\"\"<\/a>\r\n\r\n

3.<\/b> After set Alternate Character Key (AltGr), use:<\/p>\r\n