How to Type Accents

There are various ways to type accents depending on the language you’re trying to transcribe and the computer system you’re using. For example, you can install a Spanish keyboard in Windows XP. You can also use Microsoft Word to type accents if you want to type the accents into a word processor. Additionally, you can use different codes to type accents, whether you’re using a PC or a Mac. If you want to know how to type accents, just see Step 1 of your preferred method to get started.

Steps

Using Codes for a PC

To type accents in a PC, you can also use several codes to create the accents you want to use. Just note that any symbols connected by a “+” sign need to be hit at the same time and any symbols after a comma need to be hit in order, one after the other. For example, if you see “Control + a, e” it means that you should hit “Control” and “a” at the same time, followed by “e”. Here are the codes you’ll need to know:


Symbol	Code
á	Ctrl + ‘ , A
é	Ctrl + ‘ , E
í	Ctrl + ‘ , I
ó	Ctrl + ‘ , O
ú	Ctrl + ‘ , U
É	Ctrl + ‘ , Shift + E
ñ	Ctrl + Shift + ~, N
Ñ	Ctrl + Shift + ~, Shift + N
ü	Ctrl + Shift + : , U

Using Codes for a Mac

You can use a few simple keys on your keyboard to create accents if you have a Mac. Just note that any symbols connected by a “+” sign need to be hit at the same time and any symbols after a comma need to be hit in order, one after the other. For example, if you see “Control + e, a” it means that you should hit “Control” and “e” at the same time, followed by “a”. Here are the codes you’ll need to know:


Symbol	Code
á	Option + E , A
é	Option + E , E
í	Option + E , I
ó	Option + E , O
ú	Option + E , U
É	Option + E , Shift + E
ñ	Option + N , N
Ñ	Option + N , Shift + N
ü	Option + U , U

Installing a Spanish Keyboard in Windows XP

If you have Windows XP, then installing a Spanish keyboard is your best bet if you want to consistently type accents. Using codes is perfect in a pinch, but if you want to type in a different language and to do so when you’re naming files, creating graphics, or using a word processor.

Click “Start.” Click the start option on your menu bar. This will bring up a list of options.

Select “Control Panel.” This will also bring up several options.

Select “Regional and Language Options.”

Click on the “Languages” tab. You should find this option at the top of the new window.

Click on “Details.” This will bring up a large white box with a list of languages and keyboards that you’ve already installed.

Select “Add” to add the Spanish keyboard.

Choose a spell-checker. You’ll be given a list of Spanish spell-checkers. “Spanish (International Sort”) may be the most standard, but any one will be helpful.

Click “OK”. When you finish, this will allow you to exit the control panel.

Restart your computer. Once you do this, you’ll see a small square near your system tray, which is the lower right row of icons on the task bar at the bottom of the screen. Clicking on this tray will give you the choice of moving back and forth between your Spanish and your standard keyboard. Your Spanish/accented keyboard is ready to go!

Quick Methods for Typing Accents

Use Microsoft Word. Another thing you can do if you want to type accents in a word processor is to open up Microsoft Word and select “Insert,” then “Symbol,” and then “Symbol Browser”. You can browse through the symbols to select the accent you want to use. Though this isn’t the most efficient method, it’s perfect if you just want to type one or two accents.

Copy and paste. Find an accented symbol online, select it, copy it (by selecting “Edit” and “Copy” in your Internet browser or simply pressing “Control + C”) and then paste it wherever you want it to go (by selecting “Edit” and “Paste” in your Internet browser or by pressing “Control + V”). You can select a symbol online and paste it in a word processor, or select a symbol in a word processor and paste it in an Internet browser, and so on.