Keyboard symbols and special characters are essential components of digital communication. Whether you are typing an email, writing a report or even sending a message, you might need to use some of these characters to add clarity to the text, convey a tone or mood, or indicate specific instructions.
However, mastering keyboard symbols and special characters can be a bit daunting, especially if you are new to typing. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the essential keyboard symbols and special characters that you must know and how to access them quickly with keyboard shortcuts.
What are Keyboard symbols and Special Characters?
Keyboard symbols are characters, signs, or icons that represent a specific object or idea, such as punctuation marks, currency symbols, or mathematical operators. Special characters, on the other hand, are unique symbols that don’t belong to the standard alphabet or keyboard layout, such as emojis, trademarks, or copyright symbols.
These symbols and characters can be accessed in two primary ways: through a keyboard shortcut combination or by using the Character Map tool in your computer’s operating system. Once you understand how to access these characters, you can quickly and easily add them to your text content.
Essential Keyboard Symbols and Special Characters
1. Punctuation Marks
Punctuation marks include the period, comma, semicolon, and question mark, among others. These symbols are used to separate different parts of a sentence or indicate a pause in the text so that the reader can understand the intended meaning easily.
2. Currency Symbols
Currency symbols such as the dollar sign, euro sign, and pound sign are used to represent different types of currencies in financial transactions or monetary statements.
3. Mathematical Symbols
Mathematical symbols such as plus, minus, multiplication, division, and equal sign are used to represent operations or mathematical expressions in calculations, equations, or formulas.
4. Emojis
Emojis are a type of special character that represents a range of emotions, facial expressions, objects, and activities. They are popular in digital communication and can be added to text messages or social media posts to convey a particular mood or tone.
5. Trademarks and Copyright Symbols
Trademarks and copyright symbols are special characters that represent the ownership of a company or an individual’s creativity. They are used to protect and identify products or original content, such as logos, slogans, and books.
How to Type Keyboard Symbols and Special Characters
1. Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are a quick and easy way to type keyboard symbols and special characters. These shortcut combinations differ from Windows to Mac operating systems. For instance, on Windows, you can hold the Alt key and type a numeric code on the keyboard’s number pad to produce a particular character. On a Mac, you can hold down the Option key and press a specific letter to type a particular symbol or character.
2. Character Map
The Character Map tool is a built-in feature on most Windows computers. It allows you to select and insert special characters into your text, even if they are not available on your keyboard.
To access the Character Map tool, click on the Start Menu and search for “Character Map.” Click on the Character Map icon to open the tool. You can then scroll through the various characters and select the one you need. Copy and paste the character into your document or type a keyboard shortcut.
In conclusion, mastering keyboard symbols and special characters can add significant value to your digital communication. By understanding the essential symbols and characters and how to access them quickly, you can easily convey your message, protect your original content, and add clarity to your text.