Update to kichat: How to add Symbols in The Status Message?
Update to kichat: How to add Symbols in The Status Message? (
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1779240) This line to removed if Accepted
How do I add Icons in The Status Message ?
Works for All versions of iChat.
This entry is supposed to inform new iChat users how to put different symbols and icons into the Available and Away Status Messages.
I have more info on my web site
Smileys
The simplest way to do this is to type one like " 🙂 " this. That is constructed with the colon and dash and a close Bracket one after the other
You will not see it at your end but it will show up as a Smiley on all your Buddies lists. (it is seen at your end in iChat 4 and 5)
Note: Smileys can be entered as text or chosen from the icon at the end of the text entry bar of a text chat.
Status Messages
If you wanted to change the text style or size in the messages you can only do so in a limited way.
Unfortunately you can not change the Font style or size this way. You can add certain symbols. Use the various tabs to look at all the options.
1) Click on either Available or Away select Custom from the drop down list.
2) Now go to the menu bar and select Edit.
3) Drop to Special Characters at the bottom.
4) Experiment and learn.
Close the Special Characters window before typing any further.
Messages using AppleScript
There are a few pre-written AppleScripts to change the message on a rolling basis.
Some take information from iTunes and display the song title and artist in the Status Message. This link seems to one of the most popular. (This is s Perma Link that is current as of 11/02/2010 British Date format)
Note Adding iTunes information to the Status Message was added to iChat at iChat 3
This site also list a script for calling details from iCal and displayiing that information.
A search in Google will lead you to others.
You can also add Symbols to any Text Field Box by using the Menu Bar > Keyboard flag icon> Character Pallet option linked under the Flag for your Keyboard layout.
Using HTML codes for symbols
Many symbols that you can type in an every day Word Processor cannot be put into a Web page just by typing in to your Editor.
For example Apple uses the Keyboard Strokes of the ALT Key+ SHIFT and K to enter an Apple Symbol () ( have included the HTML to make sure it displays in what ever Font you are using).
It will only display after the word Symbol and not in brackets if the Font on the page has the symbol in it AND you have that Font on your computer.
Why am I talking about HTML ?
Well iChat IMs and Status Messages are sent in a HTML form.
This means you can use the Codes for a Symbol to get around the fact iChat Limits the sending of Status Messages to the font Lucida Grande.
Here is a list of Examples although these are common things that Lucida has in the Font anyway, it shows the <&#digits;> codes for the HTML Entity name as well. That's & followed &hash;, set of numbers and a semi colon
This sites lists some of the more unusual ones such as the Dingbat Font. In the preable box it has a drop down to more symbols.
Google for variations on HTML Text Entities
Others include  to get the Apple Symbol () or <⌘> for the "cloverleaf" (⌘ ) and ALT <⌥> for the symbol on the key (⌥)
The HTML codes cannot be used directly in Text Messages (IMs)
Happy Chatting
Version 3 (11th Feb 2010)
10:23 PM Thursday; February 11, 2010
I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.
Update to kichat: How to add Symbols in The Status Message? ( http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1779240) This line to removed if Accepted
How do I add Icons in The Status Message ?
Works for All versions of iChat.
This entry is supposed to inform new iChat users how to put different symbols and icons into the Available and Away Status Messages.
I have more info on my web site
Smileys
The simplest way to do this is to type one like " 🙂 " this. That is constructed with the colon and dash and a close Bracket one after the other
You will not see it at your end but it will show up as a smilie on all your Buddies lists. (it is seen at your end in iChat 4 and 5)
Note: Smileys can be entered as text or chosen from the icon at the end of the text entry bar of a text chat.
Status Messages
If you wanted to change the text style or size in the messages you can only do so in a limited way.
Unfortunately you can not change the Font style or size this way. You can add certain symbols. Use the various tabs to look at all the options.
1) Click on either Available or Away select Custom from the drop down list.
2) Now go to the menu bar and select Edit.
3) Drop to Special Characters at the bottom.
4) Experiment and learn.
Close the Special Characters window before typing any further.
Messages using Applescript
There are a few pre-written applescripts to change the message on a rolling basis.
Some take information from iTunes and display the song title and artist in the Status Message. This link seems to one of the most popular. (This is a Perma Link that is current as of 11/02/2010 British Date format)
Note Adding iTunes information to the Status Message was added to iChat at iChat 3
This site also list a script for calling details from iCal and displayiing that information.
A search in Google will lead you to others.
You can also add Symbols to any Text Field Box by using the Menu Bar > Keyboard flag icon> Character Pallet option linked under the Flag for your Keyboard layout.
Using HTML codes for symbols
Many symbols that you can type in an every day Word Processor cannot be put into a Web page just by typing in to your Editor.
For example Apple uses the Keyboard Strokes of the ALT Key+ SHIFT and K to enter an Apple Symbol ()
Why am I talking about HTML ?
Well iChat IMs and Status Messages are sent in a HTML form.
This means you can use the Codes for a Symbol to get around the fact iChat Limits the sending of Status Messages to the font Lucida Grande.
Here is a list of Examples although these are common things that Lucida has in the Font anyway, it shows the <&#digits;> codes for the HTML Entity name as well. That's & followed #, set of numbers and a semi colon
This sites lists some of the more unusual ones such as found in the Dingbat Font. In the preable box it has a drop down to more symbols.
Google for variations on HTML Text Entities
Others include  to get the Apple Symbol () or ⌘ for the "cloverleaf" (⌘ ) and ⌥ for the symbol on the ALT key (⌥)
The HTML codes cannot be used directly in Text Messages (IMs)
Happy Chatting
Version 3 (11th Feb 2010)
4:43 PM Tuesday; February 16, 2010
I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.
Hi Ralph,
Some observations.
Smileys
You can see what the codes are by hovering over a smiley icon in the popup menu at the right of the chat text entry field. As you move over a smiley, the text code is listed at the bottom.
I don't see a popup menu at the right of the Status Edit fields. If I select a smiley from the chat entry field, it doesn't put it in the Status field, but in the chat text. I can't even seem to copy and paste from the Chat text field into a Status entry field. It seems like I must type the smiley as text.
Status Messages
Messages using Applescript
I haven't tested any of these. Maybe later.
I'm assuming this means "Show Character Viewer" under the flag menu (if that is enabled). Maybe this should be under the Status Messages section above rather than the Script section. It's another way to get to the Character Pallet (Special Characters), it takes you to the same place as Edit > Special Characters.
Using HTML codes for symbols
I could not get the codes to display as symbols in a Status message no matter how I tried.
Plain, with angled brackets, quotes, parenthesis, I just see the text, the codes I type. What am I missing here?
Thanks,
Nubz
Hi Nubz,
AS usual you make some very good points and show where I tend to ramble to cover everything.
I will review this by looking at the original and your comments side by side and post again.
On the last though I have this message as written
and it displays like this
If you remove the Space after the "cloveleaf" ⌘ and before the bracket it displays as this in the Status Messages list with a Smiley
It continues to Display the required icon/Symbol in the Message even when reselected to double check.
9:29 PM Wednesday; February 24, 2010
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
Message was edited by: Ralph Johns (UK)
It's is a pain to remember where to add an extra amp; to make it read as written for posting here.
Update to kichat: How to add Symbols in The Status Message? ( http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1779240) This line to removed if Accepted
How do I add Icons in The Status Message ?
Works for All versions of iChat.
This entry is supposed to inform new iChat users how to put different symbols and icons into the Available and Away Status Messages.
I have more info on my web site
Smileys
The simplest way to do this is to type one like " 🙂 " this. That is constructed with the colon and dash and a close Bracket one after the other
You will not see it at your end but it will show up as a smilie on all your Buddies lists. (it is seen at your end in iChat 4 and 5)
Note: You can see what the codes are by hovering over a smiley icon in the popup menu at the right of the chat text entry field. As you move over a smiley, the text code is listed at the bottom.
Status Messages
If you wanted to change the text style or size in the messages you can only do so in a limited way.
Unfortunately you can not change the Font style or size this way. You can add certain symbols. In the Menu Bar, at your Country's Flag icon, select Show Character Palette. Then use the various tabs and Reveal Triangles to look at all the options.
1) Click on either Available or Away select Custom from the drop down list.
2) Now go to the menu bar and select Edit.
3) Drop to Special Characters at the bottom.
4) Experiment and learn.
Close the Character Palette window before typing any further.
You can also add Symbols or Characters to the Text Chat Text Field Box by using the Menu Bar > Keyboard flag icon> Show Character Pallet option (or the Edit Menu > Special Characters or Keystrokes ⌥+⌘ +T) . The Buddy will only see any Symbol or Character you chose if you both have the same Font.
Messages using Applescript
There are a few pre-written Applescripts to change the message on a rolling basis.
Some take information from iTunes and display the song title and artist in the Status Message. This link seems to one of the most popular. (This is a Perma Link that is current as of 11/02/2010 British Date format)
Note Adding iTunes information to the Status Message was added to iChat at iChat 3
This site also list a script for calling details from iCal and displaying that information.
Spirited Away will display the icon of the App you are working in as the Buddy pic
A search in Google will lead you to others.
Using HTML codes for symbols
Many symbols that you can type in an every day Word Processor cannot be put into a Web page just by typing in to your Editor.
For example Apple uses the Keyboard Strokes of the ALT Key (⌥)+ SHIFT and K to enter an Apple Symbol ()
Why am I talking about HTML ?
Well iChat IMs and Status Messages are sent in a HTML form.
This means you can use the Codes for a Symbol to get around the fact iChat limits the sending of Status Messages to the font Lucida Grande.
Here is a list of Examples although these are common things that Lucida has in the Font anyway, it shows the <&#digits;> codes for the HTML Entity name as well. That's & followed #, set of numbers and a semi colon
This sites lists some of the more unusual ones such as found in the Dingbat Font. In the preable box it has a drop down to more symbols.
Google for variations on HTML Text Entities
Others include  to get the Apple Symbol () or ⌘ for the "cloverleaf" (⌘ ) and ⌥ for the symbol on the ALT key
The HTML codes cannot be used directly in Text Messages (IMs)
Happy Chatting
Version 3 (28th Feb 2010)
I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.
8:40 PM Sunday; February 28, 2010
Hi Ralph,
Regarding the HTML codes for inserting symbols in your iChat status.
What version of iChat and Mac OS X are you using?
What works for me, like it does for you, is Mac OS X 10.5.8 and iChat 4.0.8.
If both Buddies have those versions, we both see the symbols correctly.
If we are using Mac OS X 10.6.2 and iChat 5.0.1, neither see the icons but we see the text codes.
If I'm on Mac OS X 10.5.8 and iChat 4.0.8 and my Buddy in on Mac OS X 10.6.2 and iChat 5.0.1, I see the symbols, she sees the text codes.
I can't test with Mac OS X 10.6.2 and iChat 4.0.8 as it says I can't run this version of iChat on this version of Mac OS X. Trying iChat 5.0.1 on Mac OS X 10.5.x it just quits on launch.
Bottom line. It seems to work with Mac OS X 10.5 but not 10.6 and the related iChat.
Is that what you see?
Thanks,
Nubz
Hi Nubz,
I do most of my work on my faithful G4/1Gz MMD Dual Processor running 10.5.8 and that was where I tested.
I had not thought that something that worked (t)here would not work (Or Even Display) differently in iChat 5 (And 5.0.1 - and presumably beyond.)
It is as you say, an quirk of iChat 4.
iChat Versions are OS specific.
That is to say that an iChat Update will come with an OS Update and will work in the 10.x.z versions until the z Update gets an iChat update included.
For instance iChat 5.0 came with Snow Leopard 10.6 and worked in 10.6.1
iChat 5.0.1 come is 10.6.2 and works only with that OS version.
I have a Panther Boot but I am without a Tiger boot at the moment.
The Pace to add looks the same ( http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/versions/ichat2/ichat2pics/slides/iChat2BuddyListDra wer.html) but I doubt iChat 2 can do this.
I agree with the Bottom line you have discovered.
I think that bit will have to come out.
It could go in a a Blockquote "panel" as a quirk but it may be too long for a Users Tip when it only seem to work in one version.
9:20 PM Wednesday; March 3, 2010
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
Update to kichat: How to add Symbols in The Status Message? ( http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1779240) This line to removed if Accepted
How do I add Icons in The Status Message ?
Works for All versions of iChat.
This entry is supposed to inform new iChat users how to put different symbols and icons into the Available and Away Status Messages.
I have more info on my web site
Smileys
The simplest way to do this is to type one like " 🙂 " this. That is constructed with the colon and dash and a close Bracket one after the other
You will not see it at your end but it will show up as a smilie on all your Buddies lists. (it is seen at your end in iChat 4 and 5)
Note: You can see what the codes are by hovering over a smiley icon in the popup menu at the right of the chat text entry field. As you move over a smiley, the text code is listed at the bottom.
Status Messages
If you wanted to change the text style or size in the messages you can only do so in a limited way.
Unfortunately you can not change the Font style or size this way. You can add certain symbols. In the Menu Bar, at your Country's Flag icon, select Show Character Palette. Then use the various tabs and Reveal Triangles to look at all the options.
1) Click on either Available or Away select Custom from the drop down list.
2) Now go to the menu bar and select Edit.
3) Drop to Special Characters at the bottom.
4) Experiment and learn.
Close the Character Palette window before typing any further.
You can also add Symbols or Characters to the Text Chat Text Field Box by using the Menu Bar > Keyboard flag icon> Show Character Pallet option (or the Edit Menu > Special Characters or Keystrokes ⌥+⌘ +T) . The Buddy will only see any Symbol or Character you chose if you both have the same Font.
Messages using Applescript
There are a few pre-written Applescripts to change the message on a rolling basis.
Some take information from iTunes and display the song title and artist in the Status Message. This link seems to one of the most popular. (This is a Perma Link that is current as of 11/02/2010 British Date format)
Note Adding iTunes information to the Status Message was added to iChat at iChat 3
This site also list a script for calling details from iCal and displaying that information.
Spirited Away will display the icon of the App you are working in as the Buddy pic
A search in Google will lead you to others.
Happy Chatting
Version 3 (22nd June 2010)
Added new edit (less the quirky iChat 4 stuff)
Been thinking about whether to list it as iChat 4 only but decided (eventually) to take it out.
9:42 PM Tuesday; June 22, 2010
How do I add Icons in The Status Message ?
Works for All versions of iChat.
This entry is supposed to inform new iChat users how to put different symbols and icons into the Available and Away Status Messages.
I have more info on my web site
Smileys
The simplest way to do this is to type one like " 🙂 " this. That is constructed with the colon and dash and a close Bracket one after the other
You will not see it at your end but it will show up as a Smiley on all your Buddies lists. (it is seen at your end in iChat 4 and 5)
Note: Smileys can be entered as text or chosen from the icon at the end of the text entry bar of a text chat.
Status Messages
If you wanted to change the text style or size in the messages you can only do so in a limited way.
Unfortunately you can not change the Font style or size this way. You can add certain symbols. Use the various tabs to look at all the options.
1) Click on either Available or Away select Custom from the drop down list.
2) Now go to the menu bar and select Edit.
3) Drop to Special Characters at the bottom.
4) Experiment and learn.
Close the Special Characters window before typing any further.
Messages using AppleScript
There are a few pre-written AppleScripts to change the message on a rolling basis.
Some take information from iTunes and display the song title and artist in the Status Message. This link seems to one of the most popular. (This is s Perma Link that is current as of 11/02/2010 British Date format)
Note Adding iTunes information to the Status Message was added to iChat at iChat 3
This site also list a script for calling details from iCal and displayiing that information.
A search in Google will lead you to others.
You can also add Symbols to any Text Field Box by using the Menu Bar > Keyboard flag icon> Character Pallet option linked under the Flag for your Keyboard layout.
Using HTML codes for symbols
Many symbols that you can type in an every day Word Processor cannot be put into a Web page just by typing in to your Editor.
For example Apple uses the Keyboard Strokes of the ALT Key+ SHIFT and K to enter an Apple Symbol () ( have included the HTML to make sure it displays in what ever Font you are using).
It will only display after the word Symbol and not in brackets if the Font on the page has the symbol in it AND you have that Font on your computer.
Why am I talking about HTML ?
Well iChat IMs and Status Messages are sent in a HTML form.
This means you can use the Codes for a Symbol to get around the fact iChat Limits the sending of Status Messages to the font Lucida Grande.
Here is a list of Examples although these are common things that Lucida has in the Font anyway, it shows the <&#digits;> codes for the HTML Entity name as well. That's & followed &hash;, set of numbers and a semi colon
This sites lists some of the more unusual ones such as the Dingbat Font. In the preable box it has a drop down to more symbols.
Google for variations on HTML Text Entities
Others include  to get the Apple Symbol () or <⌘> for the "cloverleaf" (⌘ ) and ALT <⌥> for the symbol on the key (⌥)
The HTML codes cannot be used directly in Text Messages (IMs)
Happy Chatting
Version 3 (11th Feb 2010)
10:23 PM Thursday; February 11, 2010
I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.
Update to kichat: How to add Symbols in The Status Message? ( http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1779240) This line to removed if Accepted
How do I add Icons in The Status Message ?
Works for All versions of iChat.
This entry is supposed to inform new iChat users how to put different symbols and icons into the Available and Away Status Messages.
I have more info on my web site
Smileys
The simplest way to do this is to type one like " 🙂 " this. That is constructed with the colon and dash and a close Bracket one after the other
You will not see it at your end but it will show up as a smilie on all your Buddies lists. (it is seen at your end in iChat 4 and 5)
Note: Smileys can be entered as text or chosen from the icon at the end of the text entry bar of a text chat.
Status Messages
If you wanted to change the text style or size in the messages you can only do so in a limited way.
Unfortunately you can not change the Font style or size this way. You can add certain symbols. Use the various tabs to look at all the options.
1) Click on either Available or Away select Custom from the drop down list.
2) Now go to the menu bar and select Edit.
3) Drop to Special Characters at the bottom.
4) Experiment and learn.
Close the Special Characters window before typing any further.
Messages using Applescript
There are a few pre-written applescripts to change the message on a rolling basis.
Some take information from iTunes and display the song title and artist in the Status Message. This link seems to one of the most popular. (This is a Perma Link that is current as of 11/02/2010 British Date format)
Note Adding iTunes information to the Status Message was added to iChat at iChat 3
This site also list a script for calling details from iCal and displayiing that information.
A search in Google will lead you to others.
You can also add Symbols to any Text Field Box by using the Menu Bar > Keyboard flag icon> Character Pallet option linked under the Flag for your Keyboard layout.
Using HTML codes for symbols
Many symbols that you can type in an every day Word Processor cannot be put into a Web page just by typing in to your Editor.
For example Apple uses the Keyboard Strokes of the ALT Key+ SHIFT and K to enter an Apple Symbol ()
( have included the HTML Entity Code to make sure it displays in what ever Font you are using. The first will only display after the word "Symbol" and not in the brackets, if the Font used on the page has the symbol in it AND you have that Font on your computer).
Why am I talking about HTML ?
Well iChat IMs and Status Messages are sent in a HTML form.
This means you can use the Codes for a Symbol to get around the fact iChat Limits the sending of Status Messages to the font Lucida Grande.
Here is a list of Examples although these are common things that Lucida has in the Font anyway, it shows the <&#digits;> codes for the HTML Entity name as well. That's & followed #, set of numbers and a semi colon
This sites lists some of the more unusual ones such as found in the Dingbat Font. In the preable box it has a drop down to more symbols.
Google for variations on HTML Text Entities
Others include  to get the Apple Symbol () or ⌘ for the "cloverleaf" (⌘ ) and ⌥ for the symbol on the ALT key (⌥)
The HTML codes cannot be used directly in Text Messages (IMs)
Happy Chatting
Version 3 (11th Feb 2010)
4:43 PM Tuesday; February 16, 2010
I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.
Hi Ralph,
Some observations.
Smileys
The simplest way to do this is to type one like " 🙂 " this. That is constructed with the colon and dash and a close Bracket one after the other.
You can see what the codes are by hovering over a smiley icon in the popup menu at the right of the chat text entry field. As you move over a smiley, the text code is listed at the bottom.
You will not see it at your end but it will show up as a smilie on all your Buddies lists. (it is seen at your end in iChat 4 and 5)
Note: Smileys can be entered as text or chosen from the icon at the end of the text entry bar of a text chat.
I don't see a popup menu at the right of the Status Edit fields. If I select a smiley from the chat entry field, it doesn't put it in the Status field, but in the chat text. I can't even seem to copy and paste from the Chat text field into a Status entry field. It seems like I must type the smiley as text.
Status Messages
If you wanted to change the text style or size in the messages you can only do so in a limited way.
Unfortunately you can not change the Font style or size this way. You can add certain symbols. Use the various tabs to look at all the options. {color:red} What tabs? {color}
1) Click on either Available or Away select Custom from the drop down list.
2) Now go to the menu bar and select Edit.
3) Drop to Special Characters at the bottom.
4) Experiment and learn.
Close the Special Characters window before typing any further.
Messages using Applescript
There are a few pre-written applescripts to change the message on a rolling basis.
I haven't tested any of these. Maybe later.
You can also add Symbols to any Text Field Box by using the Menu Bar > Keyboard flag icon> Character Pallet option linked under the Flag for your Keyboard layout.
I'm assuming this means "Show Character Viewer" under the flag menu (if that is enabled). Maybe this should be under the Status Messages section above rather than the Script section. It's another way to get to the Character Pallet (Special Characters), it takes you to the same place as Edit > Special Characters.
Using HTML codes for symbols
Many symbols that you can type in an every day Word Processor cannot be put into a Web page just by typing in to your Editor.
For example Apple uses the Keyboard Strokes of the ALT Key+ SHIFT and K to enter an Apple Symbol ()( have included the HTML Entity Code to make sure it displays in what ever Font you are using. The first will only display after the word "Symbol" and not in the brackets, if the Font used on the page has the symbol in it AND you have that Font on your computer).
Why am I talking about HTML ?
Well iChat IMs and Status Messages are sent in a HTML form.
This means you can use the Codes for a Symbol to get around the fact iChat Limits the sending of Status Messages to the font Lucida Grande.
I could not get the codes to display as symbols in a Status message no matter how I tried.
Plain, with angled brackets, quotes, parenthesis, I just see the text, the codes I type. What am I missing here?
Thanks,
Nubz
Hi Nubz,
AS usual you make some very good points and show where I tend to ramble to cover everything.
I will review this by looking at the original and your comments side by side and post again.
On the last though I have this message as written
Try APPLE(or ⌘ ) ALT+PR Keys
and it displays like this
If you remove the Space after the "cloveleaf" ⌘ and before the bracket it displays as this in the Status Messages list with a Smiley
It continues to Display the required icon/Symbol in the Message even when reselected to double check.
9:29 PM Wednesday; February 24, 2010
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
Message was edited by: Ralph Johns (UK)
It's is a pain to remember where to add an extra amp; to make it read as written for posting here.
Update to kichat: How to add Symbols in The Status Message? ( http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1779240) This line to removed if Accepted
How do I add Icons in The Status Message ?
Works for All versions of iChat.
This entry is supposed to inform new iChat users how to put different symbols and icons into the Available and Away Status Messages.
I have more info on my web site
Smileys
The simplest way to do this is to type one like " 🙂 " this. That is constructed with the colon and dash and a close Bracket one after the other
You will not see it at your end but it will show up as a smilie on all your Buddies lists. (it is seen at your end in iChat 4 and 5)
Note: You can see what the codes are by hovering over a smiley icon in the popup menu at the right of the chat text entry field. As you move over a smiley, the text code is listed at the bottom.
Status Messages
If you wanted to change the text style or size in the messages you can only do so in a limited way.
Unfortunately you can not change the Font style or size this way. You can add certain symbols. In the Menu Bar, at your Country's Flag icon, select Show Character Palette. Then use the various tabs and Reveal Triangles to look at all the options.
1) Click on either Available or Away select Custom from the drop down list.
2) Now go to the menu bar and select Edit.
3) Drop to Special Characters at the bottom.
4) Experiment and learn.
Close the Character Palette window before typing any further.
You can also add Symbols or Characters to the Text Chat Text Field Box by using the Menu Bar > Keyboard flag icon> Show Character Pallet option (or the Edit Menu > Special Characters or Keystrokes ⌥+⌘ +T) . The Buddy will only see any Symbol or Character you chose if you both have the same Font.
Messages using Applescript
There are a few pre-written Applescripts to change the message on a rolling basis.
Some take information from iTunes and display the song title and artist in the Status Message. This link seems to one of the most popular. (This is a Perma Link that is current as of 11/02/2010 British Date format)
Note Adding iTunes information to the Status Message was added to iChat at iChat 3
This site also list a script for calling details from iCal and displaying that information.
Spirited Away will display the icon of the App you are working in as the Buddy pic
A search in Google will lead you to others.
Using HTML codes for symbols
Many symbols that you can type in an every day Word Processor cannot be put into a Web page just by typing in to your Editor.
For example Apple uses the Keyboard Strokes of the ALT Key (⌥)+ SHIFT and K to enter an Apple Symbol ()
( have included the HTML Entity Code to make sure it displays in what ever Font you are using. The first will only display after the word "Symbol" and not in the brackets, if the Font used on the page has the symbol in it AND you have that Font on your computer).
Why am I talking about HTML ?
Well iChat IMs and Status Messages are sent in a HTML form.
This means you can use the Codes for a Symbol to get around the fact iChat limits the sending of Status Messages to the font Lucida Grande.
Here is a list of Examples although these are common things that Lucida has in the Font anyway, it shows the <&#digits;> codes for the HTML Entity name as well. That's & followed #, set of numbers and a semi colon
This sites lists some of the more unusual ones such as found in the Dingbat Font. In the preable box it has a drop down to more symbols.
Google for variations on HTML Text Entities
Others include  to get the Apple Symbol () or ⌘ for the "cloverleaf" (⌘ ) and ⌥ for the symbol on the ALT key
The HTML codes cannot be used directly in Text Messages (IMs)
Happy Chatting
Version 3 (28th Feb 2010)
I may receive some form of compensation, financial or otherwise, from my recommendation or link.
8:40 PM Sunday; February 28, 2010
Hi Ralph,
Regarding the HTML codes for inserting symbols in your iChat status.
What version of iChat and Mac OS X are you using?
What works for me, like it does for you, is Mac OS X 10.5.8 and iChat 4.0.8.
If both Buddies have those versions, we both see the symbols correctly.
If we are using Mac OS X 10.6.2 and iChat 5.0.1, neither see the icons but we see the text codes.
If I'm on Mac OS X 10.5.8 and iChat 4.0.8 and my Buddy in on Mac OS X 10.6.2 and iChat 5.0.1, I see the symbols, she sees the text codes.
I can't test with Mac OS X 10.6.2 and iChat 4.0.8 as it says I can't run this version of iChat on this version of Mac OS X. Trying iChat 5.0.1 on Mac OS X 10.5.x it just quits on launch.
Bottom line. It seems to work with Mac OS X 10.5 but not 10.6 and the related iChat.
Is that what you see?
Thanks,
Nubz
Hi Nubz,
I do most of my work on my faithful G4/1Gz MMD Dual Processor running 10.5.8 and that was where I tested.
I had not thought that something that worked (t)here would not work (Or Even Display) differently in iChat 5 (And 5.0.1 - and presumably beyond.)
It is as you say, an quirk of iChat 4.
iChat Versions are OS specific.
That is to say that an iChat Update will come with an OS Update and will work in the 10.x.z versions until the z Update gets an iChat update included.
For instance iChat 5.0 came with Snow Leopard 10.6 and worked in 10.6.1
iChat 5.0.1 come is 10.6.2 and works only with that OS version.
I have a Panther Boot but I am without a Tiger boot at the moment.
The Pace to add looks the same ( http://www.ralphjohns.co.uk/versions/ichat2/ichat2pics/slides/iChat2BuddyListDra wer.html) but I doubt iChat 2 can do this.
I agree with the Bottom line you have discovered.
I think that bit will have to come out.
It could go in a a Blockquote "panel" as a quirk but it may be too long for a Users Tip when it only seem to work in one version.
9:20 PM Wednesday; March 3, 2010
Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
Update to kichat: How to add Symbols in The Status Message? ( http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1779240) This line to removed if Accepted
How do I add Icons in The Status Message ?
Works for All versions of iChat.
This entry is supposed to inform new iChat users how to put different symbols and icons into the Available and Away Status Messages.
I have more info on my web site
Smileys
The simplest way to do this is to type one like " 🙂 " this. That is constructed with the colon and dash and a close Bracket one after the other
You will not see it at your end but it will show up as a smilie on all your Buddies lists. (it is seen at your end in iChat 4 and 5)
Note: You can see what the codes are by hovering over a smiley icon in the popup menu at the right of the chat text entry field. As you move over a smiley, the text code is listed at the bottom.
Status Messages
If you wanted to change the text style or size in the messages you can only do so in a limited way.
Unfortunately you can not change the Font style or size this way. You can add certain symbols. In the Menu Bar, at your Country's Flag icon, select Show Character Palette. Then use the various tabs and Reveal Triangles to look at all the options.
1) Click on either Available or Away select Custom from the drop down list.
2) Now go to the menu bar and select Edit.
3) Drop to Special Characters at the bottom.
4) Experiment and learn.
Close the Character Palette window before typing any further.
You can also add Symbols or Characters to the Text Chat Text Field Box by using the Menu Bar > Keyboard flag icon> Show Character Pallet option (or the Edit Menu > Special Characters or Keystrokes ⌥+⌘ +T) . The Buddy will only see any Symbol or Character you chose if you both have the same Font.
Messages using Applescript
There are a few pre-written Applescripts to change the message on a rolling basis.
Some take information from iTunes and display the song title and artist in the Status Message. This link seems to one of the most popular. (This is a Perma Link that is current as of 11/02/2010 British Date format)
Note Adding iTunes information to the Status Message was added to iChat at iChat 3
This site also list a script for calling details from iCal and displaying that information.
Spirited Away will display the icon of the App you are working in as the Buddy pic
A search in Google will lead you to others.
Happy Chatting
Version 3 (22nd June 2010)
Added new edit (less the quirky iChat 4 stuff)
Been thinking about whether to list it as iChat 4 only but decided (eventually) to take it out.
9:42 PM Tuesday; June 22, 2010