How do you enter Unicode characters?

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Level 1

11 points

How do you enter Unicode characters?

I am trying to insert some Unicode music symbols in the text of an article. How can I do this on my late 2009 Mac.

I'm running OS Sierra 10.12.6, using Safari. I have not installed any special fonts and only have what came with the Mac originally.

I found this same question posted in 2009 which said to go to international system preferences -> input menu and check the box next to unicode hex, then switch to unicode input in the menu bar, now to enter a unicode character you hold alt and enter the hexadecimal unicode value. Is this info out of date? I can't find international system preferences.

Do I need to install a special font to use Unicode?

iMac, macOS Sierra (10.12.3), Safari

Posted on Nov 14, 2017 5:05 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

etresoft

Level 8

46,330 points

Nov 15, 2017 2:21 AM in response to janebes

Hello janesbes,

Those instructions sound like something from Windows.

On a Mac, make sure the Emojis and Symbol viewer is available. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard and check the box for "keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar". Then, choose "Show Emojis and Symbols" from the menu bar. If you click on the little gear control in the upper left corner of the window, you can choose "Customize list". There is a checkbox for musical symbols. There aren't too many to choose from and Unicode really can't convey the information, but you can print out things like this: ♬♪

Edit: Your mileage may vary. Not all symbols show up here in the web-based forums.

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Answer 2

janebes Author

Level 1

11 points

Nov 14, 2017 5:44 PM in response to etresoft

I had found the flat, sharp, and natural symbols. in emojis and symbols. The sharp works OK, but the flat leaves a big space around it that looks odd. I was hoping using Unicode would work better. I guess this is more complicated than I can tackle. I read that the font also has to be one that is Unicode-friendly. I don't know where to get new fonts. Thanks.

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Answer 3

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

115,952 points

Nov 14, 2017 6:12 PM in response to janebes

The info regarding the Unicode hex keyboard is still valid, just the names of preferences have changed, it is now found in system prefs/keyboard/input sources.

But the character viewer is much easier.

All fonts these days are Unicode . Try downloading the font Symbola, it may have more of what you need.

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Answer 4

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

115,952 points

Nov 15, 2017 2:20 AM in response to janebes

PS My character viewer Musical Symbols with Symbola added

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