Making the accent aigu (é) on a PC keyboard can seem like a bit of a mystery if you're not used to typing in different languages. But fear not, future multilingual typist! This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods, ensuring you can confidently add that stylish little dash to your text.
Mastering the Accent Aigu: A Step-by-Step Guide for Your PC Keyboard
Ready to add a touch of French elegance to your writing? Let's dive in!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Elevate Your Typing Skills?
Before we begin our journey into the wonderful world of diacritics, let's make sure you're ready! Do you ever find yourself needing to type words like "café," "résumé," or "cliché"? If so, then mastering the accent aigu is definitely for you! It's not just about typing foreign words, either; sometimes, even English words borrow from other languages, making this a truly useful skill. Let's get started and make your keyboard a powerhouse of linguistic versatility!
Step 2: The Quick and Easy Alt Code Method (For Numeric Keypads)
This is often the go-to method for many PC users, especially if you have a full-sized keyboard with a dedicated numeric keypad.
2.1: Locating Your Numeric Keypad
Look to the right side of your keyboard. You should see a block of numbers, typically arranged like a calculator. This is your numeric keypad. Ensure that "Num Lock" is enabled. You'll usually see a small light on your keyboard indicating this. If not, press the "Num Lock" key once.
2.2: The Magic Combination
To create the accent aigu (é), follow these precise steps:
Press and hold down the
Altkey. This is usually located to the left of your spacebar.While holding
Alt, type130on your numeric keypad. Do not use the numbers above your letter keys; it must be the numeric keypad.Release the
Altkey. Voila! An "é" should appear.
2.3: Troubleshooting the Alt Code Method
Nothing happens? Double-check that Num Lock is on.
A different character appears? You might be using the top row of numbers instead of the numeric keypad.
Still no luck? Your keyboard might not be configured for this method, or you're using a laptop without a dedicated numeric keypad (we'll cover solutions for that next!).
Step 3: Enabling International Keyboards (The Most Versatile Method)
This method gives you much more flexibility for typing various accented characters and is highly recommended for anyone who frequently types in multiple languages or needs a wider range of special characters.
3.1: Accessing Language Settings in Windows
The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your Windows version (Windows 10, 11, etc.), but the general path is similar.
3.1.1: For Windows 10/11
Click the Start button (the Windows icon).
Go to Settings (the gear icon).
Click on Time & Language.
In the left pane, select Language & Region (or just Language in older versions).
Under "Preferred languages," click Add a language.
3.1.2: Choosing Your International Keyboard
In the "Add a language" window, search for "United States-International" or "French (France)" or "French (Canada)". The "United States-International" keyboard is often the most convenient as it allows you to keep your familiar QWERTY layout while adding accent capabilities.
Select your chosen language/keyboard and click Next.
Make sure the "Install language pack" and "Text-to-speech" (if desired) boxes are checked. Crucially, ensure "Set as my Windows display language" is NOT checked unless you actually want to change your entire Windows interface language.
Click Install.
3.2: Switching Between Keyboards
Once the language pack is installed, you'll need to switch to it when you want to type accented characters.
3.2.1: Using the Language Bar
Look for a small icon in your taskbar, usually near the clock, that indicates your current keyboard layout (e.g., "ENG" for English, or "FRA" for French).
Click on this icon, and a list of your installed keyboards will appear. Select the "United States-International" or desired French keyboard.
3.2.2: Keyboard Shortcut (Faster Switching)
The quickest way to switch is often by pressing
Alt + Shift(left Alt + left Shift) simultaneously. Keep pressing this combination to cycle through your installed keyboards.Alternatively, pressing
Windows key + Spacebarwill also cycle through your language layouts.
3.3: Typing with the United States-International Keyboard
This is where the magic happens! The US-International keyboard uses "dead keys" – keys that don't produce a character immediately but modify the next character you type.
To type é:
Press the
'(apostrophe) key once. It won't appear immediately.Then, press the
ekey.The "é" will now appear!
Pro Tip: This method works for other accents too!
To get à, è, ù: Press
`(grave accent, usually above Tab) then a, e, or u.To get ç: Press
,(comma) then c.To get ô, â, ê, î, û: Press
^(caret, Shift+6) then o, a, e, i, or u.To get ë, ï, ü: Press
"(quotation mark, Shift+') then e, i, or u.
What if I need an actual apostrophe or quotation mark? If you need to type the actual dead key character (like a single apostrophe or a quotation mark), simply press the dead key followed by the spacebar. For example,
'thenSpacebarwill give you a single apostrophe.
Step 4: Character Map (The Backup Plan)
The Character Map is a built-in Windows utility that allows you to find and insert virtually any character available in a font. It's not the fastest method for frequent use, but it's a lifesaver if you're stuck.
4.1: Opening the Character Map
Click the Start button.
Type "Character Map" in the search bar and press Enter.
4.2: Finding and Inserting 'é'
In the Character Map window, ensure "Font" is set to a common font like "Arial" or "Times New Roman" (these fonts typically contain a wide range of characters).
You can scroll through the characters until you find 'é'. It's usually in the Latin Extended-A or Latin-1 Supplement subset.
Alternatively, check the "Advanced view" box. In the "Search for:" field, type "e with acute" and press Enter.
Once you locate 'é', click on it, then click Select, and then click Copy.
Now, go to your document or text field and press
Ctrl + Vto paste the character.
Step 5: Third-Party Tools (For Advanced Users or Specific Needs)
While the built-in Windows methods are usually sufficient, some users might prefer third-party solutions for specific reasons (e.g., custom hotkeys, more extensive character sets, or integration with specific software).
5.1: Autohotkey
Autohotkey is a powerful, free, open-source scripting utility for Windows that allows you to create custom hotkeys, macros, and automation scripts. You could, for example, set up a script where pressing
Ctrl + eautomatically inserts 'é'. This requires some basic scripting knowledge but offers unparalleled customization.
5.2: Special Character Software
There are various specialized software programs designed for inserting special characters, sometimes with more intuitive interfaces or broader character support than the built-in Character Map. A quick online search for "special character keyboard software" will reveal options, but always download from reputable sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Making Accent Aigu (é)
How to make accent aigu on a laptop without a numeric keypad?
You have two primary options: enable the United States-International keyboard layout (recommended) and use the apostrophe (') key followed by e, or use the Character Map utility to copy and paste the character.
How to type 'é' in Microsoft Word specifically?
In Microsoft Word, besides the general Windows methods (Alt codes, US-International keyboard), you can also use Ctrl + ' (apostrophe) then e. This is a dedicated Word shortcut that works regardless of your Windows keyboard settings.
How to switch between keyboard languages quickly?
You can quickly switch between installed keyboard layouts by pressing Alt + Shift (left Alt + left Shift) or Windows key + Spacebar.
How to make other French accents like 'à', 'ç', 'ù'?
With the United States-International keyboard enabled:
à,è,ù: Press`(grave accent, usually above Tab) then a, e, or u.ç: Press,(comma) then c.ô,â,ê,î,û: Press^(caret, Shift+6) then o, a, e, i, or u.ë,ï,ü: Press"(quotation mark, Shift+') then e, i, or u.
How to tell if Num Lock is on?
Most keyboards have a small LED indicator light, often labeled "Num Lock" or with a number pad icon, that illuminates when Num Lock is active. If your keyboard doesn't have an indicator, try pressing the Num Lock key once and then typing a number on the numeric keypad to see if it works.
How to revert to my standard English keyboard?
Simply use the Alt + Shift or Windows key + Spacebar shortcut to cycle back to your original "English (United States)" or preferred English keyboard layout, or click the language icon in the taskbar and select it.
How to remove an installed language keyboard layout from Windows?
Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region (or Language). Under "Preferred languages," click the three dots next to the language you wish to remove and select "Remove."
How to find the Alt codes for other special characters?
You can use the Character Map utility. When you select a character, its Alt code (if one exists) will often be displayed in the bottom right corner of the Character Map window. Websites like "Alt Codes List" are also excellent resources.
How to use the on-screen keyboard to type 'é'?
Search for "On-Screen Keyboard" in the Windows Start menu. When it appears, click on the "Options" button and ensure "Turn on numeric keypad" is checked to use Alt codes, or select the "United States-International" keyboard layout (if enabled) and use the dead key method.
How to practice typing the accent aigu to become faster?
The best way is consistent practice! Try typing out French words or sentences that frequently use 'é', such as "café," "résumé," "école," "préférer," "santé," and "liberté." The more you use the method you choose, the faster and more natural it will become.