My Alt Code Favorites ♥

I like ALT codes. I have my favorites. I'm sharing them today because a number of you have asked. A Google Search of ALT Codes will take you to many sites where you can print off a sheet for reference. My list works for PCs and you can Google for those that work with Macs.

Here are the ones I often use:

Alt 0233 = é — This comes in very handy for a gal who has a cat named Fioré.

Alt 14 = ♫ —  Makes a cute little bullet for a bullet list

Alt 13 = ♪ — Ditto

Alt 1 = ☺— instead of =D ( An equal sign with a capital D; I like them both.)

Alt 3 = ♥ — very sweet and if you use the colors offered, even sweeter ♥♥♥

Cooking Measurement Alts:

Alt 171 = ½ —  Cute, eh? Much better than 1/2

Alt 0190 = ¾

Alt 0188 = ¼

(I've had trouble getting other fractions to work. It's unfortunate because I'd really like the one-third fraction to be part of my collection. Edited to Add: ⅓ Hahahhahaha...one way or the other. The code is Alt 8531, which doesn't always work for me. It worked in my Office program, though, so I copied and pasted.)

Alt 0176 = ° — as in  Bake at 350°F

Alt 155 = ¢ — So much nicer sometimes than to spell out "cents."

So there you have it. Almost. May I fill you in on dashes?

There are three kinds of dashes: a regular dash, an en dash, and an em dash.

Wait! Where are you going? Come on back. I see your eyes glazing over. As a matter of fact, I know that look very well; I have worn it myself from time to time.

All three dashes are found in special symbols in any word processing program, but what about using Alt symbols for them so they can easily be used in blog writing?

- a regular dash found between the 0 and the +  = keys on the top row of a standard keyboard. It is used when both words are considered equal. For example: It was a top-heavy buffet. Top and heavy are equal in value, one is not more significant than the other, hence the use of the dash to connect them in this adjective describing buffet.

– an en dash is about twice the width of a regular dash and should be used as one would use the word "through." For example: The fair will be October 1 – 7. October 1 - 7 is incorrect. Do you care? Probably not, though it looks so nice when properly done.

— and an em dash, which is about three times the width of a regular dash and used as an arrow.You may note that that it is how I used them in my Alt list, a way to "arrow" from the symbol to my explanation. It is used for extra emphasis. For example: And in his hand he held — my heart. (Okay, that 's just freaky, but you get my point. You do get my point — right? )

Alt 0150= – (an en dash) 

Alt 0151 = — (an em dash) 

So that's it. Some of you will love it; some of you need a break from class. =D Do you use Alt Codes? Know any good ones?

ツ

P.S. I forgot an important thing. You PC users must press and hold the Alt key while typing in the number codes. Practice once and you'll be hooked! (Keep holding, it may be slightly delayed.)