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The term '''Alt codes''' is used to refer to a number of [[Unicode]] [[Input method editor|input methods]] that allow characters to be entered by typing a character's code point in concert with the [[Alt key]].
'''Alt codes''' allow you to enter characters by their code point (Computer do not store text as graphics, but in numerical format). Characters are stored on your computer as numbers; each letter or symbol is represented by a number. To make sure that text looks the same on all computers, there is a standard called [[Unicode]] that defines which numbers are mapped to which characters. Due to the number of alphabets in the world, Unicode defines tens of thousands of characters. Alternatives such as [http://quickkeydotnet.sourceforge.net/ Quick Key] allow you to insert characters without memorizing these codes.
== Early limitations ==
Most English characters are located in the first 128 characters. Everything you see on your keyboard is mashed in there. Uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols, and control keys. Originally, it seems, there were only 7 bits available per letter. Then there were 8, and the next 128 characters were used for accents and such. Finally, we got 16, and even 32. For more information, see [[UTF-8]].
== Usage ==
When* youIn hold[[Microsoft Windows]], Alt codes are entered by holding down the ''Alt'' key and typetyping a number on the [[numeric pad on the keyboard, a character appears,keypad]]; see [[Windows Alt keycodes]]. [[Num lock]] must be turned on to prevent the cursor actions happening in addition to the alt-keycode character. Note that this only works with a selection of Microsoft software.
* A variant of alt codes are alt-X codes; in WordPad and [[Microsoft Word]] 2002/2003 for Windows the keystroke <code>Alt + x</code> will convert a hexadecimal number to the corresponding character; see [[Unicode#Input methods|Unicode input methods]]. Cardbox Software has created a [http://www.cardbox.com/quick/download.htm Utility] that supposedly enables alt-X codes throughout Windows.
* The [[Linux]] [[console]] supports Alt codes using the same method as with Windows.
== ModernOther input methods == ▼A variant of alt codes are alt-X codes. Unlike alt codes, which require a decimal code point, Alt-X codes work with [[hexadecimal]] numbers. After you type in the hexadecimal value for a character, press Alt and the X key simultaneously to convert the code into a character, and vice versa. Cardbox Software has created a [http://www.cardbox.com/quick/download.htm Utility] that supposedly enables alt codes across all applications.
▲== Modern input methods ==
*Entering characters with a utility like [http://quickkeydotnet.sourceforge.net/ Quick Key] is much preferable to memorizing alt codes, although Quick Key also excels as an alt code reference. Proprietary alternatives include [http://www.ergonis.com/products/popchar/ PopChar] and [http://www.frkeys.com/ FrKeys].
*For heavy usage that justifies relearning key positions, a new [[Keyboard Layout]] is recommended.
== See also ==
*[[Unicode]]
*[[UTF-8]]
*[[Keyboard Layout]]
*[[Input Method Editor]]
== Utilities ==
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