How can I enable Compose key?

Question

I had a Compose Key set to right Super (a.k.a. Windows) key using Gnome keybindings. After upgrading, I seem to have lost the Compose Key function. Where can I enable Compose Key? I can't find any option under System Settings > Keyboard.

Answer 1

In Ubuntu 12.04 and before, go to Keyboard Layout in System Settings, then hit the Options button on the lower right. You will see one called Compose key position, where you can set it to Right Win (i.e. right Super).

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In Ubuntu 16.04 and 14.04 go to Keyboard within the System Settings. Select the Shortcuts tab, then Typing from the list at left. Clicking to the right of the Compose Key setting will bring up a menu of different options.

Note that the only options are Right Alt, Right Ctrl, Right Win, Left Alt, Menu, and Caps Lock. If you wish to set it to a key not listed, see this answer.

Answer 2

In Ubuntu 13.10

In Keyboard settings window, under Shortcuts -> Typing set Compose key to Right Alt (or other).

Answer 3

In Ubuntu 12.04 LTS:

1. Select System Settings... from system menu;

2. Select Keyboard;

3. Under the tab labelled Typing click Layout Settings;

4. In keyboard layout window, click Options... button;

5. Finally in the Keyboard Layout Options window select Key(s) to change layout and mark the binding of your choice. (I use Shift + CapsLock to toggle the layout.)

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Useful link:

• How can I type accentuated characters like ë? alt. How to use compose keys?

Summary:

Using compose key:

• For ë you press Compose followed by " then e keys.

  (..here you'd have to remember the two character combination)

Using hexadecimal Unicode character code point:

• Press (and release) Shift+Ctrl+U, then, while underlined u is displayed, enter the hexadecimal Unicode character code point followed by Return or Space.

  e.g. Ctrl+Shift+u followed by 2 6 3 b and then Return or Space for ☻ .

  (..so this one would require you to remember the Unicode number)

Answer 4

In order to set up the Compose key you must go to (setting -> keyboard -> layout settings -> keyboard settings -> then go to the typing tab -> press and hold the Compose Key setting -> move you mouse down to select the key you want to assign Compose to.