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18

On Windows, the key combination Alt + 2+ 5+ 5 creates a blank space. How can I achieve this on Ubuntu?

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As this is a lot more cumbersome under Linux than on Windows: Is there a table? – empedokles Apr 23 '15 at 10:21
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@empedokles I always use unicode-table.com, but the Character Map application also shows the unicode value of the selected character in the status bar. – mjumbewu Sep 18 '16 at 12:22
up vote 35 down vote

When you type Alt + numbers in Windows, you are actually typing Alt + character's ASCII code.

To achieve the same in Ubuntu, you must type Ctrl + Shift + character in Unicode hexadecimal value.

Example 1:

  • Alt + 255 on Windows creates a non-breaking space (ASCII 255)
  • This character in Unicode is U+00A0
  • On Ubuntu, type it as Ctrl + Shift + U then 00A0

Example 2:

  • Alt + 173 on Windows creates an inverted exclamation mark (ASCII 173)
  • This character in Unicode is U+00A1
  • On Ubuntu, type it as Ctrl + Shift + U then 00A1
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I also would like to know the unicode code for windows alt+173 in ubuntu. – Valladao Dec 17 '11 at 5:33
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You don't need to hold Ctrl-Shift for the whole number, you can release them after the "u", and add a space at end of code. – enzotib Dec 17 '11 at 6:58
    
@Valladao, I updated my answer to better explain how to type these characters in general, and I included both 173 and 255 as examples. – Michael Martin-Smucker Dec 17 '11 at 15:13
    
@enzotib nice to know I can let go of those keys and actually type with my left hand. :) – Michael Martin-Smucker Dec 17 '11 at 15:13
    
it may be important to note, that this won't work if your caps are locked – JorgeArtware Aug 11 '14 at 0:10
up vote 13 down vote

Another way — «Compose key»

A compose key, available on some computer keyboards, is a special kind of modifier key designated to signal the software to interpret the following (usually two) keystrokes as a combination in order to produce a character not found directly on the keyboard. For example, striking Compose followed by O and then C can produce the symbol ©, the copyright symbol). wikipedia.org

  • ENABLE [Ubuntu 13.04]: System settings... → Keyboard → Layout settings → Options → «Compose key position» and set it, for example, on «Menu» (key between right ALT and CTRL).

  • DO: Hold key «Menu» and push «Space» 2 times. Should get 1 non-breaking space: « ».

Here more Linux compose key sequences: hermit.org

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FWIW, in 14.04 the compose setting is under System settings -> keyboard -> shortcuts -> typing -> compose key – Mark McDonald Feb 16 '15 at 3:12
    
Compose key is neat! I now found a good replacement for the CapsLock key and am able to easily insert the various symbols that I used to struggle with earlier. – eshwar Nov 23 '15 at 6:46
    
Sadly you can't bind compose cay anyway (Win key), but place it on Caps lock is maybe even better! I hate accidentally caps lock key pressing :) – iiic Jul 3 '17 at 13:23

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