Question

On Linux, the Compose key is a great way to enter many symbols. E.g.

• m-dash — by pressing Compose then ---
• ö by pressing Compose then :o
• Euro € by pressing Compose then C=

(The Compose key function can be assigned to various keyboard keys, such as right/left Alt, right/left Windows key.)

I really miss the Compose key when using Windows. I've looked but so far haven't found any way to get equivalent Compose key functionality on Windows. Does anyone know of how to do it?

Answer 1

There are a couple of utilities to emulate the Unix-a-like key composition chords under windows. Allchars is one, which is also F+OSS, though I've not actually tried it myself yet (it is one of the many utilities in my "to try later" bookmark folder).

Answer 2

On Windows, AllChars should do what you want. I have been using it for the exact purpose you describe for almost a year now.

Caveat: If you install AllChars and your keyboard starts to behave weirdly, try one of the other versions they offer, possibly the alpha/beta. They all seem to have different issues with the different versions of Windows out there. But one of them should work with whatever you use.

Answer 3

If I understand what the Compose key does in Linux, the Windows equivilant is to press Alt Gr along with a key such as A to produce á or Á, E to produce é or É etc.

You can also hold down the left Alt key along with a number code on the numerical keyboard which will produce many symbols such as

Alt+1 = ☺

Alt+2 = ☻

Alt+3 = ♥

Alt+4 = ♦

Alt+5 = ♣

Alt+6 = ♠

Alt+7 = •

Alt+8 = ◘

Alt+9 = ○

Alt+1,0 = ◙

There are thousands and after a quick look, I cannot find a complete list - I have found this guide that looks good - (and found it from this link) however there are many and you may find better.

Also, You can go in to Character map (either through Accessories or Run > "Charmap"), and click on a symbol and see what it's shortcut keystroke is - (it is not available for everything).

Answer 4

Accent Composer looks promising, and I hope to try it some time.

Update:
Actually AllChars seems to do what I need (despite the web site saying it doesn't; I guess the web site's info is out-of-date compared to the latest version), and it's free. So I won't bother with Accent Composer.