How to Input Unicode/Emoji

Microsoft Windows 10

Insert Emoji

Press ❖ Window+. to open emoji panel.

Character Map

Press ❖ Window then type charmap to open the character map panel.

To insert Unicode by hexadecimal

Suppose we want to insert this character:

• 😂
• name: FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY
• codepoint in decimal: 128514
• codepoint in hexadecimal: 1f602

1. Type the hexadecimal number. For example, type 1f602
2. Press Alt+x

This works in WordPad, Microsoft word. Does not work in Notepad.

To launch WordPad, press ❖ Window key, then type wordpad

To Insert Unicode by Decimal

1. Press and hold Alt
2. Type the decimal number in the number pad. For example, type 128514.
3. Release Alt

Note: you must have NumLock on.

Mac

Press ⌘ command+Ctrl+Space to bring up the Characters palette

You can hold ⌥ option key and press a letter/digit key to insert some unicode/math symbols.

You can also create your own keyboard layout to insert emoji/symbols you use often.

[see macOS: Create Custom Keyboard Layout]

Linux

How to input unicode depends on your desktop or application.

In Gnome, Press Ctrl+Shift+U, then type the hexadecimal digits, then press Enter.

In LibreOffice 5.1 or later, type the hexadecimal then press Alt+x

Emacs

In emacs, Alt+x insert-char, then type the hexadecimal.

Emacs can also insert by decimal, by name, or setup keyboard shortcuts to insert frequently used ones.

[see Emacs: Unicode Tutorial]