Symbols using the keyboard
 

In previous versions of Excel there were ALT + functions that allowed the
insertion of symbols using only the keyboard rather than a dropdown box.
Does anyone know if these are still in place and if so, how I might get a
listing of the necessary numbers, etc. to make use of these?

Lindsay

Still available, using Alt+[number] from the numeric keypad. I use the
symbol viewer via StartAccessoriesSystem Tools and look in the corner
after selecting the character, but you could do it this way.

Enter a 1 in cell A1 and copy a series down to Cell A256 so you have 1-256
in column A. Now in B1 enter =CHAR(A1) and copy down. You should get the
characters in the cells now. (0-32 are control characters and show as
squares)

Now if you hold the Alt key down and type on the numeric keypad 0 and then
the number next to the character you want and release both keys together you
should find it shows the character.

--
HTH
Nick Hodge
Microsoft MVP - Excel
Southampton, England
HIS


"Lindsay" wrote in message
...
In previous versions of Excel there were ALT + functions that allowed the
insertion of symbols using only the keyboard rather than a dropdown box.
Does anyone know if these are still in place and if so, how I might get a
listing of the necessary numbers, etc. to make use of these?

Lindsay

You can still use the ALT + number to get symbols.

For a list of them run Windows Charmap.exe

Jon Peltier had a downloadable workbook named ascii.xls at his site but I
can't find it there today.

Listed all the numbers with selectable fonts.

I have a copy I could send to your email if you wish. 100k size.

Gord Dibben Excel MVP

On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 11:47:01 -0800, "Lindsay"
wrote:

In previous versions of Excel there were ALT + functions that allowed the
insertion of symbols using only the keyboard rather than a dropdown box.
Does anyone know if these are still in place and if so, how I might get a
listing of the necessary numbers, etc. to make use of these?

In xl2002 and above, you could use Insert|symbol

In earlier versions, you could use Chip Pearson's addin:
http://www.cpearson.com/excel/download.htm
(look for Symbolizer and make sure you get the correct version)

And you didn't ask, but if you need to know what's in the cell, get another nice
addin from Chip:
http://www.cpearson.com/excel/CellView.htm

After you insert a symbol a few 100 times, you'll have it memorized and can skip
the addin/option.


Lindsay wrote:

In previous versions of Excel there were ALT + functions that allowed the
insertion of symbols using only the keyboard rather than a dropdown box.
Does anyone know if these are still in place and if so, how I might get a
listing of the necessary numbers, etc. to make use of these?

--

Dave Peterson

I guess Lindsay could use a bunch of shortcut keys to reach all those options,
but seems to me that ALT + number is a lot less work for someone "using only
the keyboard".

Gord

On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 18:24:08 -0600, Dave Peterson
wrote:

In xl2002 and above, you could use Insert|symbol

In earlier versions, you could use Chip Pearson's addin:
http://www.cpearson.com/excel/download.htm
(look for Symbolizer and make sure you get the correct version)

And you didn't ask, but if you need to know what's in the cell, get another nice
addin from Chip:
http://www.cpearson.com/excel/CellView.htm

After you insert a symbol a few 100 times, you'll have it memorized and can skip
the addin/option.


Lindsay wrote:

In previous versions of Excel there were ALT + functions that allowed the
insertion of symbols using only the keyboard rather than a dropdown box.
Does anyone know if these are still in place and if so, how I might get a
listing of the necessary numbers, etc. to make use of these?

I figured that Lindsay could use the mouse until he (she?) learned what the
alt-codes were. Then have the best of both worlds.

And one way to get to the CharMap.exe program.
Flying window r (if your keyboard has that flying window)
and type
charmap
and hit enter.



Gord Dibben wrote:

I guess Lindsay could use a bunch of shortcut keys to reach all those options,
but seems to me that ALT + number is a lot less work for someone "using only
the keyboard".

Gord

On Mon, 13 Dec 2004 18:24:08 -0600, Dave Peterson
wrote:

In xl2002 and above, you could use Insert|symbol

In earlier versions, you could use Chip Pearson's addin:
http://www.cpearson.com/excel/download.htm
(look for Symbolizer and make sure you get the correct version)

And you didn't ask, but if you need to know what's in the cell, get another nice
addin from Chip:
http://www.cpearson.com/excel/CellView.htm

After you insert a symbol a few 100 times, you'll have it memorized and can skip
the addin/option.


Lindsay wrote:

In previous versions of Excel there were ALT + functions that allowed the
insertion of symbols using only the keyboard rather than a dropdown box.
Does anyone know if these are still in place and if so, how I might get a
listing of the necessary numbers, etc. to make use of these?

--

Dave Peterson