How to type «special characters» – and ALT-codes without the numpad

I'm used to typing some special characters using the ALT-key + the numbers on my keyboards numpad. A while ago I switched to a keyboard without a numpad, and I had to figure out how to live without it!

Examples

• If I type «quotes like this», I start them with ALT + 0171 and end them with ALT + 0187.
• If I want a long dash like this – instead of the short like this -, i type ALT + 0150.

These are the decimal Unicode representation of the characters.

To type these without a numpad, I install AutoHotkey, and create the following script.

<!1::Numpad1
<!2::Numpad2
<!3::Numpad3
<!4::Numpad4
<!5::Numpad5
<!6::Numpad6
<!7::Numpad7
<!8::Numpad8
<!9::Numpad9
<!0::Numpad0

This will let me use my normal number keys as my numpad, and type special characters like I used to while holding down the left ALT key.

Also, with AutoHotkey I don't even have to remember those Unicode numbers, I can add this to my script.

^8::Send {U+AB}
^9::Send {U+BB}
^-::Send {U+2013}

I can now type «quotes» with CTRL + 8 and CTRL + 9 – and the long dash (–) with CTRL + - (short dash).

 

That's it!