The fastest way to type é, è, ê, or ë

The method depends on what device you're using. On Windows, hold Alt and type a number code on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Option and press E, then the letter E. On iPhone or Android, press and hold the E key until a menu appears with accented versions. Each method takes about two seconds once you know the steps.

If you type accented letters often, it's worth learning the keyboard shortcut for your device rather than hunting through menus every time. The shortcuts are the same each time you use them, so they become automatic quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0233 (for é), 0232 (for è), 0234 (for ê), or 0235 (for ë) on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
  • Mac users hold Option and press E once, then press E again to get é; holding Shift with Option-E gives other accented versions.
  • iPhone and Android users press and hold the E key to see a popup menu of accented options, then tap the one they need.
  • If your keyboard doesn't have a numeric keypad, Windows offers a Character Map tool where you can search for and copy accented letters.

Windows: Using Alt codes

Windows has a built-in system called Alt codes that lets you type special characters by holding Alt and typing numbers on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of most keyboards). Each accented letter has its own code.

Here are the codes for E with accents:

  • é (e with acute accent): Alt + 0233
  • è (e with grave accent): Alt + 0232
  • ê (e with circumflex): Alt + 0234
  • ë (e with diaeresis): Alt + 0235

To type one, hold down the Alt key, type the four-digit number on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The accented letter will appear where your cursor is. This works in most programs including Word, email, web browsers, and text editors.

If your keyboard doesn't have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), use the Character Map tool instead. Press the Windows key, type "Character Map," and open it. Search for the accented letter you need, click it, click Copy, then paste it where you want it.

Mac: Using the Option key

On Mac, hold the Option key (also called Alt on some keyboards) and press E, then immediately press E again. This produces é. The first Option-E press activates the accent mode; the second E press applies the accent to that letter.

To get other accented E versions on Mac, use Option-E followed by a different key:

  • é: Option + E, then E
  • è: Option + ` (backtick), then E
  • ê: Option + I, then E
  • ë: Option + U, then E

This method works in any Mac application. If you find yourself typing accented letters regularly, you can also add a new keyboard layout in System Settings under Keyboard, which gives you permanent access to accented characters without memorizing codes.

iPhone and iPad: Using the long-press menu

On iPhone or iPad, open any app where you can type (Notes, Mail, Messages, web browser). Tap the E key on the keyboard and hold your finger on it for about one second. A popup menu will appear showing E and several accented versions: é, è, ê, ë.

Slide your finger to the accented version you want and release. The accented letter will be inserted at your cursor. This method is the same for any letter that has accented versions — just press and hold the letter key.

Android: Using the long-press menu

Android works the same way as iPhone. Open any app where you can type, press and hold the E key on the keyboard, and a menu of accented options will pop up. Tap the version you want (é, è, ê, or ë) and it will be inserted.

Some Android keyboards show the accented options as a popup above the key; others show them as a row of choices. Either way, tap the letter you need and it appears in your text.

Chromebook: Using the search key

Chromebooks don't have a traditional Alt key, so Alt codes don't work. Instead, press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type the Unicode code for the letter, then press Space or Enter. For é, you would press Ctrl + Shift + U, type E9, then press Space.

The Unicode codes for accented E are: E9 (é), E8 (è), EA (ê), and EB (ë). This method works in most Chromebook apps and web pages. If you type accented letters often on a Chromebook, adding a different keyboard layout in Settings is faster than using Unicode codes each time.

Copying and pasting accented letters

If you can't remember the keyboard shortcut, the simplest method is to type the accented letter once using any method above, then copy it. The next time you need it, paste it instead of typing it again. This works on every device and in every program.

You can also keep a document open with all the accented letters you use most often, then copy from that document whenever you need one. This is slower than learning the keyboard shortcut, but it requires no memorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Alt + 0233 work on my Windows laptop?

Your laptop keyboard probably doesn't have a numeric keypad. Use the Character Map tool instead: press Windows key, type "Character Map," open it, search for the accented letter, click it, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. This works on any Windows device.

Can I set up a permanent keyboard shortcut for accented letters?

Yes. On Mac, go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text, then click the + button and create a new shortcut. On Windows, you can add a different keyboard layout (like French or Spanish) in Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region, which gives you access to accented letters without Alt codes. On Chromebook, add a different keyboard layout in Settings > Languages and Input.

What if I only need accented letters once in a while?

The long-press menu on iPhone and Android is the fastest for occasional use. On Windows or Mac, copying and pasting a letter you've already typed is simpler than memorizing codes. Save the accented letter in a note or document so you can paste it the next time you need it.

Do these methods work in all programs?

Alt codes, Option key shortcuts, and long-press menus work in almost all programs — email, word processors, web browsers, text editors, and messaging apps. The only exceptions are some older or specialized software. If a method doesn't work in one program, try copying and pasting instead.

Is there a way to type accented letters without memorizing codes?

Yes. On any device, you can add a keyboard layout for a language that uses accented letters (French, Spanish, Portuguese, etc.). Once added, you can switch to that layout when you need accented letters, and the keys will be labeled for those characters. This takes longer to set up but requires no memorization once it's done.