How to Type French Accents on Your Computer
PC users:
How to Type French Accents on a PC
Modified from https://www.fluentu.com/blog/french/type-french-accents/
Part 1
- Hold the control [ctrl] key down while you make the first stroke. Nothing will appear on your document.
- Now release ctrl and hit the letter that needs the accent. Voilà!
| Accent | Keyboard Strokes | Note |
| l’accent aigü
Use the apostrophe key.
|
é = ‘ then e | É
Use the shift key when you hit the e to get a capital letter. |
| l’accent grave
Use the ` key near the top, at the far left. |
à = ` then a | À
Again, use the shift key when you hit the a for a capital letter. |
| è = ` then e | Same | |
| ù = ` then u | Same | |
| la cédille
Use the comma key. |
ç = , then c | Same |
Part 2
- For these accents, hold the control [ctrl] key and the shift key down while you make the first stoke. Nothing will appear on your document.
- Now release them and hit the letter that needs the accent. Voilà!
| Accent | Keyboard Strokes | Note |
| l’accent circonflexe
Use the 6 key. You see ^ above the 6; that’s why you hold both ctrl + shift to get this accent. |
â = ^ then a | Â
You can easily make capitals for these letters/accents as well. Just hold the shift key when you type the letter you want. |
| ê = ^ then e | ||
| î = ^ then i | ||
| ô = ^ then o | ||
| û = ^ then u | ||
| le tréma
Use the colon key. |
ë = : then e | Same |
| ï = : then i | ||
| ü = : then u | ||
| “l’e dans l’o”
Use the 7 key. You see & above the 7; hold both ctrl + shift to get this exotic letter (which doesn’t show up that often, fyi). |
œ = & then o | Same |
How to Type French Accents on a Mac
- Hold the alt key down while you make the first stroke. Nothing will appear on your document.
- Now release ctrl and hit the letter that needs the accent. Voilà!
| Accent | Keyboard Strokes | Note | |
| l’accent aigü
Use the e key.
|
é = e then e | É
Use the shift key when you hit the e to get a capital letter. |
|
| l’accent grave
Use the ` key near the top, at the far left. |
à = ` then a | À
Again, use the shift key when you hit the a for a capital letter. |
|
| è = ` then e | Same | ||
| ù = ` then u | Same | ||
| la cédille
Use the c key. |
ç = c then c | Same | |
| l’accent circonflexe
Use the i key. |
â = i then a | Â
You can easily make capitals for these letters/accents as well. Just hold the shift key when you type the letter you want. |
|
| ê = i then e | |||
| î = i then i | |||
| ô = i then o | |||
| û = i then u | |||
| le tréma
Use the u key |
ë = u then e | Same | |
| ï = u then i | |||
| ü = u then u | |||
| “l’e dans l’o”
Use the q key. |
œ = q then o | Same | |
Mac users:
When all else fails, in Word, PowerPoint, and Google Docs:
Go to the “insert” tab and choose “symbol.” The letter/accent you want will be there!
Typing French Accents on Your Keyboard- PC / Mac
How to Type French Accents on a Phone:
Touch the letter key and keep your finger there lightly. You’ll get choices for the letter, each with different accents. Move your finger to the one you want and release.
Tutorial based on document and videos shared via Salt Lake Community College Canvas Course.
