On a computer keyboard, in addition to finding letters and numbers, there are also keys to which no symbol is represented, but which have multiple assignments. However, to access these characters, it is necessary to simultaneously press the Alt Gr key. Indeed, the latter allows you to enter these special characters. In our article, we will find out why the Alt key is called Alt Gr. Then we will see what this key is for and the different characters and symbols that can be obtained with this key by combining it with other keys. of the keyboard.
The Alt Gr key: why is it called Alt Gr?
"Alt Gr" or "Alt graph" is the abbreviation of Alternate graphic or alternative graphic. It is an Alternate key that was originally introduced as a way to produce semi-characters for box drawing. Today, it mainly allows quick access to various special characters, replacement characters. Indeed, it makes it possible to obtain the third character which is located on certain keys of the keyboard. Moreover, on a French keyboard, the Alt Gr key is at the very bottom of the keyboard, to the right of the space bar. It provides access to certain rare graphic symbols such as @, €, ¤,}, ©…. It should be noted that on another keyboard and depending on the country, the symbols given by Alt Gr may be different.
This key is also a modifier key that makes different characters on the keyboard accessible. Signs that were originally graphic symbols, hence the name of the Alt Gr key. It also happens that the latter is called "Alt Car" for French Canadian keyboards, also called "alternate character". Alt Gr is also a shortcut for the combination of Ctrl + Alt
What is the Alt Gr key for?
The Alt Gr key is generally used to obtain special characters such as graphic symbols, accented characters or currency symbols. By combining it with other keys on the keyboard, it can perform certain actions or write different characters. For example, with Alt Gr + U, you can underline text in Word with a double line. You can also insert a footnote by combining Alt Gr and B.
Here is an overview of the characters you can get by combining Alt Gr with other keys on the keyboard:
- Alt Gr + E = €
- Alt Gr + M = µ
- Alt Gr + 2 = 2
- Alt Gr + 3 = 3
- Alt Gr + < = 1
- Alt Gr + 8 =\
- Alt Gr + 7 = {
- Alt Gr + 5 = [
- Alt Gr + 9 = ^
- Alt Gr +Q = @
- Alt Gr + T =™
- Alt Gr + C = ©
- Alt Gr + R =®
Here are some keyboard shortcuts with Alt Gr for Word:
- Alt Gr + D: to insert a footnote with a Roman numeral;
- Alt Gr + F: to insert a footnote with an Arabic numeral;
- Alt Gr + N: to open the "draft" layout;
- Alt Gr + V: to open the "paste special" dialog box;
- Alt Gr + Y: to go to the next page;
- Alt Gr + G: to open the plan mode;
- Alt Gr + H; to enable text highlight color;
- Alt Gr + K: to insert a comment;
- Alt Gr + i: to print the open document.
