Add Unicode Characters From the Keyboard in PowerPoint

Caution - This is an advanced tutorial. If you are not happy modifying the registry maybe you shouldn't do it! Back up the registry first - DON'T know how to do this? See the previous rider!

In Word it's possible to add Unicode characters direct from the keyboard. For example the hex code for the unicode double arrow is 2194.

In Word this can be entered by typing 2194 then ALT x. This doesn't work in PowerPoint.

Step 1 - Registry

Open Regedit and navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Input Method. If there is a key EnableHexNumpad set its value to 1. If the key is adsent add a string type (REG_SZ) key, name it EnableHexNumpad and set its value to 1. Close regedit and restart your PC.

Inserting a Unicode Character From Keyboard

In this example we are going to insert a double arrow HEX 2194.

Place the cursor at the insert position.
Hold down ALT
On the Numeric Keypad  type + (on laptops you may need to use NUMLOCK and the numeric key for + NOT the normal + key) DO NOT LET GO OF ALT.

Now on the normal keyboard type 2194 or the required hex code.
Let go of ALT.

X Bar

Many people have asked how to get the x bar symbol for statistical use.

After the above registry change ...

Type X hold down ALT type + on the numeric keypad and 0305 on the normal keyboard - release ALT.

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