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Insert French Accents on Mac, Windows, and Chromebook

Learn how to easily type French accents on different systems.

Updated over 2 weeks ago

Add French Accents on Mac

macOS offers two main methods:

1. Hold the letter key

Hold down the desired letter key (e.g., E) to display a menu of accents. Click the accent you want or use the number keys to select it.

2. Use the Option key

Here are the most common combinations:

  • é: Option + E, then E

  • è, à, ù: Option + `, then the letter

  • ê, â, ô, etc.: Option + I, then the letter

  • ë, ï, ü, etc.: Option + U, then the letter

  • ç: Option + C

Add French Accents on Windows

1. Hold the letter key (Windows 11 and newer)

Hold down the letter key to show available accent options.

2. Use Alt codes (with numeric keypad)

  • é: Alt + 130

  • è: Alt + 138

  • à: Alt + 133

  • ç: Alt + 135

Tip: If this doesn’t work, make sure the numeric keypad is enabled and that your keyboard layout supports these codes.

Add French Accents on Chromebook

1. Hold the letter key

Just like on Mac, this brings up an accent selection menu.

2. Use Ctrl + Shift + U (Unicode entry)

Type the Unicode code (e.g., 00E9 for é), then press Enter.

3. Adjust language settings

Go to Settings > Input > Input methods to enable an international or Canadian multilingual keyboard.

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