Document Editing Problems

How to Insert the Ň Character in Word Using Unicode and Alt Codes

Chanuka Geekiyanage Oct 1, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user needs to insert the Ň character in a Word document but gets a left quotation mark when attempting to use the Alt+0147 shortcut.

How to Insert the Ň Character in Word Using Unicode

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: Windows
Scenario: Typing specific diacritics and special characters using keyboard shortcuts in a document.
Observed behavior: Pressing Alt+0147 produces a left double quotation mark instead of the expected Ň character due to a misunderstanding between decimal and hexadecimal character codes.

Before you start

Ensure your keyboard has a dedicated numeric keypad if you plan to use the decimal Alt code method, and verify that your document's current font supports extended Latin characters.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Hexadecimal Alt+X Shortcut (Recommended)

The most reliable way to insert Unicode characters like Ň in Word is by typing the hexadecimal code and using the Alt+X conversion shortcut.

Microsoft Word has a built-in feature that converts hexadecimal Unicode values directly into their corresponding characters. U+0147 is the hexadecimal code for Ň.

Type the Hexadecimal Code

Click where you want to insert the character in your Word document and type the numbers 0147.

Trigger the Unicode Conversion

Immediately after typing 0147, press the Alt key and the X key at the same time (Alt + X). Word will instantly convert the code into the Ň character.

Use the Hexadecimal Alt+X Shortcut (Recommended)

Fast Character Conversion: The Alt+X method works independently of your Windows system code page, making it the most consistent way to type Unicode symbols in Word.

Solution 2

Use the Decimal Alt+Numpad Method

If you prefer holding down the Alt key and using the numeric keypad, you must use the decimal equivalent of the Unicode value.

Edit Documents Efficiently

Easily Insert Special Characters with WPS Writer

WPS Office provides intuitive ways to insert special characters, diacritics, and Unicode symbols without needing to memorize complex codes. It seamlessly handles Word formats and provides a visual symbol library.

1. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document where you need to insert special characters.
2. Navigate to the Insert Tab: Click on the 'Insert' tab located on the top ribbon menu.
3. Access the Symbol Library: Click on 'Symbol' and select 'Custom Symbol' to visually locate and insert the Ň character without memorizing codes.
4. Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Alternatively, you can use the exact same Alt+X (type 0147, then press Alt+X) or Alt+Numpad methods supported in Microsoft Word.

Visual special character and symbol library built-inFull compatibility with Microsoft Word (.docx) formatsSupports standard Unicode and Alt+X keyboard shortcutsLightweight, fast, and free to use

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt+0147 produce a quotation mark instead of Ň?

The Alt+numpad shortcut uses decimal codes based on your Windows system code page. Alt+0147 tells Windows to output decimal character 147, which is a left double quotation mark (“) in code page 1252. The code for Ň (hexadecimal 0147) translates to decimal 327.

Can I use the Alt+X method in programs other than Word?

The Alt+X Unicode conversion is a specific feature built into rich text editors like Microsoft Word, WPS Writer, and WordPad. In basic text editors like Notepad or web browsers, this shortcut will not work, and you must use the decimal Alt+numpad method or a character map.

How do I insert the lowercase 'ň' character?

The hexadecimal Unicode for the lowercase ň is 0148. You can type 0148 and press Alt+X in Word, or hold the Alt key and type 0328 on your numeric keypad.

What if my laptop does not have a numeric keypad?

If your laptop lacks a dedicated Numpad, the traditional Alt+number method will not work with the standard top-row number keys. You should rely on the Alt+X hexadecimal method, use the Insert > Symbol menu, or copy the character from the Windows Character Map utility.

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