How to Use ASCII Characters in Text, Scripts and HTML

ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. Computers only understand numbers, and ASCII code is the numerical representation of a character such as “@” or an action. ASCII is used in Microsoft Word when you save a file as “text only.” You can use ASCII characters in text, scripts and HTML. Here are some steps to use ASCII characters.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer

1. Go to W3 Schools and print off or download an HTML 7-Bit ASCII chart so you can have the code references handy. This gives you the correct format to make ASCII characters in HTML text and scripts.

2. Decide what you are going to need to put in HTML. Figure out if it’s info for your Web site or a document you need for another purpose. Decide on the format and how you will use ASCII.

3. Type out the document in its clear form before adding HTML. Note each part where you will need ASCII by highlighting it or bolding it on the page. This will give you a reference point to go back when you start adding ASCII.

4. Go back over the highlighted and bold areas after you type everything out. Using the reference guide you downloaded or printed, add in ASCII at the parts you need HTML.

5. Double-check the entire document to make sure everything is correct. Run it on your Web site as a test to ensure quality. If mistakes are visible, go back into the document and check the code you entered.

Tips & Warnings

• Making a plan of what you want your document to look like will help save you time, but you can also add HTML as you come up with ideas. Give yourself some time to take a creative approach.
• Reference Web sites such as the ASCII homepage if you get stuck. This should give you all the information you need. There are online help forums at this site that may be able to steer you in the right direction.
• If you do not possess a strong knowledge of ASCII or HTML, make sure you save your work up to that point before adding anything to your document.
• One character in the wrong place can mess up your entire document, so be very careful with typing and reading the reference sheet.