How to Make Hearts on a Computer Keyboard

Use the proper commands to access special characters using your keyboard.

Between regular keys, shift keys and function keys, standard computer keyboards contain the majority of letters, numbers, symbols and punctuation marks most users require. However, special characters--also known as character entities--provide a broad range of additional symbols, including accents, monetary marks and even decorative characters such as hearts. Access these characters by entering the proper keyboard shortcut.

Instructions

1. Press the "Num Lock" key on your keyboard to turn on its Number Lock feature. An indicator light on the keyboard turns on when this function is enabled.

2. If you use a keyboard with a number pad on the right, press and hold the "Alt" key while quickly pressing the "3" key on the number pad. If your keyboard does not have a number pad, press and hold the "Alt" and "Fn" keys, and then press the "L" key.

3. Release the keys; a heart character should appear on your screen.

Tips & Warnings

• Typing a less-than symbol and a "3" (e.g. <3) will automatically text to a heart shape in some chat and instant messaging programs.

• The number pad is activated on keyboards without one when you press the "Fn" key while the Number Lock feature is activated.

• You may need to select a font that contains the heart symbol before running the required keyboard commands. Note that not all type faces include the heart symbol, but commonly installed fonts such as Arial, Comic Sans, Courier New, Times New Roman and Verdana do.

References

• Web Monkey: Special characters
• F Symbols: Alt codes