How to Make a Heart on a Keyboard

You can draw a heart symbol with your keyboard using two simple keystrokes.

Sometimes words are not enough, or they're too much. Sometimes you need a simple image to convey your feelings. That's where emoticons come in. They're simple, unassuming and easy to type. While saying, "I love you and all the things you do" might unnerve a boyfriend or girlfriend, a simple heart symbol can hint at the same sentiment without scaring your lover anyway. They can be included in instant messages, emails and forum posts. However, they're generally better left out of academic essays, business letters and love poems.

Things You'll Need

• Keyboard

Instructions

1. Hold "Shift" and then press the "<" key, which can be found in the lower-right hand side of your keyboard.

2. Release the "Shift" key and press the "3" key, which can be found along the top of your keyboard. If you're using a desktop, you can also you the number-pad on the far-right of your keyboard.

3. Press "Enter" to communicate your love via instant messenger. Many programs will automatically convert the <3 symbol into an emoticon heart. Emails and forum posts are less likely to convert the symbol.

Tips & Warnings

• Some programs allow you to directly draw a graphical heart using your keyboard. Hold the "Alt" key and then press the number "3." If your program recognizes this command, it will automatically draw a heart symbol.

References

• Squidoo: How to Make Keyboard Symbols Using the "Alt" Key