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To insert a symbol in GIMP, activate the Text tool, click an editable text layer at the insertion point, and use your operating system’s character picker or Unicode-entry method. The character will display only if the selected font supplies its glyph.
Insert a symbol in GIMP
- Choose Tools → Text, click the Text tool icon, or press T.
- Click the image to create a text layer, or click inside an existing editable text layer where the symbol should go.
- Use the character-entry method for your operating system, or copy and paste the character from another application.
- If the character is blank, substituted, or shown as a box, try a font that supports it.
Choose an entry method
| Situation | Method |
|---|---|
| You know the Unicode code point | Use the operating system’s Unicode-entry method. On Linux, press Ctrl+Shift+U, type the hexadecimal code point, then press Enter. |
| You want to find a symbol by browsing | Use Character Viewer on macOS, or the symbol picker or Character Map on Windows. |
| You use Windows and need a common character | An Alt code with the numeric keypad can work for a limited set of characters. |
Platform-specific methods
Linux
To enter a known Unicode code point, place the cursor in the text layer, press Ctrl+Shift+U, type the hexadecimal value, and press Enter. For example, enter 47 using this sequence to insert the character with that code point.
macOS
Open Character Viewer with Control+Command+Space, then find and select the character. Alternatively, enable Unicode Hex Input in Keyboard settings, switch to that input source, hold Option, and type the hexadecimal code point.
Windows
Press Windows key+period to open the system symbol picker, then choose a symbol. You can also find a character in Character Map and copy it into the GIMP text layer. Alt plus a numeric-keypad code works for only a limited set of characters, so use the picker or Character Map when it does not produce the symbol you need.
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Why a symbol may not display
Inserting a character and displaying it are separate things: the selected font must contain the required glyph. If a character appears blank, substituted, or as a box, select it and try a font that supports it.
Keep text editable
Keep the text layer editable while you are adjusting its wording or formatting. If you edit text after transforming its layer with another tool, GIMP may redraw the layer and remove those other changes. When prompted, you can proceed with editing, cancel, or create a new text layer containing the same text.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Unicode shortcut work the same way on every operating system?
No. GIMP’s documented entry methods differ by operating system. For example, the documented Linux sequence is Ctrl+Shift+U, hexadecimal code point, then Enter; macOS and Windows users can use their system’s character tools.
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What if my font does not support the character?
Choose a font that supplies the character’s glyph. GIMP can accept the character even when the selected font cannot display it.
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Can I use an Alt code in GIMP on Windows?
Yes, for a limited set of characters, using Alt and a numeric-keypad code. For broader symbol browsing, use the system symbol picker or Character Map.
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