Does anyone know a way to change Character Map shortcuts (e.g., in registry)? I am talking about the shortcuts to symbols that you get by pressing Alt + the character's code.

I like to use proper punctuation in my writing. For example, instead of a hyphen (-), one is supposed to use m-dash (—) and n-dash (–). "I believe it is impossible—no exceptions—to function in the morning without a cup of coffee." In order to produce m-dash, I have to type Alt + 0150. In MS Word, it can be automatized through AutoCorrect, but in browsers, I am stuck with using a shortcut. Well, if I have no choice, I would like to make it simpler—e.g., Alt + 1 or something like that.

Thanks...

P.S. If anybody wants to start a campaign to put spaces around m-dashes (like it is done in most European languages) and put punctuation marks outside of quotations, you'll have a lot of support.

How will that help me with inserting a dash? To insert an em-dash, I need to push five keys. In the character map, I need to look it up, then copy-paste into the text. If I am typing a text rapidly—such as right now—I don't want to have to switch windows; I just want to keep typing.

Obviously your approach works if I need to insert a rarely used symbol, such as that for yen (¥) or make a letter accented once in a while.

Thanks...

FlyingAxe,

I understand your situation fully since I am a "slow two finger" typist.
It would be very hard for me to remember ALT plus 255 numbers and their associated characters also.
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Maybe another member with a better solution will jump-in for folks like you who are fast typist.

Kindest Regards,
Rick P. ♥ :)

FlyingAxe,

I'm afraid to answer for fear that you will return my post marked up with that red pen pointing out all of the spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

Well it looks like you out-did me, lol. Glad you found a free one, and with some luck next year when someone else asks this question I just may well remember!!