The press-and-hold menu does not appear
Try another app, confirm the key has accent options, or use an Option dead key or Character Viewer.
TYPING GUIDE / MAC
How to type accented letters on Mac
Use the press-and-hold accent menu, Option dead keys, Character Viewer, or a language-specific input source.
QUICK ANSWER
Press and hold a base letter for an occasional common accent. Learn Option dead keys for repeated accents on the ABC layout. Add a language input source when you write full sentences, and use Character Viewer for uncommon characters.
METHOD SELECTOR
Choose the fastest method for your task
The best method depends on how often you type the character, whether you know its name or code, and which input layout is active. Use this table as a starting point, then follow the detailed instructions below.
| Situation | Best starting method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One common accented letter | Press and hold | Shows available variants without memorization |
| Repeated common accents | Option dead keys | Fast once the accent key is familiar |
| Regular language writing | Language input source | Provides the expected alphabet and punctuation |
| Uncommon character or symbol | Character Viewer | Searches a broader Unicode collection |
Use Option combinations as dead keys
On the ABC layout, Option + E begins an acute accent, Option + grave begins a grave accent, Option + I begins a circumflex, Option + N begins a tilde, and Option + U begins a diaeresis. Release the keys, then type the base letter. Hold Shift with the final letter for uppercase.
A dead key does not insert the accent immediately because macOS waits for the base letter. Press Space after a dead key when you need the standalone mark supported by that sequence.
Important
Open Keyboard Viewer and hold Option or Shift to reveal the active layout’s dead keys. Another input source can assign different combinations.
Add an input source for a complete language
A language-specific input source is preferable for sustained German, Polish, Portuguese, Turkish, Spanish, or French writing. It provides the relevant alphabet and works with language-aware correction more naturally than isolated character entry.
ABC Extended offers broader Latin-script entry when you work across multiple languages or transliteration systems, although it requires learning more combinations.
Find uncommon characters in Character Viewer
Open Character Viewer with Control + Command + Space, then search by a recognizable name such as “R with caron” or browse categories. Character names follow Unicode terminology, which can differ from the everyday language name.
Check the chosen glyph in the destination font. Character Viewer can insert the right code point even when a particular font cannot display it.
TROUBLESHOOTING
When the method does not work
Option shortcut produces another symbol
The active input source differs from the documented ABC layout. Check the input menu and use Keyboard Viewer.
The accent appears before the letter
Use the complete precomposed character or the intended dead-key sequence. A combining mark entered separately can behave differently.
You need Polish or Turkish characters repeatedly
Add the corresponding language input source instead of relying on the limited accent menu.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions about mac typing
How do I type é on a Mac?
On the ABC layout, press Option + E, release, then press E. Hold Shift with the final E for É.
How do I type ü on a Mac?
Press Option + U, release, then press U. Hold Shift with the final U for Ü.
What is a dead key?
It is a key combination that waits for the next letter and applies a mark to it instead of inserting immediately.
Does the accent menu contain every character?
No. Its choices vary by base letter, input source, and app. Use Character Viewer or another input source for uncommon forms.
Other typing guides
References: Apple accent-entry guidance, Unicode character charts.