Looking to insert a particular emoji, special character or a certain character from an ancient script? Find out here how to insert emoji, special characters and Unicode code points on Linux using Gnome and KDE.
First, Divided in Two Parts
“Nilus est omnis,” as Caesar must have been wont to comment, “divisus in partes duas.”
There’s two parts to the river Nile: the White Nile, named for the color it assumes from carrying clay sediment and the Blue Nile, which takes its name and color from volcanic rocks.
The Nile as a whole, of course, famously brought water and fertile soils to Ancient Egypt. So, let’s insert the three times wavy hieroglyph for water, listed as hieroglyph “N035a” in Gardiner’s sign list—and in Characters, of course:
How to Insert Emoji and Special Characters on Linux
Using Gnome Characters
Time needed: 2 minutes
To insert a Unicode character on Linux using Gnome Characters:
- Open Gnome Characters.
Here’s how: Press Super A (Windows or Command typically act as Super) search for
charactersand open the Characters application.
Emoji: For inserting emoji in a Gnome app, you can also use the emoji panel; see below. - Use the Emojis and Letters & Symbols categories to browse and find the desired character, symbol or emoji.
Find: Click the search magnifying glass (🔍) or press Ctrl F to search for characters and emoji by Unicode name.
- Click the character you want to insert.
- Click Copy Character.
- Paste the character where you want to insert it.
Not just on Linux
How to Enter Unicode Characters on a Mac
How to Open the Emoji Keyboard on Windows
Using the Gnome Emoji Panel
To insert an emoji quickly using the Gnome panel:
- Position the text cursor where you want to insert the emoji.
- Press Ctrl . (period).
- Use the search bar or the categories to find the emoji you want to insert.
- Click an emoji character or press Enter to insert a highlighted emoji.
Using KCharSelect
To find and insert a Unicode character on KDE using KCharSelect:
- Open KCharSelect.
- Use the search bar or the categories to locate the special character or emoji you want to insert.
- Double-click a character to add it to the selection that will be copied.
- Click To Clipboard.
KCharSelect keyboard shortcut: You an also press Ctrl C to copy the select character or characters to the clipboard. - Paste the character where you want to use it.
How to Insert Emoji and Special Characters on Linux: FAQ
Can I also insert special characters using the “Compose” key?
Yes.
The Compose key provides access to some special characters (such as the per mille sign or accented letters).
(How to insert emoji and special characters on Linux tested with Gnome 46 and KDE 6; first published September 2024)