Looking to type in style and use typographic apostrophes (instead of the straight ones so typically found on keyboards) where they are warranted? Find out here how to type a curly typographic apostrophe ( ’ ) on Linux ⤓.
First, a Glass Bulb Filled with Water
A glass bulb filled with water will collect and direct even the last bit of ambient light. Such “cobbler’s balls” let cobblers and other craftspeople extend the hours during which they could work.
When Erwin Perzy tried to improve on the design in 1900, he found the small specks of semolina he added to perchance reflect, collect and direct even more light did not do much of the sort — but they looked mighty pretty on their meandering path down the tube. The snow globe was born.
Now, with that in mind: want to add small specks of curly apostrophes to your documents?
How to Type a Typographic Apostrophe ( ’ ) on Linux
Using the English Macintosh Keyboard Layout
Time needed: 1 minute
To insert a typographic apostrophe (by way of the single right quotation mark “’”) using the keyboard on a Linux machine:
- Add and switch to the English (Macintosh) keyboard layout on the Linux machine.
Here’s why: The Mac keyboard layout includes a key combination for the typographic apostrophe while the standard US-English keyboard layout does not.
US-International: As an alternative, you can also switch to the US-International keyboard layout. - Position the text cursor where you want to insert the apostrophe character.
Here’s where: When you use the apostrophe to indicate possession, it follows the possessor immediately and is immediately followed by the character ‘s’; if you employ the typographic apostrophe for elision, put it where the omitted characters would be.
Email addresses: In email addresses, only straight apostrophes work.
Example: Here’s the apostrophe’s hist’ry since ’04. - Press Alt Shift ].
US-International: If you use the US-International keyboard layout, press Alt 0 instead.
Other keyboard layouts: See below for finding the key combination for the typographic apostrophe to use with your keyboard layout.
Their word: Gnome include information on switching keyboards layouts in Gnome help.
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Use the “Compose” Key to Insert a Typographic Apostrophe
To make use of the Compose key on Linux to insert a typographic apostrophe (or right single quotation mark):
- Set and enable the “Compose” key.
- Position the text cursor where you want to insert the curly apostrophe.
- Press the key you designated to work as Compose.
- Now press > (larger than) and ' (straight apostrophe) in succession.
Here’s what happens: The combination will be replaced with the typographic apostrophe’.
On a Mac? How to Type a Curly Apostrophe ( ’ ) on a Mac Keyboard
On Windows? How to Type a Typographic (Curly) Apostrophe ( ’ ) on Windows (including Alt Code)
Use Direct Unicode Input for the Curly Apostrophe
To input a curly apostrophe using its Unicode code point on Linux:
- Press Ctrl Shift U.
Here’s what happens: You will seeu(a ‘u’ for Unicode with an underline). - Type
2019. - Press Enter.
How to Type a Typographic Apostrophe on Linux: FAQ
Can I copy the curly apostrophe for pasting?
Yes.
Typographic apostrophe ’ |
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(Tested with Gnome 47–49 and KDE Plasma 6; first published March 2025, last updated February 2026)