System-wide shortcut for getting the checkmark (✓) character?

[Irene]

I often want to make a ✓ check mark. I'm usually using comic sans as my font and may be in Mail, Stickies, X-pad, Word, Text-edit, or some other application.

Currently I go to a text file I've saved and copy it which is quicker than opening a the character pallete or keyboard viewer and searching.

I'd like a system wide short cut-- like pressing shift F8 or even shift 6 since I never use that carrot symbol-- to cause the ✓ to appear, but I don't know how to achieve this.

[DeltaMac]

How about using the normal √ from the keyboard, which is Option-v?
I realize it's not exactly a check-mark, but is probably a root symbol, but perhaps close enough?

[macosnoob]

Although it might produce unexpected results, you could switch from your regular keyboard layout to Unicode Hex Input. Then Option-2713 and Option-2714 generate light and heavy check marks.

[Irene]

I may use the option V version of the checkmark for now. That's cool!

I toggle between the US English and Qwerty Hebrew, I don't think I want to try another keyboard layout. Plus that still requires too many keystrokes.

I think that in the keyboard preferences section under "all applications" I should be able to add a shortcut exactly like I want, but when I try, it doesn't work; clearly I am not following directions well!

Thank you both for your suggestions.

[macosnoob]

Quote: Originally Posted by Irene I think that in the keyboard preferences section under "all applications" I should be able to add a shortcut exactly like I want, but when I try, it doesn't work; clearly I am not following directions well!

You can create keyboard shortcuts only for existing menu commands.

[macosnoob]

Another thought. There are third-party type-completion apps such as TypeIt4Me and TextExpander, but I think you would still end up looking at a multikey solution to do something that you want in one key or one key plus a shift or option. Redefining your keyboard layout(s) with Ukelele, http://scripts.sil.org/cms/scripts/p...tem_id=ukelele, seems one potential solution, if a single-key check mark is really important to you.

[Irene]

Quote: Originally Posted by macosnoob You can create keyboard shortcuts only for existing menu commands.

Aaaahhhhh....so I was attempting to do the impossible.
No wonder success was eluding me.

[taunibear]

Okay, mac users! Whenever there's a symbol you cannot find, cannot shortcut to on your keyboard, or do not want to copy-paste (note that you can google just about any symbol ridiculously quickly and copy-paste it, though), try this trick: hit option+⌘+t

So, that's option+command+t

It's really fun, try to remember it.

Chose Insert, then Symbol from the drop down box. In the Font box, type in the font wingdings, or just scroll down till you find it on the list. The options for making a keyboard shortcut are there as well.