To put an accent over a letter in Google Docs, click Insert > Special characters, type a description like e acute in the search box (or draw the letter in the drawing box), and click the character you want, such as é. You can also type accents with your keyboard: on a Mac, press and hold the letter and pick the accent, and on Windows, use Alt codes like Alt + 0233 for é or switch to the US-International keyboard.
Here are all the methods for computers, Chromebooks, and phones, plus a table of common accented letters.
Method 1: Use Insert > Special characters
- Click where you want the accented letter.
- Click Insert > Special characters.
- Type a description in the search box, like e acute, n tilde, or u umlaut. Or draw the letter with its accent in the drawing box.
- Click the character to insert it. Close the window when you’re done.
Method 2: Use your keyboard
On a Mac
- Press and hold a letter, like e, and choose the accent from the menu that appears (or press the number shown).
- Option shortcuts: Press Option + E, release, then type the letter for an acute accent (é). Use Option + ` for grave (è), Option + U for umlaut (ü), Option + N for tilde (ñ), and Option + I for circumflex (ê).
On Windows
- Alt codes: Hold Alt and type the code on the number pad, like 0233 for é. See the table below.
- US-International keyboard: Add it in Settings > Time & Language > Language, then type an apostrophe followed by a letter for an acute accent (‘ + e = é).
- Emoji and symbol panel: Press Windows key + . (period), open the symbols tab, and choose a Latin letter.
On a Chromebook
Add the US International keyboard in Settings > Device > Keyboard and inputs, or use the special characters method above.
Method 3: On a phone or tablet
In the Google Docs app on iPhone, iPad, or Android, press and hold a letter on the on-screen keyboard, then slide to the accented version and let go.
Common accented letters
| Letter | Name | Windows Alt code | Mac shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|
| é | e acute | Alt + 0233 | Option + E, then E |
| è | e grave | Alt + 0232 | Option + `, then E |
| ê | e circumflex | Alt + 0234 | Option + I, then E |
| á | a acute | Alt + 0225 | Option + E, then A |
| ñ | n tilde | Alt + 0241 | Option + N, then N |
| ü | u umlaut | Alt + 0252 | Option + U, then U |
| ç | c cedilla | Alt + 0231 | Option + C |
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t Alt codes work in Google Docs?
Alt codes need the number pad with Num Lock on. On laptops without a number pad, use Insert > Special characters or the US-International keyboard.
Can I add accents with Google Docs automatic substitutions?
Yes. Go to Tools > Preferences > Substitutions and add a rule, like replacing e// with é.
How do I type accents in capital letters?
Search “E acute” in Special characters, use Alt + 0201 for É on Windows, or hold Shift while typing the final letter of the Mac shortcut.
Does spell check recognize accented words?
Yes. Set the document language in File > Language for the best results.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.