
If you don’t have a specialized keyboard, typing in a language other than English may feel a bit hectic when working on designs in Canva. Adding accent marks to text isn’t as simple as typing out the letters on your keyboard, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it at all.
In total, there are several ways to add accent marks when working in Canva:
- Install an extension like Google Input Tools
- Learn and use Windows Alt Key Codes
- Use keyboard shortcuts
- Copy and paste
When creating designs and logos, it’s important to get every detail right, even if that means adding the accent marks found in words like résumé or jalapeño. Keep reading to learn a few easy ways to add accent marks in Canva.
How To Add An Accent Mark In Canva
Over the past few years, Canva has quickly become the go-to editor for many business owners, designers, and content creators across the globe. This means that users are creating designs using all different styles of text and language. Unfortunately, Canva doesn’t provide a simple way to add accent marks to text. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.
Generally, accent marks can be included when typing by using external tools or keyboard shortcuts. Whichever method you use comes down to personal preference and the equipment that you’re using. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the most popular methods for adding accent marks, so that you can choose the one that works best for you.
1. Using Google Input Tools
If you’re a Google Chrome user, then Google Input Tools is going to be the best option for adding accent marks in Canva. This is a Chrome extension that makes it easy for users to type in any language they choose.
To use Google Input Tools on Canva, simply install the extension on your Chrome browser and make sure it is enabled. Then, click on the extension icon in your Chrome toolbar and select ‘Extension Options.’ This is where you would choose which languages you would like to use.
Now that you’ve selected your language, you can use those input tools on any webpage, including sites like Canva and Placeit. Simply click on the extension icon, select the language, and start typing. You can also select ‘Show Keyboard’ from the extension options, to have a visual of what your new keyboard looks like.
2. Using Windows Alt Key Codes
Another quick fix for adding accent marks without installing an extension is to learn the Windows Alt key codes. These codes are essentially keyboard shortcuts available on any Microsoft Windows operating system.
To use an Alt key code, you simply hold down the Alt key on your keyboard and type in the code. For example, if you wanted to add an e with an accent grave above it (è), you would hold Alt and type 0232.
However, you will need to know which codes to use in order for this method to work. You can find a list of the Alt key codes here.
3. Creating Accents with Keyboard Shortcuts: PC vs. Mac
If you are a Mac user, you have options for keyboard shortcuts as well. Instead of using Alt key codes like on Windows, you will simply hold the Option key plus the letter that represents the accent you would like to add, and press the letter you would like to add an accent to.
So, if we use the example from earlier and add an accent grave above the letter e, you would hold Option + `, and the press E. Once again, however, you will need to learn which letters represent which accents. Here is a list of the Mac Option codes for reference.
4. Copy and Paste Accent Marks
This is probably the simplest method by which you can add accent marks to Canva. If you know which mark you want to add, find it in another source and copy and paste it into your Canva document.
This is generally preferred by those who are in a time crunch and don’t have the means for memorizing key codes or downloading extensions. Plus, this ensures you are using the correct accent mark and not something similar.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this guide made it a bit easier for you to add accent marks online in programs like Canva. Even if you strictly design in English, there is a chance that you will need to use an accent mark at some point. After all, English borrows many words from other languages, such as déjà vu, café, and naïve.