OS X: Unicode Input

I think the only thing I like about Windows is the fact that you can easily enter Unicode characters using the Alt key plus the numeric keypad.

I hate using the Show Emoji & Symbols for this sort of thing as it’s very tedious and I can’t find a way of entering a code I already know.

I know that OS X allows Unicode input using the Unicode Hex Input source, but when enabled I can’t use the option key to enter other useful characters. For example the typographical apostrophe (’) now requires the full unicode (2019) rather than the original keyboard combination.

The question is: is there anything which allows me to easily enter unicode without losing the use of the option key for the rest?

Solution 1:

The question indicates the OP is not interested in using the Unicode Hex keyboard, but in case that solution does meet your needs, here is how to do it:

On macOS, you first need to add the alternate input "Unicode Hex Input." In the System Preferences >> Keyboard >> Input Sources.

Once that is selected (by clicking that input source on the header bar, all you need to do is type the hex code while holding option.

For example:

å = ⌥ Option00e5