HexToUnicode IME

Rich Edit 3.0 supports the HexToUnicode IME, which allows a user to convert between hexadecimal and Unicode characters by using hot keys. The user can convert between hexadecimal and Unicode characters by using hot keys in one of two ways.

In the first method, the user types the character code in hexadecimal and then types ALT+X. The IME replaces the hexadecimal digits preceding the insertion point with the Unicode character. If the current font does not support the character code, an appropriate font is chosen that does support it. To convert from Unicode to hexadecimal, type SHIFT+ALT+X. This replaces the Unicode character that precedes the insertion point with the hexadecimal digits. In particular, this allows you to determine the character that is indicated by a "missing glyph" indicator. If the hexadecimal character code immediately follows some legitimate (noncharacter) hexadecimal characters, select the specific digits that you want to convert before typing ALT+X. A problem with this first method is that ALT+X is sometimes used as an key combination for the exit command (that is, eXit). For example, in Microsoft Office, this only happens as an option of the File menu.

The second method involves the number pad. Here the user types ALT+NumPad numbers (with values greater than 255) to enter Unicode characters using decimal values. This method is not as useful as the first method because you cannot see what hexadecimal digits you typed. Also, you cannot correct them except by reentering them all again.