The asterisk (*) is a frequently used symbol, from mathematics to programming, to simple text formatting. Knowing how to type the asterisk on different devices, such as Windows PCs, Macs, iPhones, and Android smartphones, is essential for efficient writing. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different methods for inserting the asterisk on each platform, simplifying a seemingly trivial but essential operation.
The Asterisk on a Windows PC: Simple Keyboard Shortcuts
Typing an asterisk on a Windows PC is extremely simple. The main method involves using the dedicated key, usually located above the “8” key on the numeric keypad. Simply press the Shift key and the 8 key simultaneously to insert the asterisk at the desired point in the text.
An alternative is to use the numeric keypad: by activating it with the Num Lock key, you can type the asterisk by directly pressing the key marked with the “*” symbol.
Here’s a brief summary of the methods for Windows PCs:
- Shift + 8 (main keyboard)
- Asterisk key on the numeric keypad (with Num Lock on)
These quick and intuitive methods make inserting the asterisk an immediate operation. Remember that the position of the keys may vary slightly depending on the keyboard model.
Type the Asterisk on Mac: Find the Right Symbol
Typing an asterisk is a quick and easy process on a Mac as well. The Mac keyboard has a dedicated asterisk key, usually located above the “8” key, just like on Windows. Pressing Shift + 8 will insert the asterisk into the document or text field.
Alternatively, you can use the macOS “Character Viewer”:
- Open the desired application (e.g., TextEdit, Pages).
- From the “Edit” menu, select “Emoji & Symbols.”
- In the search bar, type “asterisk” or “*”.
- Select the asterisk symbol and click “Insert.”
The “Character Viewer” offers a wide range of symbols and special characters , including different types of asterisks. This method, although less immediate than the keyboard shortcut, allows you to explore and insert less common symbols.
Asterisk on iPhone: A Quick Tap on the Screen
On an iPhone, the asterisk is entered using the virtual keyboard. By opening the keyboard in any application that allows text input, you can find the numeric key “123” in the bottom left corner.
By pressing this key, the keyboard will display the main numbers and symbols, including the asterisk. Just tap the “*” symbol to insert it into the text.
Another method is to press and hold the “.” key on the numeric keypad. This will bring up a small pop-up menu with several options, including the asterisk. Without lifting your finger, you can drag the cursor over the asterisk and release it to insert it into the text.
How to Insert an Asterisk on Android: Methods Similar to iPhone
On Android smartphones, the asterisk is also entered using the virtual keyboard. The process is very similar to the one described for the iPhone. When you open the keyboard, you need to tap the “123” or “?123” numeric key to display the symbols.
Among the available symbols, the asterisk (*) will also be present. By tapping the symbol, it will be inserted at the desired point in the text.
As on the iPhone, you can press and hold the “.” key to bring up a pop-up menu with several options, including the asterisk. Swipe your finger over the asterisk and release it to insert it into the text.
Comparison Table: How to Make an Asterisk
| Platform | Method 1 | Method 2 | Method 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Dedicated button (*) | Numeric keypad (*) | ASCII code (Alt + 42) |
| Mac PC | Dedicated button (*) | Option + “+” | Character Viewer |
| iPhone | Standard keypad (123 -> *) | Emoji Keyboard (Symbols) | |
| Android | Standard keypad (?123 -> *) | Emoji Keyboard (Symbols) |
- Using the Shift key on Windows
On the main PC keyboard, hold down the Shift key and press the number 8 at the same time. This is the standard shortcut for inserting the asterisk in the text.
- Use the numeric keypad on a PC
If you have an extended keyboard, activate the Num Lock key. Then, press the dedicated key with the (*) symbol, which is usually located in the corner of the numeric keypad.
- How to type the asterisk on Mac
On macOS, press Shift + 8, just like on Windows. Alternatively, open the Edit menu, choose ‘Emoji & Symbols’, search for ‘asterisk’ in the search bar, and click on the symbol to insert it.
- Insert the symbol on iPhone
Tap the ‘123’ key on the keyboard and select *. To do this faster, press and hold the period (.) key and slide your finger over the asterisk in the pop-up menu without lifting your finger.
- Find the asterisk on Android
Access the symbols by tapping the ‘?123’ key and press *. As on the iPhone, you can also hold down the period key to open the special characters menu and quickly select the asterisk.
In Brief (TL;DR)
The asterisk is a versatile and useful symbol, easily accessible on different platforms.
Whether you use a PC, a Mac, or a smartphone, inserting the asterisk is a simple and intuitive operation.
Knowing the different methods for doing this can improve productivity and simplify writing.
Conclusions
Mastering how to insert an asterisk on different devices is a small but significant step towards greater efficiency in digital writing. The various options available, from keyboard shortcuts to pop-up menus, allow you to choose the most convenient and quickest method depending on the device you are using. With this guide, typing an asterisk will no longer be an obstacle, but a fluid and immediate action.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can’t use the standard keys, you can insert the asterisk using the ASCII code. Hold down the ‘Alt’ key on the keyboard and simultaneously type the number ’42’ on the numeric keypad. When you release the Alt key, the asterisk symbol (*) will appear. This method is universal for Windows systems.
In addition to the standard Shift + 8 combination, on macOS you can use the ‘Option + +’ (the plus key) shortcut. Alternatively, if you have difficulty with shortcuts, you can open the ‘Character Viewer’ from the ‘Edit’ menu > ‘Emoji & Symbols’ and select the asterisk manually from the list of mathematical symbols.
Yes, there is a very convenient gesture shortcut on both iPhone and Android. Instead of switching to the numeric symbols menu, you can hold down the period (.) key on the main keyboard. A pop-up menu with various symbols will appear; slide your finger over the asterisk and release to insert it immediately into the text.
On laptops or compact keyboards without a side numeric keypad, the asterisk is almost always positioned as a secondary function on the number 8 key in the top row. To type it, you need to hold down the ‘Shift’ key and press 8. Make sure the keyboard layout is set to the correct language (Italian) to match the keys.
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