Typing the Euro Symbol (€) on Ubuntu: Two Easy Methods

The euro symbol (€) is essential for anyone working with European currencies or needing to represent prices in euros. While it might not be immediately obvious how to type this symbol on an Ubuntu system, there are straightforward methods available. This guide will walk you through two effective techniques to easily type the euro symbol on your Ubuntu keyboard.

Method 1: Utilizing the Compose Key for Euro Symbol Input

The Compose key is a special key that allows you to type various symbols and characters not directly available on your keyboard layout. By pressing the Compose key followed by a sequence of other keys, you can generate a wide range of characters, including the euro symbol (€).

Setting up the Compose Key:

To use the Compose key, you first need to activate it within your Ubuntu settings. The process is similar across different Ubuntu versions, although menu names might slightly vary.

1. Navigate to your keyboard settings. This is typically found under “System Settings” and then either “Keyboard” or “Text Entry,” depending on your Ubuntu version.
2. Look for a “Compose Key” option within the settings. In newer versions, it might be under a “Typing” tab or section. In older versions, it might be under “Keyboard Layout” and then “Options.”
3. Select a key to function as your Compose Key. Common choices include “Right Alt” or the “Menu” key. Choose a key that is convenient for you to press in combination with other keys.

Typing the Euro Symbol with the Compose Key:

Once you have set your Compose Key, typing the euro symbol is simple. Press and release your Compose Key, and then type either of the following sequences:

• c then =
• e then =

You can also reverse the order of the last two keys in each sequence:

• = then c
• = then e

Any of these combinations will produce the euro symbol (€). This method is intuitive and easy to remember once configured.

Method 2: Employing the Alternative Characters Key for Euro Input

The Alternative Characters Key, sometimes referred to as the 3rd level chooser, offers another way to access special characters. This method involves assigning the euro symbol to a specific key combination using the Alternative Characters Key. This setup requires using the dconf-editor tool.

Setting up the Alternative Characters Key and Euro Symbol:

1. Install dconf-editor: If you don’t have it already, install dconf-editor by opening a terminal and running the command: sudo apt-get install dconf-editor

2. Configure Alternative Characters Key: Similar to setting up the Compose Key, go to your keyboard settings (“System Settings” > “Keyboard” or “Text Entry” > “Typing” or “Shortcuts”). Find “Alternative Characters Key” and choose a key, such as the “Menu” key. Ensure you select a different key than the one you chose for the Compose Key if you are using both methods.

3. Configure Euro Sign Option: Open dconf-editor (you can search for it in the application menu). Navigate to the path: org > gnome > desktop > input-sources.

4. Modify xkb-options: Locate the xkb-options setting. Add one of the following strings to the existing options (if any). If there are existing options, separate them with commas within the square brackets. Remember to use single quotes around each string.

   • 'eurosign:e'
   • 'eurosign:2'
   • 'eurosign:4'
   • 'eurosign:5'

   For example, if you set the Alternative Character Key to “Menu” and choose 'eurosign:4', and you also have compose key set to right-alt, your xkb-options setting might look like this: ['eurosign:4','lv3:menu_switch','compose:ralt']

Typing the Euro Symbol with the Alternative Characters Key:

After configuring, press and hold your chosen Alternative Characters Key (e.g., “Menu”) and then press the key you selected for the euro symbol (e.g., ‘4’ if you used 'eurosign:4'). This key combination will now produce the euro symbol (€).

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Method for Typing Euro Symbol

Both the Compose Key and the Alternative Characters Key methods provide effective ways to type the euro symbol on Ubuntu. The Compose Key method is generally considered simpler to use for a variety of special characters once set up. The Alternative Characters Key method, while slightly more complex to configure initially with dconf-editor, offers a direct two-key combination for the euro symbol after setup.

Choose the method that best suits your workflow and how frequently you need to type the euro symbol. With either of these methods, you can easily include the euro symbol in your documents, emails, and any other text on your Ubuntu system.