People stumped trying to figure out how to type special characters such as accent marks, symbols and unusual punctuation now have a resource in the new Web site HowToType.net.

The simple-to-navigate site is organized by category (currency symbols, math symbols and so on) and also puts the most commonly searched-for shortcuts from-and-center for even easier access.

HowToType.net lists keyboard shortcuts for users of both Windows and Mac operating systems as well as those typing in html for creating web sites.

Normally, figuring out how to make a cents sign, copyright symbol or accent mark involves an often drawn-out process of accessing your computer or word processing program's settings and hunting for the symbol you need to make the special character, and then selecting it to appear in your document or on your Web site.

On HowToType.net, the special character in question is listed (for example, a degree symbol), followed by the instructions for Windows, Mac or html. (In Windows, type a degree symbol by holding the ALT key and typing 0176 on the keypad.)

"Seeking out the symbol or punctuation mark you need can be at best distracting and at worst a time-wasting hassle," said Kevin Savetz, the site's creator. "With HowToType.net, you can focus on the project on hand, not word processing."

These keyboard shortcuts come in handy in a variety of situations, such as typing the occasional fraction when referencing a recipe, or including tildes, accent marks or upside-down question marks for projects in Spanish. There are also shortcuts for typing pi, foreign currency and even hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs.

"There are hundreds of symbols, accents and just plain 'weird' punctuation marks listed on HowToType.net," Savetz said. "I hope users make this their go-to site when they're struggling with special characters."

There are nearly 50 sites in the FreePrintable.net family of free printables sites created by Savetz Publishing, Inc., a company devoted to creating useful and informative web sites of interest to consumers and small businesses.

Kevin Savetz ( savetz@gmail.com)

CEO

Savetz Publishing, Inc.

PO Box 1205