Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Searching for Multi-Byte Hex Codes.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated September 30, 2017)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Marc has a need to search for two-byte (Unicode) hex codes in a document. He knows how to search for ASCII and ANSI codes using decimal values, but he is wondering how he can search for a Unicode character that occupies two bytes when he only knows the hex values for the bytes.
There are a couple of ways you can go about this. First, you can search for Unicode values by prefacing the values with ^u. So, for instance, if you wanted to search for the character that has the value 00D0, you would convert the hex values to decimal and then search for ^u0208. (You can convert between hex and decimal by using a scientific calculator or by using a conversion tool easily found on the web.)
An easier way to do the searching, however, is to remember a shortcut key: Alt+X. In the Find What box (when searching) all you need to do is type the hex code and then immediately press Alt+X. When you do, Word converts the code into the appropriate character and you can search like normal. In reality, the Alt+X shortcut can be used to easily switch between a character and its hex code.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (9165) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Searching for Multi-Byte Hex Codes.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
Smart quotes look great in a document, but may not be right for all instances of quote marks or apostrophes. If you need ...
Discover MoreMacros are created for all sorts of purposes in creating, editing, and processing documents. You might want to use a ...
Discover MoreOne of the special characters you can add in a document is the no-width optional break. Although originally designed for ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here:
Comments