Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 19, 2025)
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.
The First and Last Word on Word! Bestselling For Dummies author Dan Gookin puts his usual fun and friendly candor back to work to show you how to navigate Word 2019. Spend more time working and less time trying to figure it all out! Check out Word 2019 For Dummies today!
Can you really use Find and Replace to change the case of text in your document? Not really, but that shouldn't stop you ...
Discover MoreHaving problems when it comes to replacing information in URLs? You're not the only one; it can be confusing making mass ...
Discover MoreSmart quotes look great in a document, but may not be right for all instances of quote marks or apostrophes. If you need ...
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.
Comments