Steve Wozniak, Apple Co-founder:

I've been using PopChar since its early days and I simply love it. It redefined my work and is an absolute must-have for anyone serious about fonts, typography, and design.

The challenge of special characters

Finding the perfect special character can be a real headache. Whether creating a logo design or dealing with multiple languages in a single project, it is easy to waste valuable time searching for the right symbol. We have all been there – desperately searching for how to type an upside-down question mark. It is frustrating to deal with the keyboard's limitations.

The solution is: PopChar

PopChar solves the endless search for special characters. A solution that not only saves your keyboard but also helps you save a lot of time and energy.

But what exactly is PopChar?

PopChar is a tool that gives you instant access to thousands of characters beyond your keyboard. It enables you to effortlessly find and insert special characters directly into your document with just a single click. New users might initially assume that using the application would be a significant challenge. It is easy to imagine that searching for and inserting various characters and symbols would be complicated. However, this is a misconception. PopChar’s intuitive and user-friendly interface makes the task surprisingly easy and enjoyable, even for those who do not consider themselves tech experts.

Who benefits from PopChar? Here are some examples:

• Designers: Access typographical symbols for creative projects.
• Developers: Find and insert Unicode characters efficiently.
• Translators: Work seamlessly with multiple languages.
• Everyone: Save time with quick character access.

For more insights and user experiences with PopChar, take a look at these platforms:

design shack / Product Hunt / Softpedia / MacUpdate

Getting started

1. Selecting and purchasing PopChar

The first step in downloading PopChar is to visit the ergonis website. Here, you can easily find all the information about PopChar – all functions, the price, and of course the download section for Mac or Windows systems. You can choose between personal or business use, as there are separate options for both. However, before buying, you have the opportunity to download a trial version, allowing you to test the software and explore its features, ensuring that PopChar is the best solution for you. Without an account, PopChar runs in trial mode. In trial mode, many special characters are disabled, but you can test the overall functionality.

If you feel PopChar is the right tool for you, you can choose between a one-time payment option or the subscription-based model. The one-time purchase allows you to use PopChar on a single device and includes minor bug fixes but requires additional payment for major version updates.

The recommended choice, PopChar Advanced offers the best value. You can use PopChar on up to two devices (Mac and Windows), receive all updates automatically - including major new versions - at no extra cost, and benefit from support. You will always have access to the latest features and improvements while maintaining the flexibility to cancel at any time.

Choose your plan

2. Installation and registration

After purchasing, download and install PopChar on your computer. The installation process is quick and easy, follow the instructions provided by the installer. In the app, you will need to register PopChar to activate the full version. Simply click on the key icon and enter the registration data you received via email.

Customize your experience

You can customize PopChar in the settings tab. Choose a keyboard shortcut for opening PopChar and select where to display the "P" icon – left, right, or in the menu bar. The "View & Insert" tab lets you adjust font sizes and set default fonts for each application. In the HTML settings, choose between readable entity names and numeric codes which are widely supported. HTML entities are easier to read in HTML text, but numeric HTML codes are supported by more browsers.

Try PopChar for free & download now

Discover PopChar: It’s easier than you think!

First step: Getting to know the interface

Using PopChar is simple and efficient. When opened, you will see a clear, well-organized character table. Do not worry if it feels overwhelming at first sight. The font selector at the left of the window allows you to easily browse characters in different fonts (installed on your device). This user-friendly layout enables you to quickly find and use the special characters you need for any project you are working on.

To insert a specific character into your document, simply place the cursor where you want the character to appear. Then, open PopChar, locate the character you need, click on it, and it will be inserted into your document instantly.

Search for characters by name or even by their shape

Browse characters at your own pace. Or you can use the search field: Type in what you are looking for – be it "heart" or "arrow". PopChar's search function will help you find it. If you do not know the exact name of the character, you can simply draw the symbol with PopChar’s innovative feature. Just select the drawing option and sketch the character using your mouse or touchpad. PopChar will recognize your drawing and display similar symbols. This feature is particularly useful when you are looking for a specific shape or sign but cannot quite put a name to it. Use the categories: On the left side, right next to “From selected font” you will find category options that help you navigate quickly to specific types of characters.

Selecting fonts and views

PopChar's text view feature has many benefits for designers, typographers, and anyone who takes their typography seriously.

Key benefits of these features include:

1. Real-world context: Text view lets you see your chosen font in action, using your content.
2. Quick comparison: Easily switch between different fonts to see how your text looks.
3. Readability testing: You can check how your text performs at various sizes and styles, ensuring optimal legibility for your audience.
4. Font compatibility checks: Quickly verify if a font has all the characters you need. Learn more in Learning Center.
5. Ligature and special character review: See how ligatures and special characters appear within your full text, ensuring a polished look.
6. Consistency checks: Ensure your chosen font looks great throughout your entire text, not just in isolated sections.
7. Detailed previews: PopChar offers comprehensive previews and print samples, allowing for thorough font exploration and comparison.

Visit the Quick start guide on YouTube.

By providing insights, PopChar's text view feature significantly streamlines the font selection process. It empowers you to make informed typographic decisions quickly and confidently, whether you are working on a branding project, designing a website, or laying out a publication,

Favorite and recent characters: Use your favorites fast!

PopChar offers a Favorites group at the top of the character table, where you can add frequently used characters by right-clicking (or ctrl-clicking) and selecting "Add to Favorites". Favorites display a heart icon but remain in their original places. To remove a character, right-click it and choose "Remove from Favorites".

PopChar also shows favorite characters that are available in the selected font, but to view all, switch to "Union of All Available Fonts". You can use "Reverse Search" to find fonts containing specific characters. Favorites can be transferred between computers via the "Export Favorites" and "Import Favorites" options.

Below the Favorites group, a "Recent Characters" section lists characters you have recently used. Depending on the settings, these are automatically updated and are limited to a few lines. You can add frequently used recent characters to your Favorites for easy access. Recent characters are indicated by a purple clock symbol, and the number displayed can be adjusted in the settings.

The magnifier function: See every detail!

PopChar includes a magnifier option that reveals more details about a character with mouseover (e.g. Unicode). To activate this feature, click the magnifier icon in the bottom left corner of the character list view.

Explore the World of PopChar and start experimenting

If you have any further questions about using PopChar, please visit the FAQ site. For detailed instructions, visit the ergonis Learning Center. For visual learners, there are also helpful YouTube videos, offering a step-by-step guide. The User Guide provides in-depth information on everything you need to know within the app. Feel free to experiment with the endless possibilities PopChar offers. You cannot go wrong here, as PopChar is flexible and safe to use, allowing you to explore different characters and features without risk.

Take the next steps

Once you are convinced that PopChar is useful for you, download the app, select a personalized plan that suits your needs, and follow the online purchasing steps. It is straightforward.