Leading Key Changes

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Applicable IMEs: Microsoft New Phonetic IME, Microsoft New ChangJie IME and Microsoft New Quick IME

Leading Key is an identification code in Microsoft Intelligent IME used for special functions. Type the identification code of the Leading Key in the Intelligent IME to enter special function mode, and then type the recognizable function code.

In Microsoft Intelligent IME, the Leading Key provides the following functions:

Input full-width punctuation symbols:

Type the Leading Key followed by a symbol to get the full-width symbol.

For example: Enter ` [ in turn will get 〔.

Input characters in Unicode:

Press the Leading Key first and then u (English letter) to start inputting characters in Unicode.

For example: Enter ` u4e00 in turn will get 一.

Input characters in Big5 code:

Press the Leading Key first and then b (English letter) to start inputting characters in Big5 code.

For example: Enter ` ba440 in turn will get 一.

Input phrases quickly:

Please define shortcut in User phrase first, then enter the followings: 1. the Leading Key; 2 the shortcut defined in the User Phrase; 3 and press ENTER .

Note: Leading Key are only identified as Leading Keys in Microsoft Intelligent IME. The key is used to input its original symbol instead of the Leading Key in Alphanumeric mode.

The default Leading Key is `, it is usually located at the upper left corner on the keyboard, the same key used by symbol ~. You can change the default Leading Key between ` (grave accent) and ' (single quote).  

Change the default Leading Key:

1. First switch to Microsoft New Phonetic IME or other Microsoft Intelligent IMEs, such as New ChangJie IME or New Quick IME
2.  Click the Tool menu on the Language Bar
3. Select Properties
4. Select Advanced
5. Click Leading key in Fine tuning options for your personal typing behavior
6. Check the desired option