You already know how easy it is to insert private characters but, what about making your own special characters? I will show how you can create and save your unique symbols using Private Character Editor. These characters/symbols can be inserted in any document, whenever you need. Private Character Editor has different tools to create any shape you desire. It can also be used to edit existing characters or just view and browse your characters library. This tutorial will share information about all editing tools available in Private Character Editor and show how to use them.

Where to Find Private Character Editor

Note: You can run Private Character Editor only if you are logged in as Administrator.

There are several ways of finding the Private Character Editor. You can go to 'Start Menu -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Private Character Editor'.

Alternatively, you can write the word 'character' in the Start Menu's search bar and, under Programs choose Private Character Editor.

The Private Character Editor application will open and look similar to the screenshot below.

Selecting the Code for Your New Character

The first thing that you are requested, is to choose a hexadecimal code for the new symbol you will create. Each character in a normal font, has a hexadecimal code to identify it. Therefore, your new character must be also identified by a code. If you choose the first box, the code will be E000, if you choose the one from the second column first row it will be E001 and so on. It's up to you what code you choose.

When you open the Private Character Editor for the first time, the whole grid is empty. Once you create a character, you will see it in the corresponding box. For example, I have previously created 2 symbols: one with the code E040 and the other one with E041. Now each box shows the associated character.

Once you have chosen the hexadecimal code, you are free to create your own character.

Tools For Creating a New Character

Your canvas is a 50x50 grid in which you can draw mostly anything you like, as you can do in Paint. Private Character Editor gives you 10 tools that can be chosen either from the left-hand side toolbox or by going to 'Tools -> Item'.

The default tool is the Pencil. Using it you can only draw on one square at a time.

If you want to draw 2x2 squares, use the second tool, called the Brush.

For lines, just like in Paint, use the Straight Line tool. Hold down the left mouse button in the point where you want the line to start and release it at the line's end.

To draw rectangles of any type and size, use the Hollow Rectangle.

If you want your rectangles to be fully colored try the Filled Rectangle tool.

Hollow Ellipse and Filled Ellipse are the tools you need when you want to draw circles or any other rounded shape figures.

The Rectangular Selection tool allows you to select a rectangle shaped area. Click in the middle of the selected area to move it or drag its corners and sides to change its shape.

The Free Form Selection works like the Rectangular Selection tool, only that you can choose any shape you want to be selected.

The Eraser tool will remove 2x2 areas of drawing.

As you would expect from any similar tool, you can cut, copy, paste or delete a selection. To do so, go to Edit and choose the option you need.

Using Existing Characters to Create Your Own

The Private Character Editor allows you to select a pre-existing symbol to be used as reference for your new character. Go to 'Window -> Reference' to choose a character.

Click on the Font button to choose the font.

Select the font and the font type.

The reference symbol will be opened in a new 50x50 grid, on the right-hand side.

You can select any part of the reference character to copy in your symbol. Just select the area you are interested in and drag it onto your canvas. As a note, you cannot modify the reference symbol.

Once you have finished working with a reference character, go to 'Window -> Close reference' to close the symbol.

If you want your new character to be based on an existing one, the Private Character Editor gives you the option to copy it on the canvas. This will replace completely what you already have drawn. Go to 'Edit -> Copy Character'.

Click on the Font button to select the desired font and font type.

The selected character will appear on your canvas and you will be able to edit it.

How to Save a Character and Link it with a Font

Private Character Editor allows you to link your character to either all fonts or just specific ones. By doing this, the character is added to the selected font(s). To do this, go to 'File -> Font Links'.

You are first asked if you want to save your character. Click Yes.

If you want to link the character with all fonts, select the corresponding option and press OK.

If you want to link your character only to one or more specific fonts, choose 'Link with Selected Fonts', in the Font Links window. Select, one by one the desired fonts, click on the 'Save as' button and choose a name for your private character.

After you have chosen a name, it will be displayed for the font you have selected. Press the OK button and you are done.

Now that you have linked your symbol to a font, it is time to save it. Go to 'Edit -> Save Character'.

If you want to save it as a different code, go to 'Edit -> Save Character As'.

Choose the new hexadecimal code as its identifier and click OK.

How to Edit a Previously Created Character

To edit a character you previously designed, go to 'Edit -> Select Code'.

From the grid, pick the drawn box associated with the character and click OK.

The character is now opened and you can use the tools mentioned in the sections above to edit it.

How to See and Use Your Created Character

To see and then copy the new character you created to a document, open Character Map. From the Fonts drop-down box, select 'All Fonts (Private Characters)'.

To find your new symbol in the Character Map, from the font list select (Private Characters). For example, I've saved my symbol in the Arial font, so I will find it under Arial (Private Characters).

Now you can copy and paste it to any document, as shown in our Use Special Characters in Windows 7 with Character Map guide.

Note: Close Private Character Editor before searching for your symbol in Character Map. Otherwise it won't work.

Conclusion

Test your designer skills and creativity by creating a new symbol with Private Character Editor. Play with each of the tools and options described in this tutorial to see how easy it is to make a character. Next, insert your new characters in documents to give them a touch of originality. If you have any questions on this topic don't hesitate to leave a comment.

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