Macron below and combining low line

Uses and scope

The names list distinguishes a macron below from a low line intended to connect. Encoded macron-below letters occur in scholarly transcription repertoires. A particular language or transliteration standard must define their meaning; this page documents the encoded relationship without assigning a universal sound to an underline. [4], [14]

Similar shapes, different characters

An HTML or word-processor underline is formatting and adds no combining character. An underscore is a spacing character. These three approaches can look similar but copy different text. Deleting formatting cannot remove an encoded low line, and removing marks cannot remove CSS underline styling. [1], [2], [4], [14]

Typing and text forms

Copying is exact; preview circles are excluded. Compare normalization forms.

Word for Windows

Select a hex code, then Alt+X; repeat for each scalar.

Mac and mobile

Hold a letter for supported variants; use Character Viewer on Mac or a language keyboard on mobile.

HTML

Use UTF-8 text or the numeric references in Details, in order.

Full typing instructions ·HTML, CSS and JavaScript entry ·Verified Alt codes.

Sources and method

Usage statements link to the authority that supports their scope. Character names, categories, combining classes and normalization results come from the pinned Unicode data. A canonical decomposition does not establish language membership or spelling frequency.

Source access date: 2026-09-14.

• [4] Unicode combining mark names and annotations. Names, cross references and narrowly attributed usage annotations. Historical annotations are not automatically current recommendations.
• [14] HTML numeric character references.
• [1] Unicode Character Database 17.0.0.
• [2] Unicode normalization, UAX #15.
• [10] Microsoft: Unicode character entry in Word.
• [11] Apple: enter characters with accent marks.
• [12] Google: use Gboard.
• [13] Unicode: fonts and keyboards FAQ.

Read the editorial method and inspect the underlying datasets.