PopChar gives you several ways to explore and preview fonts. Each view helps you see and use characters differently whether you want to browse all symbols, preview a font, or learn more about it.
You can switch between four views using the buttons or Command + 1–4 on your keyboard (make sure your mouse pointer is inside the PopChar window).
1. Character table
This is the most commonly used view. PopChar displays all available Unicode characters for a font in a grid, organized by Unicode groups.
You can choose what PopChar should show using the menu below the table:
- From Selected Font – Displays only the characters available in the chosen font. Great for inspecting the contents of a specific font.
- Union of All Available Fonts – Shows all characters available in any installed font. Perfect when you’re searching for a symbol but don’t know which font contains it.
- All Unicode Characters – Displays every character defined by the Unicode standard, even those not supported by your installed fonts. Missing characters appear as a red rectangle with a question mark.
Tip: “All Unicode Characters” can help identify missing symbols in documents when a font doesn’t support certain characters.
Each character in Unicode has a unique number that defines its meaning (for example, 65 = A, 8594 = →). However, the visual style may vary depending on the font.
PopChar also shows which characters are available in your current font:
- Black symbols = from the current font.
- Orange symbols = substituted from another font.
You can collapse or expand character groups using the small triangle beside each group name.
Hold Option (⌥) while clicking a triangle to collapse or expand all groups at once.
2. Font preview
This view lets you see the selected font displayed in different sizes.
It’s perfect for comparing typefaces or checking how a font looks before using it in a document.
3. Sample text preview
Here, PopChar shows a sample sentence or paragraph in the selected font.
Use it to quickly test readability, spacing, and overall style.
4. Font info
This view displays detailed information about the selected font, such as its name, version, designer, and supported scripts. It’s useful for understanding a font’s properties and compatibility.
Why these views matter
The different views and layouts in PopChar give you full control over how you explore and insert characters:
- The Character Table helps you find symbols fast.
- The Font Preview and Sample Text views help you choose the right font for your design.
- The Font Info view gives you details about the font’s structure and support.
Together, they make PopChar an incredibly powerful tool for discovering and using any character from any font on your Mac.