Typing < and > characters with ANSI keyboard lacking the key these characters are located on

Question

Many keyboard layouts in Europe are based on the ISO keyboard layout which looks like this.

In my language the <, > are located on the key next to left shift like this:

The problem is that I am using an keyboard with ANSI mechanical layout. The ANSI mechanical layout does not have this key.

Notice that key next to left shift previously used for < and > is missing.

Is there any way to enter less than < and greater than > characters on this ANSI keyboard using an French AZERTY layout? Maybe through a AltGr combination?

Answer 1

Is there any way to enter less than < and greater than > characters?

See Instructions for using Windows Alt Codes for help on entering Alt Codes.

Source ALT Codes - Alt Codes for Maths / Mathematics

Answer 2

Use free AutoHotKey tool and add these two simple macros:

>!u::<  ; Right Alt + u
>!i::>  ; Right Alt + i

This way you mapped your
Alt Gr+U to < and
Alt Gr+I to >.

I chose combinations with Alt Gr (right Alt key) because they are already natural at your national keyboard. But you can use any other mapping you wish.

From higher perspective, this way of keyboard customization can be better than simply finding where the character is located, because this way you can add any other characters you frequently need. For example:

>!f::«  ; Right Alt + f
>!g::»  ; Right Alt + g
>!a::→  ; Right Alt + a
>!b::•  ; Right Alt + b

Note: make sure your are always running AutoHotKey elevated (i.e. Run as Administrator).