Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
PopChar has been around since nearly the dawn of time, at least in terms of the Mac operating system. PopChar started as a Turbo Pascal-based substitute for Key Caps, created on a Mac Plus way back in 1987. Its core functionality remains the same today, helping users insert unusual characters directly into documents--choosing from an increasingly arcane array of strange and foreign symbols, across thousands of Unicode-supported characters, all without having to learn any difficult key combinations.
Similar to the built-in Character Palette and Keyboard Viewer in OS X, PopChar X is accessed from your menu bar (or with an optional, customizable hot key), but it offers an easier interface and many more options than these built-in tools--including an always-on-top Favorites group, for frequently used characters. PopChar X auto-detects your current font, gives you a powerful search function across font boundaries, offers a variety of input methods, inserts HTML symbols, and more. A cool "reverse font search" even lets you know which fonts support a given character.
Overall, the only drawback to PopChar X is its price, but this app can still be a good value for anyone who uses its features frequently.
Publisher's Description
From Ergonis software:
PopChar is a utility application that lets you insert special characters, accented letters, umlauts, etc. from all installed fonts into your documents. You never need to search for and remember keystrokes any longer. Just pop up the PopChar window, click the desired character, and the character appears in your current document. If a font contains Unicode characters, you can see all of them, neatly arranged in the standard Unicode categories. Features: Simple to use, just click and select, Inserts accented characters, foreign letters and any other character from all installed fonts, Automatic font detection, Full Unicode support, Character search function, Various insertion options, Insertion of HTML symbols, Recent characters view, Displays the keystrokes needed to create selected characters, Automatically starts at login.
What's new in this version:
- The command-F keyboard shortcut enters the search field.
- It is now possible to immediately start a search by typing the search string when the cursor is in PopChar's character table.
- New context menu command "Copy Character Description" copies a brief summary of the selected Unicode character to the clipboard.
- New context menu item "Copy Font List" for copying the list of font names to the clipboard.
- Support for Unicode 6.2.
- The PopChar... See all new features
More Products to Consider
-
Create and process PDF documents.DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Classic font editor for manipulating fonts for DTP.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Convert PDF to most formats including word documents, images, a...DownloadThis download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Create or download 3D models.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Convert PDF files to various formats.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Paint app similar to MacPaint & Microsoft Paint.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Create or download 3D models.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Join multiple PDF files into one single PDF file.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Download an electrically charged font.Download
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install - Check out this font created for the band, Evanescence.Download
Installed
Smart Install -
3D modeling, animation & rendering tool.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Create pop art designs on your Mac.Visit Site
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
- Edit text in InDesign files without using InDesign.Download
Installed
Smart Install - Simulate over-inked type with this gritty, blotchy, serif font.Download
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
Installed
Smart Install -
Outline home plans, lay out furniture & view the results in 3D.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install -
Find, remember, and learn menu shortcuts.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Reduce size of InDesign links, convert colors.Download
Installed
Smart Install -
View, edit, convert most image formats.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Create various architectural designs.Download
Installed
Smart Install -
3D modeling, rendering, animation.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Download a squared-off sans serif typeface.Download
Installed
Smart Install -
Display, edit, manipulate and archive multiple clips.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install - Visual UML modeling & CASE tool.Visit Site
This download is served from an external site
closeNOTICE: This link will open a connection to a third-party site. CNET cannot ensure the security of software that is hosted on external sites.
Sponsored Products
-
Edit, convert, and annotate PDF files.DownloadInstalled
Smart Install
-
All versions:
4.4 starsout of 42 votes
-
Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
Write review
-
"PopChar X for Mac is a wonderful and very useful tool."
Version: PopChar X 6.1
Pros
Easy to use. Stabile. Long term record of upgrading both for the rare bug and the useful new feature. For what it does, the cost for it is inexpensive. Is very useful for working with the Unicode font system.
Cons
None that I can think of.
Summary
As a linguist who works with a variety of nonRoman writing systems and fonts, Pop Char X for Mac is an indispensable tool. I have own a copy at least since it was PopCar Pro (over 12 years ago) and probably even before that. I have always found it to be a valuable tool. Finding not only the character, but its Unicode number, name and its keyboard keystroke and being able to insert the character has made this one tool that I have not been able to do without for many years now.
-
"Simply, a must have add-on"
Version: PopChar X 6.0.1
Pros
PopChar does not clutter my desktop, is always immediately available, rock solid and has never let me down when looking for that special character.
Cons
I'm thinking ....
Summary
I am a software addict. I confess! Over the years I have bought countless programs that I simply "needed", only to realize later that I hardly, if ever, used it. The programs did what they promised, I just did not "need" it. However there occasionally comes along a program that may not be "flashy" upon first inspection but overtime becomes an indispensable part of your daily computing. PopChar is such a program! I have about three (of approximately 50) programs that get installed day one when I get a new computer.
Ergonis has always been supportive and clearly listen to their customers feedback. I can not imagine anyone not being able to benefit from this program. -
"One of the best add-ons for the Mac and now for PC too"
Version: PopChar X 5.4.1
Pros
I've used PopChar for the Mac for several years across many Mac OS's. The product has improved in leaps and bounds over that time with added features. As a medical person, and as a French and German speaker, I always ensure I'm using the correct scientific symbols in scientific papers or the correct accents and currency symbols in non-English text I create. What is more, the symbols and accents are spread across so many of the various fonts I use. More recently I have needed to install Microsoft Windows into my Mac when the medical software I am committed to using abandoned its Mac version and concentrated on a PC version. So I also bought the PopChar PC edition and am very happy with both versions
Cons
Can't think of any — is it so seamless.
Summary
PopChar is one of the few add-on programs I find essential and which is superior to the character palettes that Mac & Windows have come up with.
-
"I don't buy App's with no price attached"
Version: PopChar X 5.3
Pros
Impossible to know since I did not download
Cons
Publish price and I will download
Summary
No price= No download
-
"Most efficient way to find the character you want!"
Version: PopChar X 5.1
Pros
Ease of use, fast access, easily personalized, unobtrusive, regularly updated.
Cons
None that I know of.
Summary
PopChar X is so much easier to use than trying to use Apple's character or keyboard viewer. It is, in my book, a 'Mac Essential.' I've had others, but PopChar X is the full-featured, well polished, champion of its class.
-
"Always ready, always helpful. Best font help available."
Version: PopChar X 5.1
Pros
Saves so much time when special characters are needed and/or a different font.
Also see answer to #2 above.Cons
Nothing wrong that I have found.
Summary
Get it. Use it. Be happy and satisfied.
-
"Exceptionally easy/and convenient to use and access."
Version: PopChar X 5.1
Pros
Very accessable: tiny button upper left corner. Immediately opens when needed; and immediately closes after insert.. It remembers the previously used character, until a new character is needed. It will work even in website application forms, etc.
Cons
I only wonder if the newer version is going to change the beauty of version 2.3 which we've been using for @4 years.
Summary
Exceptionally easy and accessable to use. Stays out of sight small footprint, but right awake when needed. Small is big!
Just upgraded. Version 5.1 is super. The application is still it's same amazing self. Big yet unpretentious. The engineers on this are to be congratulated
I have used it even in an adobe web site application form!
Updated on Nov 3, 2010 -
"OK but not necessary"
Version: PopChar X 5.1
Pros
Was about the best until Adobe introduced their 'glyphs' panel some years ago. Now it's kind of redundant, at least for InDesign.
Cons
Quirky at times (unpredictable)
Summary
Nice toy if you need font character substitutions often in various applications (Other than Adobe InD).
-
"BEST utility for inserting arcane chars in your text."
Version: PopChar X 5.1
Pros
Intuitive and easy to use, PopChar sits unobtrusively in the upper left corner of your Menu Bar at all times and allows you to select from a wide variety of characters, regular, Unicode, or completely arcane fonts & styles, & pop them into your text.
Cons
I've used PopChar on several Macs since version 1 and can't think of a single thing I don't like about the program or that I would change. It does what it's supposed to do quickly and easily and without a hassle. Definitely worth the price!
-
"PopChar is indispensable!"
Version: PopChar X 5.0
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
First, let me address those who complain about the upgrade fee. Come on, do you really expect a lifetime of free upgrades on a product such as this? It takes quite a bit of development to continue to add features and to make it compatible as Apple updates their OS. So, get over it. OR, don't use it! As a writer, I find using the special characters via this application to be transparent and seamless. I can't imagine being without PopChar (and I have not, since version 1.0!). May I suggest you try it? In this new version, I like the area that allows for favorites to be retained for easier insertion as needed. No hunting and searching for these favorites. It has been quite some time since I've had issues with this software, so long ago that I cannot remember specifics. I keep my Mac current with the OS and until PopChar 5.0 came out, the previous version worked just fine with my OS X 10.6.4. To those who wonder about the usefulness, I suggest that for any writer or creative type who wants to be able to quickly, effortlessly access the myriad special characters you may not have known exist, download and try the software. If you find it useful, buy it after the trial period. If not, let it go and dump it As for me, well, I just wouldn't be without it. I hope my comments prove to be useful!
