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charCode Event Property

Event Object

Example

Get the Unicode value of the key pressed:

var x = event.charCode;

x outputs:

119   // 119 is the letter "w"

More examples are available at the bottom of this page.


Definition and Usage

The charCode property returns the Unicode character code of the key that triggered the onkeypress event.

The Unicode character code is a numeric value for a character (e.g., "97" represents the letter "a").

Tip: For a full list of all Unicode characters, see our Complete Unicode Reference.

Tip: To convert a Unicode value to a character, use the fromCharCode() method.

Note: If this property is used with onkeydown or onkeyup events, the return value is always "0".

Note: This property is read-only.

Note: The which and keyCode properties provide a way to deal with browser compatibility. The latest DOM events recommend using the key property instead.

Note: IE8 and earlier do not support the which property. Unsupported browsers can use the keyCode property. However, the keyCode property is not valid in Firefox during the onkeypress event. For compatibility, you can use the following code:

Tip: You can also use the keyCode property to detect special keys (like "caps lock" or arrow keys). The keyCode and charCode properties provide a way to deal with browser compatibility. The latest DOM events recommend using the key property instead.

Tip: To check if "ALT", "CTRL", "META", or "SHIFT" keys are pressed, use the altKey, ctrlKey, metaKey, or shiftKey properties.


Browser Support

The numbers in the table specify the first browser version that supports the property.

Property
charCode Yes 9.0 Yes Yes Yes

Syntax

Technical Details

Return Value: A number, representing the Unicode character code
DOM Version: DOM Level 2 Events
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More Examples

Example

A cross-browser solution to get the Unicode value of the key pressed:

// If charCode is not supported, use keyCode (IE8 and earlier)
var x = event.charCode || event.keyCode;

Example

Show an alert message when the "O" key is pressed:

function myFunction(event) {
    var x = event.charCode || event.keyCode;
    if (x == 111 || x == 79) { // o is 111, O is 79
        alert("You pressed the 'O' key!");
    }
}

Example

Convert a Unicode value to a character:

var x = event.charCode || evt.keyCode; // Get Unicode value
var y = String.fromCharCode(x);        // Convert value to character

Related Pages

HTML DOM Reference: key Event Property

HTML DOM Reference: keyCode Event Property

HTML DOM Reference: which Event Property


Event Object

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