How to Type ï (I with umlaut) on LaTeX

Published August 16, 2026, 2 min read

Need ï on LaTeX for a name, an address or a word in another language? You do not have to copy it from a website every time. The fastest method is \"{\i}, and there are a few backups below for when that one is not available.

ï on LaTeX: \"{\i}

Ï on LaTeX: \"{I}

Or copy it:

Method 1: LaTeX command

Write \"{\i} in text mode. Load \usepackage[T1]{fontenc} for correct hyphenation and copy-paste from the PDF.

Method 2: Type the character directly

Since 2018 pdfLaTeX reads UTF-8 by default, so you can paste ï into your source. On Overleaf, set the compiler in Menu → Compiler.

Method 3: In math mode

For a variable with this accent, use $\ddot{i}$ . Math accents are for symbols, so use the text command for words.

How to type the capital Ï

The uppercase form works the same way with Shift added where a letter is typed.

LaTeX command

Write \"{I} in text mode. Load \usepackage[T1]{fontenc} for correct hyphenation and copy-paste from the PDF.

Type the character directly

Since 2018 pdfLaTeX reads UTF-8 by default, so you can paste Ï into your source. On Overleaf, set the compiler in Menu → Compiler.

About the letter ï

ï is Unicode U+00EF, named LATIN SMALL LETTER I WITH DIAERESIS. It is used in French, Dutch, Catalan, Welsh and Afrikaans. Two dots above a letter. As a German umlaut it changes the vowel sound (ä, ö, ü); as a diaeresis in French, Dutch, Spanish or English (naïve, Noël) it shows that a vowel is pronounced separately. See the ï character page for every code and shortcut.

Troubleshooting

Accents on i and j need the dotless forms \i and \j in old LaTeX; modern LaTeX handles this automatically.
If the letter is missing in the PDF, the font lacks it. Switch to XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX with a broader font.
Wrap commands in braces when the next character is a letter: \'{e}x, not \'ex.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut for ï on LaTeX?

\"{\i}.

Can I just copy and paste ï?

Yes. Click the copy button above, then paste with Ctrl+V on Windows and Chromebook, Cmd+V on a Mac, or touch and hold and choose Paste on a phone.

What is the Unicode code for ï?

U+00EF. In HTML it is ï.

Related guides

All accent shortcuts for LaTeX