If you’re working on a LaTeX project and you come across an error message saying “Package Inputenc Error: Keyboard Character Used is Undefined”, don’t worry! This issue is easily solvable, once you understand the root cause of the issue.
In this article, we’ll explain what this error means, why it appears, and provide step-by-step instructions for fixing the inputenc error.
What does the “package inputenc error” mean?
The package inputenc error usually appears when you’re using LaTeX documents. It indicates that you’ve tried to input a character in your LaTeX document that your current font does not support. If the font does not support the character, the document will throw this error message.
Why Does this Happen?
In a LaTeX document, the font used determines which characters are supported. If you try to input a character that’s not supported by your font, the document will throw an error. This can happen either because you chose an unsupported font, or because you’ve used a letter or accent not supported by the font you are using.
How to Solve the Error
Now that we’ve explained the root cause of the issue, it’s time to look at how to solve it. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to do so:
First, open your document in a text editor such as Notepad or TextEdit.
Locate the line of text that you’re having difficulty with.
Then, look for the character that’s causing the error. It’s usually a special character such as an accent or letter outside the Latin alphabet.
Once you’ve located the letter, try replacing it with an ASCII character. ASCII characters are characters that are supported by any Latin font.
To find the ASCII version of your characters, consult this list: ASCII Table.
Once you’ve replaced the character with the appropriate ASCII version, save your file.
Then, recompile your document. You should now be able to compile without any issues!
FAQ
How can I make sure I don’t run into this problem again?
To prevent this problem from happening again, make sure that you’re using a font that supports all characters used in your document. A good place to start is by using a Unicode-based font. Unicode fonts are designed to support a variety of characters, including accents and letters outside the Latin alphabet.
What if the ASCII character isn’t solving the issue?
If the ASCII character isn’t solving the issue, you may have to switch to a different font. Choose a font that supports the characters you need, and you should be able to get your document to compile.
What should I do if the error message includes more than just an undefined character?
If the error message includes more than just an undefined character, it’s likely a more complicated issue. Check out this guide on Debugging LaTeX with Output Messages for more information on solving this issue: Debugging LaTeX With Output Messages.
How do I change the font in my LaTeX document?
To change the font in your LaTeX document, you’ll need to use the fontspec package.
What do I do if the error persists?
If the error persists, consult the official LaTeX documentation for more information on how to solve the issue: LaTeX Documentation.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful in solving the package inputenc error! Remember to use a font that supports characters used in your document, and if all else fails, consult the official LaTeX documentation.