Step 1: Determine the UTF-8 encoding bit layout
The character ✽ has the Unicode code point U+273D. In UTF-8, it is encoded using 3 bytes because its codepoint is in the range of
0x0800
to0xffff
.
Therefore we know that the UTF-8 encoding will be done over 16 bits within the final 24 bits and that it will have the format:1110xxxx 10xxxxxx 10xxxxxx
Where thex
are the payload bits.UTF-8 Encoding bit layout by codepoint range Codepoint Range Bytes Bit pattern Payload length U+0000 - U+007F 1 0xxxxxxx 7 bits U+0080 - U+07FF 2 110xxxxx 10xxxxxx 11 bits U+0800 - U+FFFF 3 1110xxxx 10xxxxxx 10xxxxxx 16 bits U+10000 - U+10FFFF 4 11110xxx 10xxxxxx 10xxxxxx 10xxxxxx 21 bits Step 2: Obtain the payload bits:
Convert the hexadecimal code point U+273D to binary:
00100111 00111101
. Those are the payload bits.Step 3: Fill in the bits to match the bit pattern:
Obtain the final bytes by arranging the paylod bits to match the bit layout:
11100010 10011100 10111101
HEAVY TEARDROP-SPOKED ASTERISK·U+273D
Character Information
Character Representations
Click elements to copyEncoding | Hex | Binary |
---|---|---|
UTF8 | E2 9C BD | 11100010 10011100 10111101 |
UTF16 (big Endian) | 27 3D | 00100111 00111101 |
UTF16 (little Endian) | 3D 27 | 00111101 00100111 |
UTF32 (big Endian) | 00 00 27 3D | 00000000 00000000 00100111 00111101 |
UTF32 (little Endian) | 3D 27 00 00 | 00111101 00100111 00000000 00000000 |
Description
The U+273D character, also known as the Heavy Teardrop-Spoked Asterisk, is a unique symbol used in digital text to convey emphasis, importance, or decoration. It is part of the Unicode standard, which provides a consistent encoding system for characters across different languages and platforms. In its design, the Heavy Teardrop-Spoked Asterisk features a teardrop shape with multiple spokes extending from it, giving it a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other asterisks or similar symbols. Although not as widely used as the standard asterisk (*), the Heavy Teardrop-Spoked Asterisk can be employed in various contexts to emphasize points or draw attention to specific elements within digital text. Its spoked teardrop design lends a sense of motion and dynamism, which can make it particularly suitable for conveying urgency, excitement, or novelty in certain situations. While the Heavy Teardrop-Spoked Asterisk does not have any direct cultural, linguistic, or technical context, its unique appearance may be appealing to designers, typographers, and other professionals working with digital text who wish to incorporate a distinct, non-standard symbol for emphasis or decoration. Overall, this character offers an alternative to the traditional asterisk and can contribute to creating more visually engaging digital content when used appropriately.
How to type the ✽ symbol on Windows
Hold Alt and type 10045 on the numpad. Or use Character Map.