A method for converting to Unicode, in a Java Input Method Editor ("IME"), the encoding formats of a character code unit, including selecting an encoding format, receiving, through a computer user interface, in an IME, at least one character code unit having the encoding format and an encoding base, and displaying the character code unit through the computer user interface. Embodiments also include converting the encoding format of the character code unit to Unicode, thereby creating a Unicode code point, displaying, through the computer user interface, a glyph corresponding to the Unicode code point, and transferring the Unicode code point to an application.