diff --git a/pattern2.cpp b/pattern2.cpp
index 3ee0ad27..1d9ef8b3 100644
--- a/pattern2.cpp
+++ b/pattern2.cpp
@@ -1786,7 +1786,7 @@ EX namespace patterns {
           };
         }
       
-      else if((uni >= 'a' && uni <= 'z') || (uni >= 'A' && uni <= 'Z')) {
+      else if((uni >= 'a' && uni <= 'z') || (uni >= 'A' && uni <= 'Z') || among(uni, '#', '=')) {
         if(instant)
           stop_game();
         whichCanvas = uni;