# Malob Nix Config Icon Lookup

> BMP PUA Unicode Workaround

- Skill: `tomevault-io/malob-nix-config-icon-lookup` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/malob-nix-config-icon-lookup`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/malob-nix-config-icon-lookup/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/malob-nix-config-icon-lookup

---


# BMP PUA Unicode Workaround

Claude Code filters Unicode characters in the BMP Private Use Area (U+E000-U+F8FF), which includes most Nerd Font icons. This skill provides tools for working with these icons.

## Quick Reference

| Range                          | Status                          | Examples                                    |
| ------------------------------ | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| U+E000-U+F8FF (BMP PUA)        | **Filtered** - use placeholders | Powerline, Devicons, Font Awesome, Octicons |
| U+F0000+ (Supplementary PUA-A) | Works directly                  | Material Design Icons (nf-md-*)             |

## Automatic Features

**When reading files:** A PostToolUse hook automatically identifies all PUA characters, showing icon names, codepoints, and whether they're filtered.

**When writing files:** A PostToolUse hook automatically converts placeholder syntax to actual Unicode characters.

## Placeholder Syntax

When writing icons in the filtered BMP PUA range, use placeholder syntax:

- By codepoint: `{{ U+E0A0 }}` (without the spaces)
- By name: `{{ nf-fa-star }}` (without the spaces)

## Icon Lookup

Search for icons by name:

```bash
python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/lookup-icon.py "<search query>"
```

Example searches:

- `git branch` → finds git-related icons
- `folder` → finds folder/directory icons
- `wizard` → finds wizard icons

## Character Identification

Identify a specific character:

```bash
# Direct argument (this is nf-md-battery, a Supplementary PUA icon)
python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/identify-icons.py -c "󰁹"

# From stdin
echo "󰁹" | python3 ${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/identify-icons.py -
```

## Workflow

1. **Reading files** - Hook automatically shows icon info; use this to understand what icons are present
2. **Writing icons** - Search with lookup script, then use placeholder syntax for filtered icons
3. **Comparing icons** - Use identify script to check if two characters are the same icon
4. **Material Design Icons** (U+F0000+) can be written directly without placeholders

## Manual Conversion

If placeholders weren't converted (e.g., hook didn't run):

```bash
${CLAUDE_PLUGIN_ROOT}/scripts/convert-placeholders.py /path/to/file
```

---
> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/malob) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-11 -->