The quickest way to make a heart on your keyboard

You can type a heart symbol in three main ways, depending on what device and program you're using. The simplest method on most computers is to copy and paste a heart from the internet, or use your operating system's built-in character menu. On Windows, you can also use an Alt code. On Mac, a keyboard shortcut works fastest. Each method takes less than a second once you know the steps.

Which method you choose depends on what you have in front of you right now. If you are in a hurry and do not want to memorize codes, the Character Map (Windows) or Character Viewer (Mac) will find any heart symbol you need. If you use hearts often, learning one keyboard shortcut saves time. If nothing else works, copying and pasting always does.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can hold Alt and type 3 on the numeric keypad to produce a heart (♥), or type 10084 for a filled heart emoji.
  • Mac users can press Option + Shift + 9 to create a heart symbol in most programs.
  • Any computer can use the Character Map (Windows) or Character Viewer (Mac) to find and insert a heart without memorizing codes.
  • Copying and pasting a heart from a website works in every program and requires no special knowledge.
  • Different programs and fonts may display hearts differently, so test in your document before relying on a specific symbol.

Using Alt codes on Windows

The Alt code method works in most Windows programs. Hold down the Alt key on your keyboard, then type 3 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard). When you release Alt, a heart symbol (♥) appears. This only works with the numeric keypad—the numbers across the top of the keyboard will not work.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, or if you want a different style of heart, you can use Alt + 10084 to produce a filled red heart emoji (❤). Again, use only the numeric keypad. Some laptops require you to hold Fn (Function) while typing the numbers, or to enable Num Lock first. If the code does not work, check your keyboard settings or try the Character Map method instead.

Using keyboard shortcuts on Mac

Mac users can type a heart quickly using Option + Shift + 9. Press and hold Option and Shift at the same time, then press 9. Release all three keys, and a heart symbol (♥) appears. This works in most Mac programs including email, word processors, and web browsers.

If that shortcut does not produce a heart in your program, try Option + Shift + K, which creates a different heart style in some applications. Mac also allows you to type emoji directly: press Control + Command + Space to open the emoji picker, then search for "heart" and click the one you want. This method works everywhere on modern Macs.

Finding hearts in Character Map or Character Viewer

On Windows: Open Character Map by typing "Character Map" into the Windows search box. In the window that opens, search for "heart" in the search field. You will see several heart symbols. Click the one you want, then click Copy. Go to your document and paste it (Ctrl + V). This method works in every Windows program and requires no memorization.

On Mac: Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer. Type "heart" in the search box at the top. Select the heart you want and click it—it will insert directly into your document. You can also click the heart symbol and then click Insert to add it. This is the most reliable method if keyboard shortcuts are not working.

Copying and pasting a heart from the web

The simplest method that works on any computer is to copy a heart from a website. Open any web browser, search for "heart symbol," and you will find pages with hearts you can copy. Click and drag to select a heart, then right-click and choose Copy (or press Ctrl + C on Windows, Command + C on Mac). Go to your document and paste it (Ctrl + V or Command + V).

This method works in every program—email, word processors, text editors, social media, messaging apps—because you are pasting a character that already exists. The heart will look the same as the one you copied, so you know exactly what you are getting before you paste it. No special knowledge or keyboard codes required.

Understanding different heart styles and symbols

Computers offer several versions of the heart symbol, and which one appears depends on your method and your font. The outline heart (♡) is different from the filled heart (♥). Emoji hearts (❤️, 🧡, 💛, 💚, 💙, 💜) come in colors and are larger. Some fonts do not support all heart symbols, so a heart might appear as a box or question mark if your program or font does not recognize it.

If a heart does not display correctly, try a different method or a different font. Most modern programs support at least the basic filled heart (♥) and emoji hearts, so you will usually have options. Test the heart in your document before sending it or printing it, especially if you are using an older program or a specialized font.

Troubleshooting when hearts do not appear

If you type an Alt code and nothing happens, check that you are using the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the numbers across the top. If you have a laptop without a numeric keypad, enable Num Lock (usually a key labeled Num Lk) or use the Character Map method instead. Some programs disable Alt codes for security reasons, so try a different program to test whether the code works on your computer.

If a keyboard shortcut does not work, your program may not support it, or your keyboard layout may be different. The Character Viewer (Mac) or Character Map (Windows) will work in almost every situation. If you still see a box or question mark instead of a heart, your font does not support that symbol—switch to a common font like Arial or Times New Roman, which support all standard hearts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I type a heart on my phone or tablet?

Yes. On iPhone and iPad, open the emoji keyboard (usually a smiley face icon on the keyboard) and search for "heart." On Android, long-press the space bar or look for an emoji button, then search for heart. You can also copy and paste a heart from a website on any device.

Why does my heart symbol look different in different programs?

Different fonts and programs render the same symbol differently. Arial, Times New Roman, and other common fonts all display hearts, but the shape and size may vary slightly. Emoji hearts (❤️) look the same across most modern programs because they are standardized, but older programs may not support them.

Is there a heart symbol I can use in plain text or email?

Yes. The filled heart (♥) works in plain text and email. Use Alt + 3 on Windows or Option + Shift + 9 on Mac. If those do not work, copy and paste a heart from a website—it will paste as a character that most email programs recognize.

What if I want a colored heart emoji instead of a symbol?

Use the emoji picker on your device: Control + Command + Space on Mac, or the emoji keyboard on Windows 10 and later. Search for "heart" and choose from red, orange, yellow, green, blue, or purple hearts. You can also copy colored heart emoji from websites.