Type symbols using keyboard shortcuts and character codes

Most symbols on your keyboard live behind the number keys and punctuation marks — you reach them by holding Shift. But hundreds more symbols exist that aren't printed on any key. You can type these using Alt codes on Windows, Option key combinations on Mac, or by copying them from your operating system's built-in character viewer. The method you use depends on which symbol you need and which device you're working on.

The fastest route for common symbols is usually the Shift key. For less common ones — copyright signs, mathematical symbols, arrows, emoji — you'll need to know the specific code or use your system's character map. This guide covers all three methods so you can type any symbol without hunting through menus.

Key Takeaways

  • Symbols printed on your keyboard appear when you hold Shift and press the number or punctuation key — for example, Shift+2 types the @ symbol on most US keyboards.
  • Windows users can type any symbol using Alt codes: hold Alt, type a four-digit number on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
  • Mac users hold Option (or Option+Shift) and press a letter or number to type symbols; the exact key combination varies by symbol.
  • Both Windows and Mac have built-in character viewers that let you search for a symbol by name and copy it directly into your document.
  • The numeric keypad is required for Alt codes on Windows — the number row at the top of the keyboard will not work.

Shift key symbols on a standard US keyboard

Your keyboard has symbols printed above the numbers 1 through 0 and above several punctuation keys. Hold Shift and press the key to type the symbol instead of the character. On a US keyboard, Shift+1 types !, Shift+2 types @, Shift+3 types #, and so on. The same method works for symbols above the punctuation keys: Shift+; types :, Shift+' types ", and Shift+/ types ?.

Other keyboards — UK, European, or international layouts — have different symbols in different positions. If you're using a non-US keyboard, look at the key itself to see which symbol appears above the character. The Shift key will always type the upper symbol on that key.

Common Shift symbols include the exclamation mark (!), at sign (@), hash or pound sign (#), dollar sign ($), percent (%), caret (^), ampersand (&), asterisk (*), parentheses ( ), hyphen (-), underscore (_), equals (=), plus (+), curly braces { }, square brackets [ ], pipe (|), backslash (\), colon (:), semicolon (;), quotation marks (" and '), angle brackets (< >), question mark (?), and comma (,).

Alt codes for Windows: typing any symbol with numbers

Alt codes let you type symbols by holding Alt and typing a number on the numeric keypad — the cluster of number keys on the right side of most desktop keyboards. This only works on Windows, and you must use the numeric keypad, not the number row at the top of the keyboard.

To type a symbol using an Alt code, hold down the Alt key, type the four-digit code on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The symbol will appear where your cursor is. For example, Alt+0169 types the copyright symbol (©), Alt+0174 types the registered trademark symbol (®), and Alt+0176 types the degree symbol (°).

Common Alt codes include Alt+0169 for ©, Alt+0174 for ®, Alt+0176 for °, Alt+0177 for ±, Alt+0188 for ¼, Alt+0189 for ½, Alt+0190 for ¾, Alt+0215 for ×, Alt+0247 for ÷, Alt+0162 for ¢, Alt+0163 for £, Alt+0165 for ¥, Alt+0128 for €, Alt+0153 for ™, and Alt+0133 for … (ellipsis). If your laptop doesn't have a numeric keypad, you can enable Num Lock and use the number keys on the right side of your keyboard, or use the character viewer instead.

Option key combinations on Mac: typing symbols with modifier keys

Mac keyboards use the Option key (also labeled Alt) combined with letter and number keys to type symbols. Unlike Windows Alt codes, you don't type a number — you hold Option and press a specific key. The symbol appears when ready when you release the keys.

Common Option combinations include Option+2 for ™, Option+G for ©, Option+R for ®, Option+Shift+= for +, Option+= for ±, Option+Shift+8 for °, Option+5 for ∞, Option+/ for ÷, Option+Shift+/ for ?, and Option+3 for #. Many symbols require Option+Shift together. For example, Option+Shift+Y types ¥, and Option+Shift+4 types ¢.

If you can't remember the exact key combination, use the Character Viewer instead. Press Control+Command+Space to open it, search for the symbol by name, and double-click to insert it into your document.

Using Windows Character Map to find and copy symbols

The Character Map is a built-in Windows tool that displays every symbol your computer can type. Open it by typing "Character Map" into the Windows search box and pressing Enter. A window opens showing a grid of characters and symbols.

To find a specific symbol, type its name into the search box at the bottom — for example, type "copyright" to find ©, or "arrow" to see all arrow symbols. Click the symbol you want, then click the Copy button. The symbol is now in your clipboard. Switch to your document and paste it using Ctrl+V.

Character Map also shows you the Alt code for each symbol in the status bar at the bottom of the window. If you see a symbol you like, you can note its Alt code and use that code in the future instead of opening Character Map again.

Using Mac Character Viewer to search for symbols

The Character Viewer on Mac works the same way as Windows Character Map. Press Control+Command+Space to open it, or go to Edit menu > Emoji & Symbols in most applications. A panel opens showing categories of characters and symbols.

Search for a symbol by typing its name in the search box — type "copyright" to find ©, "heart" to find ♥, or "arrow" to see arrow symbols. Click the symbol you want and it inserts directly into your document. You can also browse by category: click the category icons on the left to see Punctuation, Arrows, Math Symbols, Letterlike Symbols, and many others.

The Character Viewer remembers your recent symbols, so if you use the same symbol often, it will appear at the top of the panel next time you open it.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake with Alt codes is using the number row instead of the numeric keypad. The number row at the top of your keyboard will not work — you must use the numeric keypad on the right side of a desktop keyboard. If your laptop has no numeric keypad, enable Num Lock (usually Fn+Num Lock) and use the number keys on the right side of the keyboard, or use Character Map instead.

Another mistake is forgetting to hold Alt the entire time you type the code. You must hold Alt down, type all four digits, then release Alt. If you release Alt before typing all the digits, nothing will happen. Also, make sure Num Lock is on — most numeric keypads have a light that shows when Num Lock is active.

On Mac, the most common mistake is trying to use Windows Alt codes. Mac uses Option key combinations instead, and they are completely different. If an Alt code doesn't work on your Mac, use the Character Viewer or look up the Option key combination for that symbol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't my Alt code work?

You are probably using the number row instead of the numeric keypad, or Num Lock is off. Alt codes only work with the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, and Num Lock must be on. If your laptop has no numeric keypad, use Character Map instead by typing "Character Map" into the Windows search box.

How do I type the copyright symbol?

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0169 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Option and press G. You can also open Character Map (Windows) or Character Viewer (Mac), search for "copyright", and copy the © symbol directly into your document.

Can I type symbols on my phone or tablet?

Yes, but the method depends on your device. On most phones, hold down a letter key and a menu of related symbols appears. On iPad, hold down a key to see symbol options. You can also use the emoji keyboard — swipe to the emoji section and search for the symbol you need.

What if I don't know the Alt code or Option combination?

Use Character Map on Windows or Character Viewer on Mac. Both let you search for a symbol by name and copy it into your document. This is faster than trying to remember codes for symbols you use rarely.

Do Alt codes work in all programs?

Alt codes work in most Windows programs including Word, email, and web browsers, but some programs may not support them. If an Alt code doesn't work, try using Character Map to copy and paste the symbol instead. This method works in almost every program.