Using symbols like the copyright symbol © is essential for creators, professionals, and businesses. Whether you're drafting legal documents, creating content, or designing graphics, knowing how to type the copyright symbol efficiently can enhance your work's professionalism and protect your intellectual property.
This guide will show you multiple methods to make the copyright symbol on both Windows and Mac. From keyboard shortcuts to built-in tools, we'll cover everything you need to know to insert the copyright symbol © seamlessly into your documents.
How to Make the Copyright Symbol in Windows Using an ASCII Code Keyboard Shortcut
Inserting the copyright symbol on Windows is straightforward with ASCII code keyboard shortcuts. This method is quick and works across most applications.
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Enable the Numerical Keypad
Ensure that your keyboard's Num Lock is activated. Press the “Num Lock” key to enable the numerical keypad on the right side of your keyboard. On laptops without a dedicated keypad, you may need to press “Fn” + “NumLk” to activate the numeric functions.
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Type the ASCII Code for the Copyright Symbol
Place your cursor where you want the copyright symbol © to appear. Press and hold the “Alt” key, then type “0169” on the numerical keypad. Release the “Alt” key, and the copyright symbol will appear.
If you have no numerical keypad, you can also use the regular number keys with the same key combination.
How to Make the Symbol Without a Numerical Keypad Using Letter Keys
You can also use letter keys to insert the copyright symbol if your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad. This method involves using the letter keys that correspond to numbers when Num Lock is activated.
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Enable Num Lock on Your Keyboard
Press “Fn” + “NumLk” to activate Num Lock, which allows certain letter keys to function as numbers. -
Insert the Copyright Symbol Using Letter Keys
Place your cursor where you want the symbol. Hold down the “Alt” key and type “MJO9”, which corresponds to “0169” with Num Lock on. Release the “Alt” key, and the copyright symbol © will appear.
How to Make the Copyright Symbol in Windows Using The Character Map
The Character Map is a built-in Windows utility that lets you copy and paste special characters. There, you can find and insert the copyright symbol without remembering any codes.
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Open the Character Map
Click on the “Start” menu and type “Character Map” into the search bar. Select the “Character Map” application from the results.
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Copy the Copyright Symbol
In the Character Map window, scroll to find the copyright symbol ©. Click on it, then click “Select” and “Copy”. You can now paste the symbol into your document using “Ctrl” + “V”.
How to Make the Copyright Symbol in Windows Using The Emoji Panel
Windows 10 and 11 include an Emoji Panel that provides easy access to symbols. The Emoji Panel allows you to insert the copyright symbol without needing to remember any codes.
- Open the Emoji Panel
Press “Windows + period” to open the Emoji Panel.
- Navigate to Symbols
Click on the symbols icon, which resembles multiple symbols, to find the copyright symbol ©.
- Select the Copyright Symbol
Scroll through the symbols to find the copyright symbol © and click on it to insert it into your document.
How to Make the Copyright Symbol in Windows Using Microsoft Word
Microsoft Word offers built-in features for inserting special symbols. You can use Word's Insert function to add the copyright symbol to your document and copy it anywhere else from there.
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Insert the Symbol via Word's Menu
Open your Word document and place the cursor where you want the symbol. Go to the “Insert” tab on the ribbon. Click on “Symbol” in the right-hand corner and select “©” from the dropdown. If it's not listed, click “More Symbols”, find the copyright symbol ©, and click “Insert”.
How to Insert a Copyright Symbol on Windows Using the Catchchar Application
What is CatchChar?
CatchChar is a small Windows utility designed to help users insert special characters or symbols not readily available on their keyboard. It allows users to quickly locate and insert characters like a copyright symbol from a comprehensive database of Unicode characters. It can be accessed from the system tray or via a customizable hotkey.
- Download CatchChar
Download the CatchChar application from a trusted source like Softpedia.
- Open CatchChar
After installation, open the CatchChar app by searching for it in the Windows search bar.
- Access CatchChar
Press “Alt + Shift + 5” to bring up the CatchChar application. You can change this hotkey within CatchChar.
- Insert the Copyright Symbol using CatchChar
Navigate to an application like WordPad or Notepad, press “Alt+Shift+5“, and select the copyright symbol from the CatchChar list.
How to Insert a Copyright Symbol on a Mac Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Mac users can quickly insert the copyright symbol with a simple keyboard shortcut. Place your cursor where you want the symbol. Press “Option” + “G” simultaneously (⌥ + “G“). The copyright symbol © will appear immediately.
How to Enter a Copyright Symbol on Chromebooks / ChromeOS, or Linux
Chromebooks have a different keyboard layout compared to Windows PCs and Macs, but you can still easily insert the copyright symbol © using Unicode input or the on-screen keyboard. Here's how you can do it:
- Initiate Unicode Input
Press “Ctrl + Shift + u” to start Unicode input mode.
- Type the Copyright Code
Type “00A9” while in “Unicode input mode” and press “Enter” to convert it to the copyright symbol.
- The underlined “u” will be turned into the copyright symbol in your text
How to Type a Copyright Symbol on Android Smartphones
⚠️ Please note: The process described below is the same in most android smartphones. However, remember that the UI screenshots used here may look slightly different. We'll point out any changes you need to be aware of as they come up.
- Access the Numeric Keyboard
Tap on the text area in which you want to write the copyright symbol, then tap the “123” button to switch to the numeric and symbols keyboard.
- Find the Copyright Symbol
Tap the “(&=” button or equivalent to access the special characters. The exact button may vary; for example, Samsung phones use “1/2“, while Google Gboard uses “=/<“.
- Insert the Copyright Symbol
Locate and tap the copyright symbol to insert it into your text.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Using Symbols
Can I type the copyright symbol on Windows if I don't have a numeric keypad?
If your Windows keyboard lacks a numeric keypad, you can still enter the copyright symbol by enabling Num Lock and using a combination with the “Alt” key plus letter keys that correspond to numbers. For example, activate Num Lock and press “Alt” followed by “MJO9”, assuming “MJO9” mimics the numeric sequence “0169” on the keys under Num Lock mode. This method may vary slightly based on keyboard layout, but generally, the combination will work.
How do I access the Character Map to insert the copyright symbol in Windows?
To access the Character Map on Windows, search for “Character Map” in the Start menu, open the application, then search for the copyright symbol in the displayed characters. You can select the symbol, click on the “Select” button, and then “Copy.” Afterwards, you can paste it into any text field or document using “Ctrl + V”. This utility is especially useful if you frequently need to use special characters.
Is there a keyboard shortcut for inserting the copyright symbol in applications like Adobe Photoshop?
In Adobe Photoshop and most other applications, you can use the operating system's keyboard shortcuts or character insertion methods. For Windows, use “Alt + 0169” (with a numeric keypad) or find the symbol via the Glyphs panel under “Type.” Mac users can insert the symbol using the “Option + G” shortcut. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the symbol from another source into Photoshop.
What is the CatchChar application and how can it help with special symbols?
CatchChar is a software utility designed for Windows that facilitates the easy insertion of special characters, including the copyright symbol. Once installed, you can activate the app with a customizable hotkey (default is “Alt+Shift+5”), and it will provide a menu of frequently used characters to insert into your document. This is particularly useful for users who need to use special characters regularly but don't remember the specific codes or shortcuts.
Can I use the copyright symbol on mobile devices in texts and emails?
Yes, to use the copyright symbol on mobile devices, you generally access it through the symbols or emoji section of the keyboard. On most smartphones, when the keyboard is active in text inputs, select the symbols key (usually “?123” or similar), then navigate to symbols or emoji. The copyright symbol can usually be found under a section with currency and other symbols. Tap it to insert it into your text or email.
How can I insert special symbols like the copyright symbol using Emoji Panel in Windows 10 and 11?
On Windows 10 and 11, you can use the Emoji Panel to insert special symbols. Activate the panel by pressing “Windows + period” or “Windows + semicolon” keys, then click on the symbols or special characters icon. Browse through or search for the copyright symbol and click it to add it directly to your document. This tool provides a quick and visual way to insert symbols without memorizing codes.
Are there any mobile apps that provide easy access to the copyright symbol and other special characters?
For enhanced keyboard functionalities on mobile devices, apps like SwiftKey, Gboard (Google Keyboard), and Grammarly provide extended keyboards that include easy access to special characters and symbols including the copyright symbol. These apps often feature customizable keyboards or quick access bars where users can add frequently used symbols for quick insertion.
What should I do if my Mac keyboard shortcuts for symbols are not working?
If Mac keyboard shortcuts for symbols are not working, check System Preferences under Keyboard to ensure that shortcut keys are enabled and configured properly. Sometimes, shortcuts may conflict with other app-specific shortcuts, so verify there are no conflicts. Resetting your Mac's keyboard settings or checking for updates can also resolve issues with shortcuts not functioning.
Can I customize shortcuts for inserting symbols like the copyright symbol in Word?
In Microsoft Word, you can customize or create new shortcuts for inserting symbols. Go to “File” > “Options” > “Customize Ribbon” and then “Customize” under Keyboard shortcuts. From here, choose “Insert Tab” and then “Symbol” commands. You can assign a new shortcut key to a symbol like the copyright symbol for quicker insertion.
What are some other methods to insert the copyright symbol in documents without using keyboard shortcuts?
Besides using keyboard shortcuts, you can insert the copyright symbol by using the insert function in many text editors. For instance, in Microsoft Word, go to “Insert” > “Symbol” > “More Symbols” and select the copyright symbol from the character map. In Google Docs, click “Insert” > “Special characters,” and then search for the copyright symbol to add it to your document.
How can I ensure the copyright symbol displays correctly on different platforms?
To ensure consistent display of the copyright symbol across different platforms, use the Unicode character (U+00A9) when possible. This method provides the most consistent results as Unicode is a universal character encoding standard. Additionally, test the document on multiple devices and platforms to ensure its appearance remains correct.
Is there a shortcut to quickly find the copyright symbol in Character Map on Windows?
Although no direct shortcut to jump to the copyright symbol in the Character Map exists, you can speed up your search by selecting the “Unicode Subrange” option, particularly the “General Punctuation” subset where the copyright symbol is commonly located. This method is faster than scrolling through all the characters.
Why might the copyright symbol insertion not work using the standard keyboard shortcut in some programs?
Keyboard shortcuts for inserting symbols might not work in some programs due to application-specific settings or conflicts with other shortcut keys. Additionally, some applications have their own methods or panels for inserting symbols, which might override the system's default shortcuts. Check the application's documentation or settings for customizing or using specific insert methods.
Can I insert the copyright symbol using voice commands on devices with speech recognition?
On devices supporting speech recognition, such as smartphones with Google Assistant, Siri, or computers with Cortana, you can use voice commands to perform tasks, including typing symbols. Say commands like “Type copyright symbol” during text input. Effectiveness may vary based on the software's capability to understand and execute the command accurately.
How do I ensure that the copyright symbol is not misrepresented in different fonts or text styles?
When using different fonts or creative text styles, verify the copyright symbol by previewing it in the selected font to ensure it's represented correctly. Stick to standard, widely used fonts for critical documents to avoid misrepresentation. In graphic design software, convert symbols to paths or outlines to maintain appearance across various platforms and devices.
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Related: How to Make Emoji, Kamoji, and GIFs on Your Keyboard in Windows 11 / Windows 10
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Last Updated on October 3, 2024 12:58 pm CEST
