The fastest way to add a check mark

The quickest method is to use the Insert menu. Open your Word document, click the Insert tab at the top, then click Symbol on the right side of the ribbon. A dropdown menu appears — click More Symbols at the bottom. In the dialog box that opens, change the font to Wingdings (a font that contains symbol characters). Scroll down until you find the check mark — it looks like a ✓ — click it once, then click Insert. Close the dialog when you're done.

This method works the same way in Word 2016, Word 2019, Word 2021, and Microsoft 365. The check mark will appear wherever your cursor was positioned in the document.

Key Takeaways

  • The Insert menu's Symbol option is the most reliable way to add a check mark, using the Wingdings font.
  • You can also type a check mark directly using keyboard shortcuts: Alt+0252 on Windows or Option+V on Mac.
  • Copying and pasting a check mark (✓) from another source works instantly and requires no menu navigation.
  • For checklists, use the Checkbox content control from the Developer tab, which creates interactive boxes readers can click.

Using the keyboard shortcut on Windows

If you use Windows, you can type a check mark without opening any menu. Hold down the Alt key, type 0252 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), then release Alt. A check mark appears instantly.

This only works if your keyboard has a numeric keypad on the right side. If you're using a laptop without a separate numeric pad, this method won't work — use the Symbol menu instead. The number sequence 0252 is specific to the check mark; other numbers produce different symbols.

Using the keyboard shortcut on Mac

On a Mac, hold Option and press V to type a check mark. Release both keys and the symbol appears. This works in Word for Mac 2016 and later versions.

If that combination doesn't work on your Mac, try the Symbol menu method instead — it works identically on Mac and Windows versions of Word.

Copy and paste a check mark

The simplest method for many people is to copy a check mark from somewhere else and paste it into your document. You can copy the check mark from this article (✓), or search "check mark symbol" in your web browser, find one you like, copy it, and paste it into Word using Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac).

This method bypasses menus entirely and works on any device. The check mark will match the font and size of the text around it, so you may need to adjust the size afterward if it looks too small or too large.

Creating an interactive checkbox for forms

If you're building a form or checklist that other people will fill out, you can create a clickable checkbox instead of a static symbol. First, click the File menu, then Options, then Customize Ribbon. Check the box next to Developer to add the Developer tab to your ribbon.

Now click the Developer tab. In the Controls section, click the Checkbox Content Control button (it looks like a small box with a check mark). Click in your document where you want the checkbox to appear, and a clickable box will be inserted. Readers can click the box to toggle it checked or unchecked.

This method is useful for surveys, task lists, or any document where people need to mark items as complete. The checkbox stays in place and doesn't move when readers click it, unlike a typed symbol.

Adjusting the size and appearance of your check mark

After you insert a check mark, you can change how it looks. Click once on the check mark to select it, then use the font size dropdown in the toolbar to make it larger or smaller. You can also change the color by clicking the font color button (usually marked with an "A" and a colored line).

If you used the Wingdings font to insert the check mark, it will stay in Wingdings font even if you change the surrounding text to a different font. This usually looks fine, but if you want the check mark to match your document's main font exactly, you may need to try a different symbol source or use a different font that contains a check mark character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the Alt+0252 shortcut work on my Windows laptop?

Most laptops don't have a separate numeric keypad. Try using the Symbol menu instead, or copy and paste a check mark from your web browser. Some laptops have a hidden numeric keypad accessed through the Fn key, but this varies by model.

Can I make a check mark appear automatically when I type something?

Yes, using AutoCorrect. Click File, then Options, then Proofing, then AutoCorrect Options. In the Replace field, type a shortcut like "(check)" and in the With field, paste a check mark. Now whenever you type "(check)" and press space, Word replaces it with ✓. You can create any shortcut you want.

What's the difference between a check mark symbol and a checkbox?

A check mark (✓) is a static symbol — it's just text that sits in your document. A checkbox is an interactive control that readers can click to toggle on and off. Use a symbol for documents people will read, and use a checkbox for forms people will fill out.

Does the check mark look the same in every font?

No. The Wingdings check mark looks different from a check mark in other fonts. If you copy and paste a check mark from the web, it may look different depending on which font it came from. Test how it looks in your document and adjust if needed.