How to Type the Copyright Symbol on Any Device

The fastest way to add a copyright symbol

The copyright symbol (©) appears in three different ways depending on what device and program you are using. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0169 on the number pad. On Mac, hold Option and press 9. On any device in a web browser or phone, you can copy the symbol directly from this page: © — then paste it wherever you need it.

The method that works best for you depends on whether you type the symbol often and which keyboard layout you have. If you only need it once or twice, copying and pasting takes five seconds. If you type it regularly, learning the keyboard shortcut for your device saves time over the long run.

Key Takeaways

Windows users hold Alt and press 0169 on the numeric keypad to type the copyright symbol directly.
Mac users hold Option and press 9 to produce the copyright symbol without opening a menu.
On phones and tablets, you can copy the © symbol from this page and paste it into any text field.
Most word processors also let you insert the symbol through the Insert menu without memorizing a code.
The symbol © means the work is protected by copyright from the moment it is created, whether or not you register it officially.

Windows: Using the Alt code

On any Windows computer, you can type the copyright symbol by holding down the Alt key and typing 0169 on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard. Make sure Num Lock is turned on — you will see a small light on the Num Lock key when it is active. Release Alt after you finish typing the numbers, and the © symbol will appear.

This method works in almost every Windows program: email, word processors, web browsers, text editors, and messaging apps. The only exception is some older programs that do not support this code, but you will know immediately if it does not work because nothing will appear.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — you can use the numeric keypad built into the letter keys. Hold Fn and Alt together, then type the numbers using the keys marked with small numbers in the upper right corner of each letter key. The process is the same, just with the Fn key held down as well.

Mac: Using the Option key shortcut

On a Mac, hold the Option key (also called Alt) and press 9 to type the copyright symbol. This works in any Mac program: Pages, Word, Mail, web browsers, and text editors. The symbol appears instantly when you release the keys.

If you have a Mac keyboard with a numeric keypad, you can also hold Option and press 0 on the numeric keypad, which produces the same result. Both shortcuts work equally well — use whichever is closer to your fingers.

Phones and tablets: Copy and paste

On iPhones, iPads, and Android phones, the fastest method is to copy the symbol from a webpage and paste it into your text. You can copy the © symbol from this page by tapping and holding on it, then selecting Copy. Open your text field, tap and hold, and select Paste.

If you need the symbol often on your phone, you can add it to your keyboard's text replacement shortcuts. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement, tap the plus sign, type © in the Phrase field, and type a shortcut like "copy" in the Shortcut field. Then whenever you type "copy" followed by a space, your phone will replace it with ©. Android phones have a similar feature called Text Shortcuts in the Gboard settings.

Using the Insert menu in word processors

Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and most other word processors have a built-in menu for inserting special characters without memorizing codes. In Word, click Insert at the top, then click Symbol on the right side of the ribbon. A window opens showing hundreds of special characters. Scroll down or type "copyright" in the search box, click the © symbol, and click Insert.

In Google Docs, click Insert at the top, then select Special Characters. Type "copyright" in the search box, and click the © symbol to insert it. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut if you type the symbol often, but it works the same way on any computer and does not require memorizing a code.

When to use the copyright symbol

The copyright symbol © tells readers that a work is protected by copyright law. You can place it before or after the year the work was created, followed by the name of the copyright holder. For example: © 2024 Sarah Martinez or © Sarah Martinez 2024. Both formats are correct and legally equivalent.

Using the symbol is optional — copyright protection exists automatically the moment you create an original work, whether or not you include the symbol. However, including it makes your copyright claim visible to anyone who reads your work, and it can discourage casual copying. Many websites, books, and published materials include it for this reason.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use (c) instead of the copyright symbol?

Legally, yes — (c) is widely recognized as a copyright notice and is legally equivalent to ©. However, the actual symbol © looks more professional and is the standard in published work. Use the real symbol if you can, but (c) will work if you cannot type the symbol.

Does using the copyright symbol cost money or require registration?

No. The symbol is free to use, and copyright protection exists automatically. You do not need to register your work or pay any fee to use the © symbol. Registration with the U.S. Copyright Office is optional and provides additional legal benefits, but the symbol itself costs nothing.

What if the Alt code does not work on my Windows computer?

Make sure Num Lock is on — look for the light on the Num Lock key. If it is on and the code still does not work, try copying the © symbol from this page and pasting it instead. You can also use the Insert > Symbol menu in Word or another word processor.

Can I use the copyright symbol on social media?

Yes. You can paste the © symbol into Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and most other social media platforms. On phones, copy it from this page and paste it into your post. On desktop, use your keyboard shortcut or copy and paste.

Yes. © is the copyright symbol and indicates the work is protected by copyright law. ® is the registered trademark symbol and indicates a name or logo is registered as a trademark. Use © for written works, music, art, and creative content. Use ® only for officially registered brand names and logos.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.