How to Type the Copyright Symbol on Any Device

The fastest way depends on what you're typing on

The copyright symbol (©) is easiest to insert using a keyboard shortcut, but the shortcut changes depending on whether you're on Windows, Mac, or a phone. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0169 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Option and press C. On iPhone, hold down the C key until a menu appears with ©. On Android, open your keyboard settings and add a symbol keyboard, or copy and paste © from anywhere you've already typed it.

If you don't have a numeric keypad or prefer not to memorize shortcuts, you can type the word "copyright" and let your device autocorrect it, or search for the symbol online and paste it into your document. Most word processors also have a menu option to insert special characters.

Key Takeaways

Windows users hold Alt and press 0169 on the numeric keypad to type ©.
Mac users hold Option and press C to insert the copyright symbol.
On phones, long-press the C key (iPhone) or add a symbol keyboard (Android).
Word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs have Insert menus where you can search for and insert the copyright symbol without memorizing shortcuts.
You can also type "(c)" and many programs will automatically convert it to ©.

Windows keyboard shortcut

On Windows, the copyright symbol uses the Alt code method. Hold down the Alt key on the left side of your keyboard, then type 0169 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of most keyboards). Release Alt and the © symbol appears.

This only works on the numeric keypad, not the number row at the top of the keyboard. If your laptop doesn't have a numeric keypad, you can either enable Num Lock and use the hidden numeric keypad (usually on the right side of the letter keys), or use one of the other methods below instead.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, hold Option (also called Alt) and press C. That's the entire shortcut — no numbers involved. Release both keys and © appears in your document.

This works in almost any Mac application: email, web browsers, word processors, notes apps, and text fields. If it doesn't work, check that you're pressing the Option key on the left or right side of your keyboard, not the Command key.

iPhone and iPad

On iPhone and iPad, open the keyboard and long-press (hold your finger on) the C key. A menu pops up showing several options, including ©. Tap the copyright symbol to insert it.

This method works in any text field: email, messages, notes, web forms, and social media. If the menu doesn't appear, make sure you're holding down the key long enough — usually one to two seconds.

Android phones and tablets

Android doesn't have a built-in long-press menu for the copyright symbol like iPhone does. Instead, open your keyboard settings and add a symbol keyboard. The steps vary by keyboard app, but most let you swipe to a symbols tab or add a new keyboard in settings.

Once you have a symbol keyboard, switch to it and search for or scroll to the copyright symbol. Alternatively, type "(c)" in many Android keyboards and it will autocorrect to ©. You can also copy © from any website and paste it into your document.

Using your word processor's menu

Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, and most other word processors have a menu option to insert special characters. In Word, click Insert, then Special Character (or Symbol on older versions), then search for "copyright" or scroll to find ©. In Google Docs, click Insert, then Special Characters, and type "copyright" in the search box.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but doesn't require memorizing anything. It also works if your keyboard doesn't support the Alt or Option shortcuts. Once you insert the symbol this way, you can copy it and paste it elsewhere in the same document or in other programs.

Autocorrect and copy-paste alternatives

Many programs automatically convert "(c)" to © when you type it. Try typing (c) followed by a space or punctuation mark — if your program has this feature enabled, it will replace it with the copyright symbol. This works in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and some email clients and messaging apps.

If autocorrect doesn't work, you can always search online for "copyright symbol," copy it from the search results, and paste it into your document. This is slower than a shortcut but works on any device and in any program that accepts pasted text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the copyright symbol need to be next to the year or company name?

No. The copyright symbol can appear anywhere in your document, though it's traditionally placed before the year and copyright holder's name (© 2024 Your Name). There's no legal requirement for placement, and the symbol alone is sufficient to indicate copyright.

Will typing (c) always turn into the copyright symbol?

Not always. It depends on whether your program has autocorrect enabled. Microsoft Word and Google Docs usually do this by default, but email clients, text fields on websites, and messaging apps often don't. If it doesn't work, use a keyboard shortcut or copy and paste instead.

Can I use the copyright symbol on social media?

Yes. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other social platforms accept the copyright symbol in posts and bios. Use the same keyboard shortcut or copy-paste method you'd use anywhere else.

© is the actual copyright symbol. (c) is text that looks like a copyright symbol but isn't — it's just the letter c in parentheses. Some programs autocorrect (c) to ©, but they're not the same thing. Use © if you want the official symbol.

Do I need the copyright symbol if I already have a copyright notice?

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.