The fastest way to make a ™ symbol

The trademark symbol (™) is a small raised character that appears next to a brand name or product. On Windows, press Alt + 0153 on the numeric keypad to insert it directly. On Mac, press Option + 2. On any device with a web browser, you can copy the symbol from this page and paste it where you need it, or use your device's character map or emoji menu to search for "trademark".

The method that works depends on what device you are using and what program you are typing in. Some programs have built-in shortcuts; others require you to use your operating system's character tools. If one method does not work, the alternatives below will get you there.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can hold Alt and type 0153 on the numeric keypad to create a trademark symbol instantly.
  • Mac users press Option + 2 to insert the trademark symbol without opening any menus.
  • On phones and tablets, open the character or emoji menu and search for "trademark" to find and insert the symbol.
  • Most word processors and web browsers let you copy and paste the ™ symbol directly from any webpage.
  • If keyboard shortcuts do not work in your program, the character map (Windows) or character viewer (Mac) will always work.

Windows: Using the Alt code

The numeric keypad method is the fastest on Windows. Make sure your Num Lock is on — you will see a light on your keyboard or a small indicator on your screen. Then hold down the Alt key and type 0153 on the numeric keypad (the numbers on the right side of your keyboard, not the row at the top). Release Alt, and the ™ symbol will appear.

This works in most programs: Word, Google Docs, email, web forms, and text editors. If you do not have a numeric keypad — for example, on a laptop without a separate number pad — you may need to enable a virtual numeric keypad or use the character map instead (see below).

Mac: Using the Option key

On a Mac, press Option + 2 to insert the trademark symbol. This works in most programs including Word, Google Docs, Mail, and web browsers. The symbol appears instantly without any menu or dialog box.

If that does not work in the program you are using, open Edit in the menu bar, look for Special Characters or Emoji & Symbols, search for "trademark", and double-click the result to insert it.

Windows: Using the Character Map

If the Alt code does not work — for example, in a program that does not accept Alt codes — use the Character Map tool built into Windows. Press the Windows key, type charmap, and open the Character Map application.

In the search box at the bottom, type trademark. The ™ symbol will appear in the list. Click it once to select it, then click Copy. Go back to your document or text field and paste it with Ctrl + V. This method works in any program that accepts pasted text.

Mac: Using the Character Viewer

On Mac, open any text field where you want the symbol. Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer. In the search box at the top, type trademark. The ™ symbol will appear. Double-click it to insert it into your document.

The Character Viewer also shows you related symbols and their keyboard shortcuts if they exist. This is useful if you need to insert the same symbol repeatedly and want to learn the shortcut.

On phones and tablets

On iPhone or iPad, tap and hold the text field where you want the symbol. Tap the arrow to open more options, then look for a button labeled + or emoji. Tap it to open the character menu. Search for "trademark" and tap the ™ symbol to insert it.

On Android, the process varies by keyboard app. Most keyboards have a ?123 or symbols button. Tap it, then look for a more symbols or special characters option. Search for "trademark" or scroll through the symbols until you find ™. Tap it to insert it.

Copy and paste from anywhere

The simplest method on any device is to copy the symbol from a webpage and paste it where you need it. You can copy the ™ symbol from this sentence, or from any website that displays it. Highlight the symbol with your mouse or finger, copy it (Ctrl + C on Windows, Command + C on Mac), go to your document, and paste it (Ctrl + V or Command + V).

This works on every device and in every program. If you use the trademark symbol often, you can save it in a notes app or document so you can copy it quickly whenever you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ™, ®, and ℠?

The ™ symbol (trademark) indicates a brand or product name that the owner claims rights to, whether registered or not. The ® symbol (registered trademark) means the trademark is officially registered with a government office like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The ℠ symbol (service mark) is used for services instead of products. Use ™ unless you know the mark is officially registered, in which case use ®.

Why does the trademark symbol sometimes not appear in my document?

Some fonts do not include the trademark symbol, so it may show as a blank space or a box. Try changing the font to a common one like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. If the symbol still does not appear, the program may not support it — try copying and pasting the symbol instead of using a keyboard shortcut.

Can I use these methods in Google Docs or Microsoft Word Online?

Yes. In Google Docs, use your device's keyboard shortcut (Alt + 0153 on Windows, Option + 2 on Mac) or copy and paste the symbol. In Word Online, the same shortcuts work, or you can go to Insert, click Special Characters, search for "trademark", and click the symbol to insert it.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for the registered trademark symbol ®?

On Windows, press Alt + 0174. On Mac, press Option + R. These work the same way as the trademark symbol shortcuts in most programs.