The fastest way to add a check mark

Open your Word document and click where you want the check mark to appear. Hold down the Alt key, type 0252 on the numeric keypad (not the number row), then release Alt. A check mark will appear instantly.

This method works in any version of Word on Windows. If you are on a Mac or do not have a numeric keypad, the other methods below will work for you instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The Alt+0252 keyboard shortcut inserts a check mark on Windows computers with a numeric keypad.
  • The Insert menu lets you search for and insert any symbol, including check marks, without memorizing codes.
  • Word's built-in Wingdings font contains several check mark styles you can choose from.
  • You can copy a check mark you have already inserted and paste it elsewhere in your document to save time.

Using the Insert menu to find any check mark style

Click the Insert tab at the top of Word. In the ribbon, find the Symbol button (it looks like the Greek letter Omega) and click the small arrow next to it, then select More Symbols.

A dialog box opens. In the Font dropdown at the top left, select Wingdings. Scroll down until you see check marks — you will see several styles, from a simple checkmark to a boxed checkmark. Click the one you want, then click Insert. Close the dialog when you are done.

This method works on both Windows and Mac, and it shows you all the check mark options available so you can pick the style that fits your document.

Switching to Wingdings font for repeated check marks

If you need to insert many check marks in the same document, change your font to Wingdings first. Highlight the area where you will be typing, then click the font dropdown (usually showing "Calibri" or "Arial") and select Wingdings.

Now type the letter a and it will display as a check mark. Type b for a different check mark style, or r for a boxed check mark. When you are done inserting check marks, switch the font back to your regular font before continuing with regular text.

This saves time if you are building a checklist or marking multiple items. You avoid opening the Symbol dialog repeatedly.

Copying and pasting a check mark you have already made

Once you have inserted one check mark, you can reuse it throughout your document without repeating the steps. Click on the check mark to select it, then press Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C on Mac) to copy it.

Click where you want another check mark and press Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V on Mac) to paste. This is the fastest method if you have already inserted one check mark and just need to repeat it in the same document.

Why the Alt code might not work on your keyboard

The Alt+0252 shortcut only works on Windows computers that have a numeric keypad — the separate block of number keys on the right side of full-size keyboards. Laptops and compact keyboards often do not have this keypad.

If you have a laptop, you can try holding Alt and Fn together while typing the numbers, but this does not always work. The Insert menu method (described above) works on every computer and is more reliable if the Alt code fails.

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut for check marks

If you insert check marks frequently, you can assign them to a custom keyboard shortcut. Insert a check mark using the Symbol menu, then with the check mark selected, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. Click Keyboard Shortcuts at the bottom left.

In the dialog that opens, scroll down the left list to find Special Characters, click your check mark in the right list, then type the shortcut you want to use (for example, Ctrl+Shift+C). Click Assign, then Close. From now on, that shortcut will insert your check mark instantly.

This takes a few minutes to set up but saves time if you use check marks regularly in your work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the check mark a different color or size?

Yes. After inserting the check mark, select it and use the font size dropdown to make it larger or smaller. To change the color, select the check mark, then click the font color button (usually showing an "A" with a colored line) in the Home tab and pick your color.

What if I want a check mark inside a box?

In the Wingdings font, type the letter r to get a boxed check mark. You can also use the Symbol menu and scroll through the Wingdings options to see all the boxed variations available.

Does the Alt+0252 code work on Mac?

No. Mac does not use Alt codes the same way. On Mac, use the Insert menu method or try Option+V, though this does not always produce a check mark. The Insert > Symbol menu is the most reliable method for Mac users.

Can I insert a check mark in a table cell?

Yes. Click inside the table cell where you want the check mark and use any of the methods above — Alt code, Symbol menu, or Wingdings font. The check mark will appear in the cell just like it would in regular text.

How do I insert an X mark or other symbol instead?

Use the Insert > Symbol menu and browse the Wingdings font. You will find X marks, circles, stars, and many other symbols. Type the letter shown next to each symbol if you switch to Wingdings font, or click Insert to place it directly.