The quickest way to type ®

The registered trademark symbol (®) is easiest to type using keyboard shortcuts that work on Windows, Mac, and Linux. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0174 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Option + R. On Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00ae and press Space or Enter.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad or you find these shortcuts hard to remember, you can copy the symbol from anywhere online and paste it into your document. You can also use the character map or symbol insertion tools built into most programs — Word, Google Docs, Canva, and design software all have menus that let you search for and insert the symbol without memorizing a code.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type ® by holding Alt and pressing 0174 on the numeric keypad.
  • Mac users press Option + R to insert the registered trademark symbol instantly.
  • Most design and document programs have a symbol or special character menu where you can search for and insert ® without using a keyboard shortcut.
  • If you use the symbol often, you can create a text replacement shortcut so typing a short code (like "tm") automatically becomes ®.

Windows keyboard shortcut

On Windows, the numeric keypad method is the most reliable. Make sure Num Lock is turned on — you will see a light on your keyboard or a small indicator on screen. Hold down the Alt key, type 0174 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), then release Alt. The ® symbol will appear where your cursor is.

This works in almost every Windows program — Word, email, browsers, design tools, and text editors. The only catch is that some laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. If yours does not, look for a Num Lock key (often labeled Fn + Num Lock) and check whether your keyboard has number keys that double as a keypad. If you cannot find one, the character map method below will work instead.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, the shortcut is simpler: press Option + R and the ® symbol appears immediately. This works in any Mac program — Pages, Word, Mail, browsers, design software, and text editors. You do not need to hold the keys for any length of time; just press them together and release.

If Option + R does not work, check that you are using the Option key (also labeled Alt on some keyboards) on the right side of the spacebar, not the left. Some older Mac keyboards or external keyboards may behave differently, so if the shortcut does not work, try the character map method in the next section.

Using the character map or symbol menu

Every major program has a way to insert special characters without a keyboard shortcut. In Microsoft Word, go to the Insert menu, click Symbol, search for "registered" or scroll to find ®, then click Insert. In Google Docs, go to Insert, then Special Characters, and search for "registered trademark" or "®". In Canva and most design tools, look for a Text menu or right-click on a text box to find a Characters or Symbols option.

This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any device and does not require you to remember a code. It is also the best option if you are on a Chromebook, tablet, or any device without a traditional keyboard. Once you find the symbol, you can copy it and paste it anywhere you need it — into emails, documents, social media, or design files.

Linux and other systems

On Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00ae (the Unicode code for ®), then press Space or Enter. The symbol will appear. This works in most Linux text editors and browsers, though some programs may require a different method.

On Chromebooks, you do not have access to traditional keyboard shortcuts. Instead, use the character map method: click the launcher, search for "character map" or "text," or use the Insert menu in Google Docs or Google Sheets to find the registered trademark symbol. On mobile phones and tablets, most keyboards have a symbols or special characters menu — tap the number or symbol key, then look for the ® symbol or search for "trademark."

Creating a text replacement shortcut

If you type the registered trademark symbol often, you can set up your computer to replace a short code with ® automatically. On Windows, go to Settings, then Ease of Access, then Keyboard, and look for Text Suggestions or AutoCorrect. On Mac, go to System Preferences, then Keyboard, then Text, and add a new replacement (for example, type "tm" in the Replace field and "®" in the With field).

Once you set this up, typing "tm" (or whatever code you choose) will automatically become ® as soon as you press Space or Enter. This saves time if you use the symbol regularly in your work. Most design programs like Adobe InDesign and Illustrator also have their own text replacement or autocorrect settings in the Preferences menu.

When to use the registered trademark symbol

The ® symbol indicates that a trademark is registered with a government trademark office, usually the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in the United States. You should only use ® if the trademark is actually registered — using it for an unregistered mark is misleading. If a mark is not yet registered, use the superscript TM (™) instead, which does not require registration.

In design work, the ® symbol is typically placed as a superscript in the upper right corner of the brand name or logo. It is smaller than the main text and does not take up much space. If you are designing for a client, check their brand guidelines to see whether they require ® or prefer ™, and where they want it positioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ® and ™?

® means the trademark is registered with a government office like the USPTO. ™ means the mark is being used as a trademark but is not registered. You should only use ® if the mark is actually registered; using it otherwise is legally misleading.

Can I type the registered trademark symbol on my phone?

Yes. On iPhone, hold down the letter or number key and swipe to find special characters, or use the symbols keyboard. On Android, tap the symbols key (usually labeled "?123") and look for the ® symbol, or search for it in your keyboard settings. You can also copy and paste it from any website.

Why does Alt + 0174 not work on my Windows laptop?

Most laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try using Fn + Num Lock to enable the hidden numeric keypad on your letter keys, or use the character map method instead. Open the Start menu, search for "Character Map," find the ® symbol, and copy it to paste into your document.

How do I make the registered trademark symbol smaller in my design?

In most design programs, select the ® symbol and reduce the font size, or use the superscript formatting option (usually in the Format or Text menu). Superscript makes the symbol smaller and raises it above the baseline, which is the standard way to position trademark symbols in professional design.

Can I use copy and paste instead of memorizing a shortcut?

Yes. Copy the ® symbol from any website or document and paste it wherever you need it. This is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works on any device and requires no memorization. You can also save the symbol in a text file or note for quick access.