The quickest way to type ®

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, type 00ae, then press Space or Enter. On any device with a web browser, you can also copy the symbol directly from a character map website or paste it from this page: ®

If your keyboard doesn't have a numeric keypad (like on a laptop), Windows offers an alternative: use the Character Map application built into your system. Search for "Character Map" in your Start menu, find the registered trademark symbol in the list, click it, then click Copy.

The symbol you're typing is Unicode character U+00AE. Knowing this number helps when you're searching for the symbol in design software or online character databases.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type ® by holding Alt and pressing 0174 on the numeric keypad.
  • Mac users press Option + R to produce the registered trademark symbol.
  • Linux users press Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00ae, then press Space or Enter.
  • The Character Map application on Windows and similar tools on Mac and Linux let you search for and copy the symbol without memorizing keyboard codes.
  • Most design software has its own symbol insertion menu where you can search for "registered" or browse by Unicode number.

Using the symbol in design software

In Adobe Creative Suite programs like Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, go to Type > Special Characters (or Type > Insert Special Character depending on your version). A panel opens where you can search for "registered" or scroll through the Letterlike Symbols category. Click the ® symbol and it inserts at your cursor.

In Figma, you can type the symbol directly using your operating system's keyboard shortcut, or paste it from another source. Figma doesn't have a built-in special character menu, so the keyboard method is fastest.

In Canva, click the text tool, then look for the three-dot menu within the text editor. Select "Special characters" and search for "registered trademark." Canva's interface changes occasionally, so if you don't see this option, copying and pasting the symbol from your browser works just as well.

When you actually need the registered trademark symbol

Use ® only when a trademark is officially registered with a government trademark office like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). If you're designing a logo or brand name that isn't yet registered, use the superscript TM instead (™), which you can type on Windows with Alt + 0153 or on Mac with Option + 2.

The difference matters legally. Using ® on an unregistered mark can actually weaken your legal position if you later try to register it, because it suggests you claimed registration when you didn't have it. Trademark offices take this seriously.

In design work, the ® symbol appears in small type near the brand name — usually as a superscript in the corner of a logo or at the end of a product name in body text. It's small enough that it shouldn't distract from the design, but visible enough to be legally clear.

Copying and pasting as a workaround

If you find yourself typing the registered trademark symbol often, the simplest approach is to copy it once and save it somewhere you can paste from quickly. You can paste it into a text file on your desktop, a note-taking app, or even a browser bookmark.

Many design teams create a "symbols" document or shared file with commonly used characters — the registered trademark, copyright symbol (©), degree symbol (°), and others — so team members can copy them without hunting through menus each time.

Some text editors and design programs also let you create custom keyboard shortcuts or text expansions. For example, on Mac you can go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text and create a shortcut so that typing something like "reg" automatically expands to ®. This is worth setting up if you use the symbol regularly.

The registered trademark symbol across different platforms

The symbol looks identical on Windows, Mac, and Linux — a small R inside a circle. However, the exact size and weight of the circle and letter vary slightly depending on the font you're using. In some fonts the symbol is heavier and more prominent; in others it's delicate and thin. This is normal and expected.

When you're designing for multiple platforms or devices, test how the symbol renders in your chosen font. Open your design file on both Windows and Mac if possible, or at minimum check how the font displays the symbol in your design software's preview. Some fonts handle the registered trademark symbol better than others.

If you're exporting your design as a PDF or image file, the symbol will embed correctly as long as you're using a standard font. Custom or unusual fonts sometimes cause symbols to display incorrectly when the file is opened on a different computer, so stick with widely available fonts if the symbol needs to look consistent everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between ® and ™?

® means the trademark is officially registered with a government office. ™ is an unregistered trademark symbol you can use on any brand name or logo without registration. Use ® only if you've actually registered the mark; use ™ for everything else.

Can I just type (R) instead of using the actual symbol?

Legally, (R) is not a substitute for ®. Some style guides accept it in informal contexts where the actual symbol isn't available, but in professional design and official documents, use the real symbol. It's easy enough to type that there's no reason to avoid it.

Why doesn't Alt + 0174 work on my Windows laptop?

Laptops usually don't have a numeric keypad. Use the Character Map application instead: search for "Character Map" in your Start menu, find the registered trademark symbol, click it, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. Some laptops have a Num Lock key that activates a hidden numeric keypad, usually on the right side of the keyboard.

Does the registered trademark symbol work in all fonts?

Almost all standard fonts include the registered trademark symbol. Very unusual or decorative fonts might not have it, in which case your design software will either substitute a similar-looking symbol or show a blank space. Test your chosen font before committing to a design.

Can I make the registered trademark symbol smaller or larger in my design?

Yes. In design software, select the symbol and adjust its size like any other text. It's common to make the ® smaller than the surrounding text — usually 60 to 75 percent of the main text size — and position it as a superscript in the corner of a logo or brand name.