The fastest way to type ®

The registered trademark symbol (®) is a single character you can type or paste into almost any document. The method depends on what device and software you are using. On Windows, hold Alt and press 0174 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, hold Option and press R. In most web browsers and design software, you can also copy the symbol from this page and paste it directly where you need it.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad or you prefer not to memorize key combinations, the copy-and-paste method works everywhere. You can also search for "registered trademark symbol" in your operating system's character map or emoji picker and insert it from there.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the ® symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0174 on the numeric keypad.
  • Mac users hold Option and press R to produce the ® symbol.
  • You can copy the ® symbol from any webpage or character map and paste it into your document.
  • Most design software, word processors, and web browsers have a character or symbol menu where you can search for and insert the registered trademark symbol.
  • The symbol is a single Unicode character (U+00AE) that works in any application that supports text.

Windows keyboard shortcut

On Windows, the registered trademark symbol uses an Alt code. Press and hold the Alt key, then type 0174 on the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of your keyboard). Release Alt and the ® symbol appears. This works in most Windows applications including Microsoft Word, Google Docs, design software, and text editors.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — you may need to enable Num Lock or use the numeric keypad overlay. Some laptops require you to hold Fn while using the Alt code. If the Alt code does not work, the copy-and-paste method is more reliable.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, hold the Option key and press R. The ® symbol appears immediately. This works in any Mac application, including Pages, Microsoft Word, design software, and web browsers. The shortcut is simpler than the Windows version and does not require a numeric keypad.

If you forget the shortcut, you can also open the Character Viewer by pressing Control + Command + Space, search for "registered trademark", and double-click the symbol to insert it into your document.

Copy and paste method

The simplest method that works on any device is to copy the symbol and paste it where you need it. You can copy the ® symbol from this page, from a search result, or from any document that already contains it. Select the symbol, press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac), then click where you want it and press Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac).

This method works on phones, tablets, and computers. It also works in any application — web browsers, design software, email, messaging apps, and documents. If you use the symbol often, you can save it in a text file or note-taking app and copy it whenever you need it.

Using character maps and symbol menus

Most operating systems and applications have a built-in tool for finding and inserting special characters. On Windows, open the Character Map application (search for "Character Map" in the Start menu), type "registered" in the search box, select the ® symbol, and click Copy. On Mac, use the Character Viewer mentioned above.

In design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, go to Type > Special Characters (or similar menu) to open the character panel. In Microsoft Word, go to Insert > Symbol and search for "registered trademark". In Google Docs, go to Insert > Special Characters. These menus let you search by name rather than memorizing codes.

The registered trademark symbol in design work

When you insert ® into design software, it appears as a regular character that you can resize, color, and style like any other text. The symbol scales with your font size, so if you increase the type size, the ® grows proportionally. In most cases, the symbol sits at the baseline of your text, though some fonts position it slightly higher.

If the symbol looks too small or too large relative to your text, you can adjust its size independently by selecting it and changing the font size. Some designers prefer to make the ® slightly smaller than the surrounding text for visual balance. The symbol works in any font that includes it — nearly all modern fonts do.

Registered trademark vs. other symbols

The registered trademark symbol (®) is different from the trademark symbol (™) and the service mark symbol (℠). The ® symbol means the trademark is registered with a government office like the US Patent and Trademark Office. The ™ symbol can be used for any mark you claim as a trademark, whether registered or not. The ℠ symbol is used for service marks instead of product marks.

On Windows, the ™ symbol uses Alt+0153. On Mac, it uses Option+2. You insert them the same way as the ® symbol — through keyboard shortcuts, character maps, or copy and paste. Use ® only if the mark is actually registered; using it for an unregistered mark can create legal problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Alt code not work on my Windows laptop?

Laptops often do not have a dedicated numeric keypad. Try enabling Num Lock (usually a key labeled Num Lk or Fn+Num Lk), then use the numeric keys on the right side of your keyboard. If that does not work, use the copy-and-paste method instead — it works on any device.

Can I use the registered trademark symbol on social media?

Yes. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms support the ® symbol. Copy and paste it into your post or bio. Some platforms may render it slightly differently depending on the font they use, but it will display correctly on all major platforms.

What if I need to type the symbol on my phone?

On iPhone, hold down the R key in the keyboard until a menu appears with the ® symbol, then tap it. On Android, open your keyboard settings and look for a symbols or special characters menu — the exact steps vary by keyboard app. Copy and paste is the most reliable method on phones.

Does the registered trademark symbol work in all fonts?

Nearly all modern fonts include the ® symbol. Very old or specialized fonts might not have it. If the symbol does not appear, try changing to a different font. Web-safe fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, and Helvetica always include it.

Should I use ® or ™ for my brand?

Use ® only if your trademark is registered with a government office like the US Patent and Trademark Office. Use ™ for marks you claim as trademarks but have not registered. Using ® for an unregistered mark can create legal issues. Check your trademark registration status before deciding which symbol to use.