The registered symbol (®) appears in three main ways depending on your tool

The registered trademark symbol (®) is a small circle with an R inside it, placed next to a brand name or logo to show it is officially registered with a trademark office. You can type it directly using keyboard shortcuts, insert it from a character menu, or copy it from elsewhere. The method depends on whether you are working in design software, a word processor, or online.

On Windows, hold Alt and type 0174 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Option + R. In most design and office programs, you can also go to Insert > Special Character (or Symbol) and search for "registered" to find and click it. The fastest route for most people is the keyboard shortcut for their operating system.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users can type the registered symbol by holding Alt and pressing 0174 on the numeric keypad.
  • Mac users press Option + R to type the registered symbol directly.
  • Most design software and word processors have an Insert menu with a Special Character or Symbol option where you can search for and click the registered symbol.
  • You can also copy the symbol (®) from any webpage or document and paste it where you need it.
  • The registered symbol should appear as a superscript or smaller character next to a trademark name, not as a full-size letter.

Windows keyboard shortcut

On Windows, the numeric keypad method works in almost every program. Make sure Num Lock is on (you will see a light on your keyboard). Hold down the Alt key, type 0174 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), then release Alt. The registered symbol will appear where your cursor is.

This works in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, design software, email, and most text fields. If it does not work, your program may not support Alt codes, or you may have typed the numbers on the wrong keypad. Laptops without a dedicated numeric keypad often have a secondary keypad accessed by holding Fn, but results vary — the Insert menu method is more reliable on laptops.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On Mac, press and hold Option (also called Alt), then press R. Release both keys and the registered symbol appears. This works in Word, Google Docs, design software, email, and most text fields on macOS.

If you are on an older Mac or the shortcut does not work in a specific program, use the Insert menu instead. Some Mac programs also let you access special characters through Edit > Special Characters or a similar menu path.

Using the Insert menu in design and office software

In Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and most other programs, go to Insert in the top menu, then look for Special Character, Symbol, or Character Map. A window will open showing hundreds of characters. Type "registered" in the search box to find the symbol quickly, then click it and press Insert or OK.

In some programs like Canva or Figma, the menu path may be different — look for Insert, Text, or a plus icon. If you cannot find a character menu, the keyboard shortcut is usually faster anyway. Once you insert the symbol, you can format it like any other character: make it smaller, change the color, or adjust its position.

Formatting the registered symbol in design work

The registered symbol usually looks best as a superscript — smaller and raised slightly above the baseline of the text. In most programs, select the symbol, then go to Format > Text or Format > Character and choose Superscript. In Word, you can also right-click and select Font, then check the Superscript box.

In design software like Illustrator or InDesign, you may need to manually resize and reposition the symbol to match your design. Some designers place it directly next to the brand name with no space, while others add a small gap. The choice depends on your brand guidelines and the size of your text — larger text usually needs more space around the symbol.

Copying and pasting the symbol

If you already have the registered symbol somewhere — on a webpage, in another document, or in a previous design file — you can simply select it, copy it (Ctrl+C on Windows, Command+C on Mac), and paste it (Ctrl+V or Command+V) wherever you need it. This is often the fastest method if you are reusing the symbol across multiple files.

You can also keep a text file or note with the symbol saved for quick access. Paste it into your document, then format it as needed. This avoids having to remember the keyboard shortcut or navigate menus every time.

When to use the registered symbol versus other trademark marks

The registered symbol (®) should only appear next to trademarks that are officially registered with a trademark office like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), or your country's equivalent. Using it for unregistered marks is technically incorrect and can create legal issues.

For unregistered trademarks, use the superscript TM symbol instead (™). The TM symbol does not require registration and can be used on any brand name you want to mark as a trademark. If you are unsure whether a mark is registered, check the trademark office database for your country or ask your legal team before using the registered symbol in published work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the registered symbol not appear when I type the Alt code?

The most common reason is that you typed the numbers on the wrong keypad. The Alt code method requires the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard, not the number row at the top. Make sure Num Lock is on. If you are on a laptop, try the Insert menu instead, as many laptops do not have a dedicated numeric keypad.

Can I use the registered symbol on a website or in social media?

Yes. Most websites, email, and social media platforms support the registered symbol. If you are posting on a platform that does not display it correctly, copy the symbol from this page and paste it into your post. You can also type it using the keyboard shortcut for your device.

Is the registered symbol the same as the trademark symbol?

No. The registered symbol (®) means the trademark is officially registered with a government office. The trademark symbol (™) can be used on any brand name, registered or not. Use ® only for registered marks and ™ for everything else.

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

Select the symbol and reduce the font size, or format it as superscript to make it smaller and raise it above the text baseline. In design software, you can also manually resize it by selecting it and dragging the corner handles. The exact steps depend on your program, but most have a Format or Character menu with size and position options.

Can I copy the registered symbol from Google and use it in my design?

Yes. You can copy the symbol (®) from any webpage or document and paste it into your design file. The symbol will paste as a character that you can then format, resize, and position like any other text.