How to Type Symbols on Keyboard in 2026

I've been typing for years, and I still forget how to make certain symbols. The other day I wanted to type a euro sign (€) and spent five minutes searching for it. So I decided to put together this guide for both you and my future self.

Quick Methods for Every Device

Windows: Emoji Keyboard

Press Windows + . (that's the period key). An emoji picker pops up. You can search for any emoji or symbol here. It's the fastest way to add symbols to any app.

Mac: Emoji Picker

Press Control + Command + Space. The character viewer appears. Search for whatever you need, or browse by category. Works in almost any Mac app.

Mobile: Hold the Key

On iPhone and Android, hold down a letter key. You'll often get accented versions and related symbols. Hold "e" and you get é, è, ê, ë. Pretty handy.

Alt Codes (Windows)

Alt codes let you type symbols using your number pad. Here's how:

1. Make sure NumLock is on
2. Hold down the Alt key
3. Type the code on your number pad
4. Release Alt

Here are some useful ones:

• Alt + 0169 = © (copyright)
• Alt + 0153 = ™ (trademark)
• Alt + 0128 = € (euro)
• Alt + 0163 = £ (pound)
• Alt + 0167 = § (section)
• Alt + 0150 = – (en dash)
• Alt + 0151 = — (em dash)

Mac Keyboard Shortcuts

Mac has some handy shortcuts built right in:

• Option + 2 = ™
• Option + G = ©
• Option + R = ®
• Option + 4 = ¢
• Option + N = ~
• Option + 5 = %
• Option + Shift + K = 

The Emoji Keyboard (Works Everywhere)

The emoji keyboard has way more than just emojis. It has symbols, arrows, zodiac signs, and more. And it works in most apps these days:

• Windows: Win + .
• Mac: Control + Cmd + Space
• iPhone: Globe key on keyboard
• Android: Long-press the symbols key

My Favorite Symbol Typing Tips

After years of typing, here's what actually works in daily life:

• Google "symbol name + unicode" — quick way to find any symbol
• Copy from a "symbols page" — keep a document with your go-to symbols
• Use the search in emoji picker — search "music" to get ♪ ♫ 🎵
• Autocorrect — on iPhone, type ":)" and it becomes 😊

The Bottom Line

You don't need to memorize every symbol code. You just need to know where to look. The emoji picker (Win + . or Ctrl + Cmd + Space) is the easiest way for most people. Once you try it, you'll never go back.