The fastest way: use the symbol menu

Open your Word document and click where you want the check mark to appear. Go to the Insert tab at the top of the screen, then click Symbol (on the far right). A dropdown menu opens. Click More Symbols at the bottom.

In the window that appears, look for the Subset dropdown on the right side and select Geometric Shapes. Scroll down until you see a check mark (it looks like ✓). Click it once to select it, then click Insert. Close the window when you're done.

The check mark now appears in your document at the cursor position. You can resize it by clicking it and dragging the corner handles, or change its color by right-clicking and selecting Font Color.

Key Takeaways

  • The Symbol menu (Insert > Symbol > More Symbols) is the built-in method that works in all versions of Word without installing anything extra.
  • Geometric Shapes is the subset where Word stores check marks, though they also appear under Wingdings font if you switch fonts in the Symbol window.
  • Once inserted, a check mark can be resized, copied, and pasted like any other character in your document.
  • If you use check marks often, you can copy one and paste it repeatedly rather than opening the Symbol menu each time.

Using Wingdings font for a different look

Word has multiple check mark styles. If you want a boxed check mark (☑) or a different design, the Wingdings font holds several versions. Open Insert > Symbol > More Symbols again, but this time change the Font dropdown at the top left from "(normal text)" to Wingdings.

Scroll through the symbols until you find a check mark style you prefer. Wingdings often shows a heavier or boxed version that stands out more on a page. Select it and click Insert. You can switch back to your regular font afterward — the check mark stays in whatever style you chose.

Typing a check mark with a keyboard shortcut

If you insert check marks often, memorizing a keyboard code is faster than opening menus. Hold Alt and type 0252 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top). Release Alt and a check mark appears. This works in Word on Windows only.

Mac users can hold Option and press V to get a check mark, though the symbol may look slightly different depending on your font. Test it first in a blank area of your document to see if the style matches what you need.

Creating a checkbox you can click

If you need a box that readers can actually check off (useful for forms or checklists), Word has an interactive option. Go to Developer tab at the top. If you don't see it, go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, check the box next to Developer, and click OK.

Once the Developer tab is visible, click Checkbox Content Control (it looks like a small box with a check in it). A clickable checkbox appears in your document. Readers can click it to toggle the check mark on and off. This only works if you save the file as a .docm (macro-enabled) file, not a regular .docx.

Copying and pasting a check mark you've already made

The simplest method if you need many check marks: insert one using the Symbol menu, then click it to select it. Press Ctrl+C (or Cmd+C on Mac) to copy it. Click wherever you need another check mark and press Ctrl+V (or Cmd+V) to paste. Repeat as many times as needed.

This avoids reopening the Symbol menu repeatedly. If you use check marks across many documents, you can save a document with a check mark already in it, open it as a template, and paste from there each time you start a new file.

Troubleshooting: check mark won't appear or looks wrong

If you insert a check mark and it appears as a box or blank space, the font you're using doesn't contain that symbol. Click the check mark, then change the font dropdown (usually at the top left of the toolbar) to Calibri, Arial, or Segoe UI. These fonts support most common symbols. If it still doesn't work, try Wingdings.

If the check mark is too small or too large compared to your text, click it and use the font size dropdown to adjust it. You can also right-click the check mark, select Font, and change the size there. Make sure the check mark is selected (not just your cursor near it) before you try to resize it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I insert a check mark in a table cell?

Yes. Click inside the table cell where you want the check mark, then use any of the methods above — Symbol menu, keyboard shortcut, or paste. The check mark behaves the same way inside a cell as it does in regular text.

Will the check mark look the same if someone opens my document on a Mac?

Usually yes, but it depends on the font. Symbols in Calibri, Arial, and Segoe UI display consistently across Windows and Mac. Wingdings may render slightly differently. If the document will be shared, test it on both systems or stick to the standard fonts.

How do I make a check mark red or a different color?

Click the check mark to select it. Go to the Home tab and click the dropdown arrow next to the Font Color button (it looks like an "A" with a colored line underneath). Choose your color. The check mark changes to that color while the rest of your text stays the same.

What's the difference between a check mark and a checkbox?

A check mark (✓) is a static symbol — it's just a character that sits in your document like text. A checkbox is an interactive form field that readers can click to toggle on and off. Use a check mark for lists or documents you've already completed. Use a checkbox for forms you want others to fill out.

Can I use a check mark in a header or footer?

Yes. Double-click the header or footer area at the top or bottom of the page, then insert the check mark using any method above. It will appear on every page. Click outside the header or footer area when you're done to return to the main document.