The fastest way to add a check mark

Open your document in Word and click where you want the check mark. Press Ctrl + Shift + U (Windows) or Option + Shift + U (Mac), then type 2713 and press Space. A checkmark (✓) will appear. This works because Word recognizes Unicode character codes, and 2713 is the code for a standard check mark.

If that doesn't work on your machine, try the Insert menu instead. Click Insert at the top, then Symbol (or Special Character on Mac), search for "check mark," and double-click the one you want. Word will drop it into your document at the cursor.

Both methods take about ten seconds. The Unicode shortcut is faster once you remember the code; the menu is slower but works if your keyboard shortcuts aren't set up the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • The Unicode shortcut Ctrl + Shift + U, then 2713 and Space, inserts a check mark when ready on Windows; use Option + Shift + U on Mac.
  • If Unicode shortcuts don't work, use Insert > Symbol, search for "check mark," and double-click the character you want.
  • Word offers several check mark styles — a straightforward tick, a boxed check, and a heavy check — all accessible through the Symbol menu.
  • You can copy a check mark you've already inserted and paste it elsewhere in the document instead of repeating the steps.

Using the Symbol menu to find other check mark styles

The Insert > Symbol route gives you choices the keyboard shortcut doesn't. Click Insert, then Symbol, and a panel opens showing hundreds of characters. Type "check" in the search box at the bottom (or scroll through the list if you prefer browsing).

You'll see several versions: a straightforward checkmark (✓), a boxed checkmark (☑), a heavy checkmark (✔), and others. Click the one that fits your document's look, then click Insert. The character lands in your document, and you can close the Symbol panel.

This method is useful if you want a specific style — a boxed check for a checklist, for example — or if you're not sure which Unicode number to use. It's also the only reliable way on older versions of Word where keyboard shortcuts sometimes don't work as expected.

Copying and pasting a check mark you've already inserted

Once you've placed one check mark in your document, you don't have to repeat the process. Click on the check mark to select it, press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) to copy it, then click where you want another one and press Ctrl + V or Command + V to paste.

This is the fastest method if you need the same check mark in multiple places — a checklist, a form, or a table. You can paste the same character dozens of times without opening any menus. If you need a different style of check mark later, just insert a new one and copy that instead.

Creating a checklist with check marks in Word

If you're building a checklist or form, you can combine check marks with Word's bullet or numbering features. Type your list items, then go back and replace the bullets with check marks by selecting each bullet point and using one of the insertion methods above.

Alternatively, use Word's built-in checkbox feature: click Insert, then Checkbox (in newer versions) or Form Controls (in older versions). These create interactive boxes that readers can click to mark as complete, which is more useful than a static check mark if the document will be shared and edited by others.

For a straightforward printed checklist, static check marks work fine. For a form people will fill out digitally, interactive checkboxes are better because they're easier to click and they clearly show which items have been marked.

Check mark codes for different symbols

If you want to use the Unicode shortcut but need a different symbol, here are the codes that work in Word:

  • 2713 — standard checkmark (✓)
  • 2714 — heavy checkmark (✔)
  • 2611 — boxed checkmark (☑)
  • 2610 — empty checkbox (☐)
  • 2612 — crossed-out checkbox (☒)

Type Ctrl + Shift + U (or Option + Shift + U on Mac), then the four-digit code, then Space. The symbol appears when ready. These codes work in Word on both Windows and Mac, though some older versions may not support the Unicode input method.

Why the Unicode shortcut might not work

The Ctrl + Shift + U method depends on your keyboard layout and Windows settings. If you're using a non-English keyboard or if your system has a different input method enabled, the shortcut may not trigger. Some corporate versions of Word also disable this feature for security reasons.

If the Unicode shortcut doesn't work, the Symbol menu is your reliable backup. It works the same way on every machine and every version of Word, so it's worth knowing even if the shortcut usually works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a check mark bigger or change its color?

Yes. Select the check mark, then use Word's font size dropdown to make it larger or smaller. To change the color, select it and click the font color button (the "A" with a colored line beneath it) in the toolbar. The check mark will change to whatever size and color you choose.

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

A check mark (✓) is a static character — it looks like a tick and doesn't do anything when clicked. A checkbox is an interactive form element that readers can click to toggle on and off. Use check marks for printed documents or straightforward lists; use checkboxes for digital forms people will fill out.

Will the check mark look the same on someone else's computer?

Usually yes, but the exact appearance depends on the font you're using. Some fonts render check marks slightly differently. If you need the check mark to look identical on every machine, use a common font like Calibri or Arial, and test the document on another computer before sharing it.

Can I insert a check mark in Word Online?

Yes. Click Insert, then Special Characters, search for "check mark," and click the one you want. Word Online has the same Symbol menu as the desktop version, though it may be slightly slower to load. The Unicode keyboard shortcut does not work in Word Online.