The fastest way depends on what device and program you're using

The copyright symbol (©) is a single character, not a combination you build from other keys. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0169 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Option + G. On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00a9, then press Space or Enter. In most web browsers and phone keyboards, you can search for "copyright" in the emoji or symbol picker and tap it directly.

If your keyboard doesn't have a numeric keypad or you're on a phone, the symbol picker is usually faster than memorizing a code. Every major operating system and most programs also let you paste © directly from a search result or from your clipboard if you've copied it once.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0169 on the numeric keypad; Mac users press Option + G.
  • On phones and tablets, open the symbol or emoji picker and search for "copyright" rather than trying keyboard shortcuts.
  • Most word processors and web editors have a menu option to insert special characters without memorizing codes.
  • Once you type the symbol once, you can copy it and paste it anywhere else, which is often faster than repeating the keyboard shortcut.

Windows: Using Alt codes and the character map

On Windows, the Alt code method works in most programs. Make sure Num Lock is on, then hold down Alt, type 0169 on the numeric keypad (not the number row at the top), and release Alt. The © symbol appears when ready. This works in Word, Google Docs, email, browsers, and most text editors.

If your keyboard has no numeric keypad—common on laptops—use the Character Map instead. Press Windows key + R, type charmap, and press Enter. Search for "copyright" in the search box, select it, click Copy, then paste it where you need it. This method is more reliable on laptops than trying to use the Fn key to simulate a numeric keypad.

Mac: The Option key shortcut

On Mac, press Option + G to type ©. This works in nearly every program—Word, Google Docs, email, browsers, and text editors. It's one of the shortest shortcuts across all operating systems, so if you type the copyright symbol regularly, this is worth memorizing.

If you forget the shortcut, open Spotlight (Command + Space), type "copyright", and you'll see the symbol in the results. Click it to copy it to your clipboard, then paste it where you need it.

Linux and Chromebook: Compose key and Unicode input

On Linux, hold Ctrl + Shift + U, type 00a9, then press Space or Enter. The © symbol appears. This Unicode method works in most Linux programs, though some older applications may not support it.

On a Chromebook, the method depends on your input method. If you're using a standard US keyboard, try Ctrl + Shift + U followed by 00a9 and Space. If that doesn't work, open the emoji picker (Ctrl + . or Ctrl + ;), search for "copyright", and select it.

Phones and tablets: Symbol pickers and copy-paste

On iPhone or iPad, hold down the letter O on the keyboard. A menu appears with © and other symbols. Tap © to insert it. On Android, open the keyboard, tap the symbol key (usually labeled ?123 or similar), then look for the © symbol. If you don't see it, tap the arrow to access more symbols, or search for "copyright" if your keyboard has a search feature.

On any phone, the fastest method is often to open your browser, search for "copyright symbol", copy it from the results, and paste it into your document. This takes three taps and works on every phone.

Word processors: Using the Insert menu

In Microsoft Word, click Insert, then Special Character (or Symbol on older versions). Search for "copyright" and click Insert. The symbol appears in your document. Google Docs works the same way: click Insert, then Special Characters, search for "copyright", and click it.

This menu method is slower than a keyboard shortcut if you type the symbol often, but it requires no memorization and works the same way on every computer. Many people find it worth the extra click for the peace of mind that they're inserting the correct symbol.

Web browsers and online editors: Emoji and symbol pickers

Most modern browsers have a built-in emoji and symbol picker. In Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, right-click in a text field and look for "Insert emoji" or "Insert special character". Click it, search for "copyright", and select ©. This works on Gmail, Google Docs, social media, and most websites.

If your browser doesn't have a picker, or if you're on an older version, copy © from a search result and paste it. Open a new tab, search for "copyright symbol", copy the © from the results, switch back to your document, and paste. It's a few extra steps, but it's reliable everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I type the copyright symbol on a laptop without a numeric keypad?

Yes. On Windows, use Character Map instead of the Alt code. On Mac, Option + G works on all keyboards. On Linux, Ctrl + Shift + U + 00a9 works everywhere. If none of those work, copy © from a search result and paste it.

What's the difference between © and (c)?

© is the actual copyright symbol, a single character recognized by law and style guides. (c) is a text substitute people use when the real symbol isn't available. Use © in formal documents, published work, and anywhere you want to show copyright clearly. (c) is acceptable in plain text or when the symbol truly won't display.

Do I need to type the copyright symbol every time, or can I save it?

Copy it once and paste it as many times as you need. In Word and Google Docs, you can also create a keyboard shortcut or AutoCorrect entry so that typing something like (c) automatically becomes ©. Check your program's preferences under AutoCorrect or Keyboard Shortcuts.

Why doesn't the Alt code work in my program?

Some programs don't support Alt codes, especially web browsers and older software. Use Character Map on Windows, the Insert menu in your program, or copy © from a search result and paste it instead. These methods work everywhere.

Is there a copyright symbol on my phone's emoji keyboard?

Not always in the main emoji section. Try holding down the O key on iPhone, or searching for "copyright" in your keyboard's symbol picker on Android. If your keyboard doesn't have a search feature, the fastest way is to copy © from a browser search and paste it.