The fastest way to type ™ depends on your device and what program you're using
The trademark symbol (™) is a small raised character that appears next to a brand name or product. On Windows, hold Alt and press 0153 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Option + 2. On phones and tablets, hold down the regular letter T and swipe to the ™ option, or open your symbols keyboard and search for "trademark". In most programs — Word, Google Docs, email, browsers — you can also type the words "(TM)" and the program will auto-correct it to ™ if that feature is turned on.
The method that works depends on what you're typing into. A phone keyboard works differently than a desktop keyboard. A web form might not accept special characters at all. Some programs auto-correct; others don't. This guide covers the real steps for the devices and programs you actually use.
Key Takeaways
- Windows users hold Alt and type 0153 on the numeric keypad to create ™.
- Mac users press Option + 2 to type the trademark symbol.
- On iPhones and Android phones, hold the T key or open the symbols keyboard to find ™.
- Most programs auto-correct "(TM)" to ™ if auto-correct is enabled in your settings.
- Copy-paste from a reference document is the fastest method if you type the symbol often.
Windows keyboard shortcut
On any Windows computer, hold the Alt key and type 0153 on the numeric keypad — the number pad on the right side of your keyboard. Release Alt and the ™ symbol appears. This works in Word, Outlook, email, web forms, and most other programs.
If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), use the numeric keypad built into your main keyboard. Hold Fn + Alt and type the numbers on the row that has numbers and letters together. Some laptops have a secondary numeric keypad hidden in the letter keys — check your keyboard manual or search your laptop model plus "numeric keypad" to find where it is.
If the Alt code does not work, your program might not support it. Try typing "(TM)" instead and see if auto-correct converts it. If that fails, copy the symbol from this page and paste it where you need it.
Mac keyboard shortcut
On a Mac, press Option + 2 to type the trademark symbol. This works in any program — Word, Google Docs, email, web browsers, and text editors. The Option key is also labeled Alt on some keyboards.
If Option + 2 does not work, check that you are using the correct key. The Option key is usually on the bottom left of the keyboard, next to the Command key. Press it and hold while you press 2 on the number row at the top of the keyboard, not on a numeric keypad.
Mac also offers a character viewer that lists every symbol. Press Control + Command + Space to open it, then search for "trademark" and double-click the symbol to insert it. This method is slower but works if the keyboard shortcut fails.
iPhone and iPad
On an iPhone or iPad, hold down the T key on your keyboard. A menu appears with letter variations and symbols. Swipe to the ™ symbol and release. This works in Messages, Mail, Notes, web browsers, and most other apps.
If the T key menu does not show the trademark symbol, open the symbols keyboard by tapping the 123 button, then tap the =< button to access more symbols. Scroll through the pages until you find ™. Tap it to insert it.
If you type the trademark symbol often, add it to your keyboard shortcuts. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement, tap the + button, type "tm" in the Shortcut field, and type "™" in the Phrase field. Now typing "tm" will auto-correct to ™.
Android phones and tablets
On Android, open your keyboard and tap the symbols button — usually labeled "?123" or "sym". Scroll through the symbol pages until you find ™. Tap it to insert it. The exact location varies by keyboard app, but most Android keyboards have multiple pages of symbols you can swipe through.
If your keyboard has a search feature, tap the search icon and type "trademark" to jump directly to the symbol. Google Keyboard and most modern Android keyboards include this feature.
Some Android keyboards let you add custom shortcuts. Open your keyboard settings, find the shortcuts or text replacement section, and create a shortcut so that typing "tm" becomes ™. Check your specific keyboard app's settings menu for this option.
Auto-correct in Word, Google Docs, and email
In Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and most email programs, you can type "(TM)" and the program will automatically convert it to ™. This works if auto-correct is turned on in your settings — it usually is by default.
In Word, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options and check that "Replace text as you type" is enabled. In Google Docs, go to Tools > Preferences and make sure "Use smart quotes" is checked. In Gmail, auto-correct is always on and you cannot turn it off.
If auto-correct is on but "(TM)" is not converting, the program might not recognize that specific replacement. Try typing the symbol using the keyboard shortcut for your device instead, or copy and paste it from a reference document.
Copy and paste method
The fastest way to type the trademark symbol repeatedly is to copy it once and paste it whenever you need it. Copy the ™ symbol from this page, open a blank document or note in your phone or computer, and paste it there. Now whenever you need the symbol, open that document, copy the symbol, and paste it where you need it.
On Windows and Mac, you can also use the clipboard history feature to keep the symbol available. On Windows 11, press Windows Key + V to open clipboard history. On Mac, use an app like Paste or Copied to store frequently used symbols and text.
This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut for one or two uses, but if you type the trademark symbol dozens of times in a document, copy-paste becomes faster than reaching for Alt codes or special keys each time.
When the trademark symbol does not work
Some programs and websites do not accept special characters like ™. Web forms, plain-text email, and older software sometimes strip out or reject the symbol. If the trademark symbol disappears after you paste it, the program does not support it.
In these cases, type "(TM)" or "TM" instead. Most readers understand that "(TM)" means trademark, and it works everywhere. Some style guides actually prefer "(TM)" in plain text for this reason.
If you are filling out a form and the symbol is rejected, try pasting it again. If it still fails, use "(TM)" or contact the website or program support to ask if they support special characters. Do not assume the form is broken — it might be designed to accept only standard letters and numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ™ and ®?
™ is the trademark symbol and can be used by anyone to mark a brand or product name, even without official registration. ® is the registered trademark symbol and means the trademark is officially registered with a government office like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Use ™ unless the trademark is officially registered, in which case ® is correct.
Can I use the trademark symbol in a domain name or email address?
No. Domain names and email addresses accept only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Special characters like ™ are not allowed. Use "(TM)" in your website text or email signature instead, but not in the actual domain or email address itself.
Does the trademark symbol need a space before it?
No. The symbol attaches directly to the word with no space: "Brand™" not "Brand ™". Some style guides prefer a thin space, but standard practice is no space at all.
Why does my keyboard shortcut not work in a specific program?
Some programs override your operating system's keyboard shortcuts. If Alt + 0153 or Option + 2 does not work, try typing "(TM)" and letting auto-correct convert it, or copy and paste the symbol from another program. If neither works, the program might not support special characters at all.
Can I create a keyboard shortcut for the trademark symbol on my phone?
Yes, on both iPhone and Android. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement and create a shortcut. On Android, open your keyboard settings and look for shortcuts or text replacement. Create a shortcut so "tm" becomes ™. The exact steps vary by keyboard app.