The quickest way to add a ™ symbol

The ™ symbol (called a trademark symbol) types differently depending on what device and program you are using. On Windows, hold Alt and press 0153 on the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Option and 2 at the same time. In most web browsers and online documents, you can also type the HTML code ™ and it will convert to ™ automatically.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad, or if you are on a phone or tablet, copy-and-paste is usually faster than hunting for special character menus. You can grab the symbol from this page, paste it into your document, and then use Find and Replace to add it wherever else you need it.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows users hold Alt and type 0153 on the numeric keypad; Mac users press Option+2.
  • Most programs let you type ™ as a code that automatically converts to the ™ symbol.
  • Copy-and-paste works on any device, including phones and tablets where keyboard shortcuts are harder to use.
  • The Insert menu in Word, Google Docs, and similar programs has a Special Characters option that shows you the symbol without memorizing codes.

Windows keyboard shortcut

On a Windows computer, the numeric keypad method is the most reliable. Make sure Num Lock is turned on (you will see a light on the Num Lock key), then hold down the Alt key and type 0153 on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard. Release Alt and the ™ symbol appears.

This works in most Windows programs including Word, Notepad, email clients, and web browsers. If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad — common on laptops — you may need to use Fn+Alt+0153 or use the Insert menu instead. Some laptops have a numeric keypad hidden in the letter keys; check your keyboard manual or look for numbers printed in small text on the right side of the letter section.

Mac keyboard shortcut

On a Mac, press and hold the Option key (also called Alt), then press the number 2. Release both keys and the ™ symbol appears. This works in most Mac programs including Pages, Mail, web browsers, and Google Docs.

If that does not work, your Mac may be set to a different keyboard layout. Check System Preferences under Keyboard and Language to confirm you are using a US or similar layout. If you use a different language layout, the shortcut may be different — try Option+9 or look up the code for your specific layout.

Using the Insert menu in Word and Google Docs

Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs have a menu option for special characters that does not require memorizing keyboard codes. In Word, go to Insert, then click Special Character (or Symbol, depending on your version). A window opens showing hundreds of symbols. Type "trademark" in the search box and the ™ symbol appears. Click it and then click Insert.

In Google Docs, go to Insert, then Special Characters. The same search box appears. Type "trademark" and click the symbol to add it to your document. This method is slower than a keyboard shortcut but works the same way on Windows and Mac, so it is useful if you forget the code or are on an unfamiliar computer.

HTML code for web pages and online documents

If you are writing in a web browser, email, or any program that understands HTML, you can type ™ (the word "trade" surrounded by an ampersand and semicolon) and it will automatically convert to ™. This works in Gmail, most blog editors, WordPress, and many online forms.

The same method works for other symbols: © becomes ©, ® becomes ®, and   becomes a non-breaking space. If you use these symbols often, learning a few HTML codes is faster than using menus or keyboard shortcuts. Not every program supports this — plain text editors and some older software will not convert the code — but it is worth trying first in any online tool.

Copy and paste for phones and tablets

On a phone or tablet, keyboard shortcuts are harder to access, so copy-and-paste is usually the fastest method. Copy the ™ symbol from this page or any other source, then open your document and paste it where you need it. If you need the symbol multiple times, paste it once, then use your app's Find and Replace feature to add it everywhere at once.

Most phones and tablets also have an emoji or special character keyboard you can access by holding down a letter key or tapping a special key on the keyboard. The trademark symbol is not usually there, but it is worth checking your device's keyboard settings. Some phones let you create custom shortcuts — for example, typing "tm" could automatically expand to "™" — which saves time if you use the symbol regularly.

When to use the ™ symbol

The ™ symbol indicates that a word or phrase is a trademark — a brand name or logo that a company uses to identify its product or service. You do not need permission to use it, and it does not have any legal effect on its own. Companies use it to show that they claim ownership of a brand name, even before the trademark is officially registered with a government office.

The ® symbol (registered trademark) means the trademark has been officially registered with a government office like the US Patent and Trademark Office. The ™ symbol is used for unregistered trademarks. In practice, many companies use ™ for all their brand names, whether registered or not, because it is simpler and does not require updating when registration status changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alt+0153 not work on my Windows laptop?

Laptops often do not have a separate numeric keypad. Try Fn+Alt+0153, or look for number keys hidden in the letter section (usually on the right side). If neither works, use the Insert menu instead. Some laptop keyboards require you to hold Fn and use the Num Lock key to set up the hidden numeric pad.

Can I use the ™ symbol in my business name or on my website?

Yes, you can use it freely. The ™ symbol does not require registration or permission. However, if you want legal protection for your brand name, you will need to register it as a trademark with your country's trademark office. Using ™ shows you claim the name, but only a registered trademark (®) gives you legal rights to stop others from using it.

What is the difference between ™, ®, and ℠?

™ marks a trademark (any brand name), ® marks a registered trademark (officially registered with a government office), and ℠ marks a service mark (a trademark for a service rather than a product). Most people use ™ for everything because it is simpler. The ℠ symbol is rarely used in practice.

Does the ™ symbol work in all programs and websites?

It works in most modern programs, but some plain-text editors and older software may not display it correctly. If you see a box or question mark instead of the symbol, the program does not support it. In that case, you can write "TM" in capital letters instead, which is widely understood and accepted.