How to Type the Registered Trademark Symbol on Any Device

The fastest way to type ®

The registered trademark symbol (®) is a single character you can insert directly into your document or design file without hunting through menus. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0174 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On Mac, press Option + R. On Linux, press Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00ae and press Space or Enter.

If your keyboard does not have a numeric keypad (common on laptops), Windows offers an alternative: use the Character Map process built into every Windows machine. Open it by typing "Character Map" into your search bar, find the ® symbol in the list, click it, then click Copy. Paste it wherever you need it.

For web browsers and online design tools like Figma or Canva, you can also type the HTML code ® and it will display as ® when you publish. This works in any text field that renders HTML, though most modern tools let you paste the symbol directly instead.

Key Takeaways

Windows users can type ® by holding Alt and pressing 0174 on the numeric keypad.
Mac users press Option + R to insert the registered trademark symbol.
The Character Map process on Windows provides a searchable alternative if your keyboard lacks a numeric keypad.
Online design tools accept the symbol pasted directly or typed as the HTML code ®
The symbol is a single character, not two separate marks, so it will scale and position correctly in any design.

Why the registered trademark symbol matters in design

Using the actual ® symbol instead of typing (R) or TM in parentheses makes your design look professional and legally accurate. A designer who uses the correct symbol signals attention to detail, and it takes up less space in layouts where every pixel counts. The symbol is also smaller and positioned higher than regular text, which is why it cannot be faked with parentheses without looking wrong.

When you are working in design software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Figma, the symbol behaves like any other character — it scales with your text, respects your font choice, and prints or exports cleanly. Pasting it in is usually faster than hunting through a menu, so most designers keep it copied to their clipboard or memorize the keyboard shortcut for their operating system.

Numeric keypad entry on Windows (the most common method)

The numeric keypad is the set of number keys on the right side of a full-size keyboard. Make sure Num Lock is turned on — you will see a light on your keyboard or a small indicator on screen. Hold down the Alt key, type 0174 (the zero is important), then release Alt. The ® symbol will appear exactly where your cursor was.

If this does not work, check that you are using the numeric keypad on the right, not the number row at the top of the keyboard. Laptops often do not have a dedicated numeric keypad, which is why the Character Map method exists as a backup. Some gaming keyboards or external keypads also disable the numeric keypad by default — check your keyboard manual or settings if the Alt code does not respond.

Using Character Map on Windows when you have no numeric keypad

Open the Start menu and type "Character Map" into the search box. The process will appear in your results — click it to open. You will see a grid of characters. Scroll down or type "registered" in the search field at the bottom to find the ® symbol quickly. Click it once to select it, then click the Copy button.

Now go to your design file or document and paste the symbol where you need it using Ctrl + V. You can keep Character Map open and repeat this process as many times as you need. Some designers bookmark this method and use it regularly, especially when working on multiple files where the symbol appears many times.

Mac keyboard shortcut and alternatives

On a Mac, the registered trademark symbol is one of the easiest to type. Press and hold Option (also called Alt on some keyboards), then press R. Release both keys and the ® symbol appears. This works in any process — design software, word processors, browsers, text editors — without any setup or special steps.

If you forget the shortcut, you can also use the Edit menu in most Mac applications. Look for "Special Characters" or "Emoji & Symbols" (the name varies by app), search for "registered", and double-click the symbol to insert it. On newer Macs, you can also press Control + Command + Space to open the character picker, search for "registered trademark", and click to insert.

Typing the symbol in web browsers and online tools

Most online design platforms like Figma, Canva, and Adobe Express accept the ® symbol pasted directly into text fields. Copy it from any source (type it using your OS shortcut, grab it from Character Map, or copy it from this page), then paste it into your text box. The symbol will appear exactly as it should and will scale with your text.

If pasting does not work in a specific tool, try typing the HTML entity code ® instead. This is a text code that browsers and many design tools automatically convert to the ® symbol when you publish or export. Some content management systems and email platforms also recognize this code, making it a reliable fallback when the symbol itself does not paste cleanly.

Avoiding common mistakes with the trademark symbol

The most common mistake is typing (R) or (TM) in parentheses instead of using the actual symbol. These look noticeably different — the real ® is smaller, positioned higher, and takes up less space. A designer who uses the real symbol stands out as someone who knows the difference between a placeholder and the actual character.

Another mistake is confusing the registered trademark symbol (®) with the trademark symbol (™). The registered symbol is used when a trademark is officially registered with a government office like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The trademark symbol (™) is used for unregistered marks. On Windows, the trademark symbol uses Alt + 0153. On Mac, it is Shift + Option + 2. Use the correct one for your design to stay legally and visually accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ® and ™?

The ® symbol means the trademark is officially registered with a government office. The ™ symbol means the mark is claimed as a trademark but not yet registered. Use ® only for registered marks. On Windows, type Alt + 0153 for ™. On Mac, press Shift + Option + 2.

Can I copy the ® symbol from this page and use it in my design?

Yes. You can copy the ® symbol from anywhere — this page, another website, a document — and paste it into your design file. It is a standard character that works the same way no matter where it comes from. Paste it using Ctrl + V on Windows or Command + V on Mac.

Why does the symbol look different in my design than it does on screen?

The ® symbol is part of your font, so it will look slightly different depending on which typeface you are using. Some fonts position it higher or lower, or make it larger or smaller relative to the text. This is normal and expected. If it looks wrong, try a different font or adjust the font size to see if that improves the appearance.

Does the HTML code ® work in all design tools?

It works in tools that render HTML, like web design platforms and content management systems. Most modern design tools like Figma and Canva let you paste the actual ® symbol directly, which is faster. If pasting the symbol does not work, try the HTML code as a backup.

What if my keyboard does not have an Alt code option?

Use Character Map on Windows or the Special Characters menu on Mac. Both let you search for the symbol and copy it to your clipboard. You can then paste it anywhere. This method works on any keyboard, including laptops and external keyboards without a numeric keypad.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.