How to Type the Copyright Symbol © on Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Word, Google Docs, iPhone)
The copyright symbol (©) means “copyright.” It’s different from ™ (trademark) and ® (registered trademark), which are brand/mark symbols.
1-Minute Answer (Fastest Ways)
- Windows (Alt code): Hold Alt and type 0169 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt → ©
(No numeric keypad? Use Character Map or copy/paste below.) - Mac (keyboard shortcut): Press Option + G → ©
- Microsoft Word (fastest):
- Windows: Type 00A9 then press Alt + X → ©
- Or use Insert → Symbol (steps below)
- Google Docs: Insert → Special characters, search copyright (or c in a circle)
- iPhone / Android: Open the symbols keyboard and look for ©. If you don’t see it, copy/paste it from the section below.
- Chromebook: Quickest is copy/paste (or use Google Docs → Insert → Special characters)
Quick Reference (© Copyright Sign)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | © |
| Name | Copyright sign |
| Unicode | U+00A9 |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 0169 (Alt + 169 also works on many PCs, but 0169 is safest) |
| Mac shortcut | Option + G |
| HTML | © and © |
A) How to Type © on Windows
Method 1: Alt Code (Fastest if you have a numeric keypad)
- Click where you want to insert ©.
- Make sure Num Lock is ON.
- Hold down Alt.
- On the numeric keypad, type 0169.
- Release Alt → ©
Important notes (why Alt codes fail):
- Alt codes usually need the numeric keypad (the number row above letters won’t work).
- Many laptops don’t have a dedicated numpad. Some have an Fn “embedded numpad” (varies by model).
Method 2: Character Map (Works on all Windows PCs)
- Click Start and search Character Map.
- Open Character Map.
- (Optional) Tick Advanced view.
- In the search box, type copyright.
- Click © → click Select → click Copy.
- Paste it where you need it (Ctrl + V).
B) How to Type © on Mac
Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest)
- Click where you want ©.
- Press Option + G → ©
Method 2: Character Viewer (Works on every Mac)
- Press Control + Command + Space to open Character Viewer.
- Search for copyright (or c in a circle).
- Double-click © to insert it.
C) How to Insert © in Microsoft Word (Windows + Mac)
Method 1: Insert Symbol (Works on both Windows and Mac)
- In Word, click where you want ©.
- Go to Insert tab.
- Click Symbol → More Symbols…
- Look for © (often under Latin-1 Supplement).
- Select © → Insert → Close.
Method 2: Unicode code (Word for Windows — fast)
- Type 00A9
- Press Alt + X
- It changes into ©
Optional: AutoCorrect (c) → ©
In many Word setups, typing (c) and pressing Space turns it into © automatically.
If yours doesn’t, you can enable or customize it in Word Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options.
D) How to Use © in Excel and Google Sheets
Excel (Insert it like a normal character)
- You can type it (Windows Alt code / Mac Option+G) or copy/paste it into a cell.
Excel + Google Sheets (Formula method)
Use CHAR(169) to generate the symbol:
- © only:
=CHAR(169) - Copyright line example:
="2026 "&CHAR(169)&" Brand Name"
(This is handy for headers, templates, and auto-filled documents.)
E) How to Insert © in PowerPoint
- Click inside a text box where you want ©.
- Go to Insert → Symbol (or Insert → Symbol → More Symbols).
- Select © → Insert.
You can also use:
- Windows: Alt + 0169 (numeric keypad)
- Mac: Option + G
F) How to Type © in Google Docs
- Go to Insert → Special characters.
- In the search box, type copyright (or c in a circle).
- Click © to insert it.
G) How to Type © on iPhone and Android
Mobile keyboards vary, but these are the most reliable options:
Option 1: Symbols keyboard (try this first)
- iPhone: Tap 123, then #+=, and look for ©.
- Android: Tap ?123 (or 123), then =< (or the second symbols page), and look for ©.
Option 2: Press-and-hold (only on some keyboards)
Some phones show © if you press and hold the letter c (or a related key). If you don’t see it, use copy/paste.
Option 3: Copy/paste (always works)
Just copy © from the copy section above, then paste anywhere.
H) How to Type © on Chromebook
Chromebooks don’t support Windows-style Alt codes like a PC with a numpad.
Best options:
- Copy/paste: Copy © from this page and paste it.
- Google Docs method: Insert → Special characters, search copyright.
© vs ™ vs ® (Quick, Plain-English)
- © Copyright: Used for creative works (writing, photos, videos, designs). It’s a common “ownership notice.”
- ™ Trademark: Used for a brand name, slogan, or logo—often used even if it’s not officially registered.
- ® Registered: Used only when a trademark is officially registered.
This is general info, not legal advice.
Troubleshooting (When © Won’t Work)
1) Alt code not working on Windows
Common reasons:
- You don’t have a numeric keypad
- Num Lock is off
- You used the top number row instead of the numpad
Fix: Use Character Map or copy/paste.
2) Can’t find © on your phone keyboard
That’s normal—keyboards vary.
Fix: Use copy/paste, or use Insert → Special characters in Google Docs.
3) You typed (c) but it didn’t change into ©
(c) is just text. You need the real symbol ©.
Fix: Use Option + G (Mac), Alt + 0169 (Windows), Insert Symbol, or copy/paste.
FAQ (Quick Answers)
What is the Alt code for ©?
Alt + 0169 (using the numeric keypad). Alt + 169 also works on many PCs, but 0169 is safest.
How do I type © on Mac?
Press Option + G. Or open Character Viewer with Control + Command + Space and search copyright.
How do I insert © in Word or Google Docs?
- Word: Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → choose ©
- Google Docs: Insert → Special characters → search copyright
What’s the difference between ©, ™, and ®?
- © = copyright notice
- ™ = trademark (often used even if not registered)
- ® = registered trademark
What is the Unicode/HTML for ©?
- Unicode: U+00A9
- HTML:
©or©
Quick Recap
- Windows: Alt + 0169 (numeric keypad) or Character Map
- Mac: Option + G or Character Viewer
- Word: Insert → Symbol (or 00A9 + Alt + X on Windows)
- Google Docs: Insert → Special characters
- Excel/Sheets:
=CHAR(169) - Phone/Chromebook: symbols keyboard or copy/paste