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How to Type Straight and Curly Quotes on Keyboard

Quotation marks are used to show speech, titles, quotes, measurements, code, and special text.

There are two main styles of quotation marks:

Straight quotes: ” ” and ‘ ‘
Curly quotes: “ ” and ‘ ’

Straight quotes are also called plain quotes, typewriter quotes, or dumb quotes.

Curly quotes are also called smart quotes, typographic quotes, or directional quotes.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to type straight and curly quotes on Windows, Mac, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Chromebook, iPhone, Android, HTML, and more.

Table of Contents

How to Type Straight and Curly Quotes

On most keyboards, you can type straight quotes using these keys:

SymbolNameKeyboard Shortcut
“Straight double quoteShift + Apostrophe key
‘Straight single quote / apostropheApostrophe key

The apostrophe key is usually near the Enter key.

Curly quotes are usually created automatically by apps like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages, and some phone keyboards when smart quotes are turned on.

Copy Straight and Curly Quotes

Click any quote mark, quote pair, apostrophe, or code below to copy it.

Showing 0 of 0
Tip: Use straight quotes ” “ and ‘ ‘ for code, formulas, and data. Use curly quotes “ ” and ‘ ’ for polished writing.

You can paste them anywhere using:

Windows: Ctrl + V
Mac: Command + V
Phone: Tap and hold, then choose Paste

Straight and Curly Quotes Quick Reference

SymbolNameAlso CalledUnicode
"Straight double quotePlain double quoteU+0022
'Straight single quoteApostrophe / plain single quoteU+0027
“Left double curly quoteOpening double smart quoteU+201C
”Right double curly quoteClosing double smart quoteU+201D
‘Left single curly quoteOpening single smart quoteU+2018
’Right single curly quoteClosing single smart quote / curly apostropheU+2019

What Are Straight Quotes?

Straight quotes are the simple vertical quotation marks found directly on your keyboard.

They look like this:

" "

and:

' '

Examples:

"Hello"

'Hello'

Straight quotes are common in:

  • Plain text
  • Coding
  • Spreadsheets
  • Databases
  • HTML
  • CSV files
  • Search boxes
  • Some forms and software systems

They are called “straight” because they do not curve left or right.

What Are Curly Quotes?

Curly quotes are the curved quotation marks used in polished writing and typography.

They look like this:

“ ”

and:

‘ ’

Examples:

“Hello”

‘Hello’

Curly quotes come in opening and closing forms.

Opening curly quotes lean or curl in one direction:

“
‘

Closing curly quotes lean or curl in the other direction:

”
’

Curly quotes are common in:

  • Books
  • Articles
  • Blog posts
  • Magazines
  • Microsoft Word documents
  • Google Docs documents
  • Professional typography

Straight Quotes vs Curly Quotes: What Is the Difference?

Straight quotes and curly quotes may look similar, but they are different characters.

TypeSymbolsBest For
Straight quotes" " and ' 'Coding, plain text, data, forms
Curly quotes“ ” and ‘ ’Articles, books, reports, polished writing

Use straight quotes when writing code or working with data.

Use curly quotes when writing normal text that should look polished.

Method 1: Type Straight Double Quotes on Keyboard

The straight double quote is: "

To type it on most keyboards:

  1. Place your cursor where you want the quote.
  2. Hold down Shift.
  3. Press the apostrophe key.
  4. Release both keys.

You should get: "

The apostrophe key is usually near the Enter key.

Example: "Hello"

Method 2: Type Straight Single Quote or Apostrophe on Keyboard

The straight single quote is: '

It is also commonly used as an apostrophe.

To type it:

  1. Place your cursor where you want the symbol.
  2. Press the apostrophe key.

You should get: '

Examples:

  • 'Hello'
  • don't
  • John's book

Method 3: Type Curly Quotes Automatically with Smart Quotes

Many writing apps can automatically turn straight quotes into curly quotes.

For example, when smart quotes are turned on:

You type: "Hello"

The app changes it to: “Hello”

You type: 'Hello'

The app changes it to: ‘Hello’

This is the easiest way to type curly quotes in writing apps like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages, and some phone keyboards.

Method 4: Type Straight and Curly Quotes in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word can use both straight quotes and curly quotes.

By default, Word often turns straight quotes into curly quotes automatically. This feature is called Smart Quotes.

Type Curly Quotes in Word

To type curly quotes in Word:

  1. Make sure smart quotes are turned on.
  2. Type the quote normally using the keyboard.
  3. Word will automatically change it into curly quotes.

Example:

Typing: "Hello"

May become: “Hello”

Typing: 'Hello'

May become: ‘Hello’

Turn Smart Quotes On or Off in Word

To control smart quotes in Microsoft Word:

  1. Click File.
  2. Click Options.
  3. Click Proofing.
  4. Click AutoCorrect Options.
  5. Go to the AutoFormat As You Type tab.
  6. Look for Straight quotes with smart quotes.
  7. Check it to turn curly quotes on.
  8. Uncheck it to keep straight quotes.
  9. Click OK.

Use Straight Quotes in Word

If Word keeps changing your quotes to curly quotes and you want straight quotes:

  1. Go to File.
  2. Click Options.
  3. Click Proofing.
  4. Click AutoCorrect Options.
  5. Open AutoFormat As You Type.
  6. Uncheck Straight quotes with smart quotes.
  7. Click OK.

Now when you type: "Hello"

Word should keep the straight quotes.

Type Curly Quotes in Word Using Alt Codes

You can also type curly quotes using Windows Alt codes in Word.

SymbolNameAlt Code
“Left double curly quoteAlt + 0147
”Right double curly quoteAlt + 0148
‘Left single curly quoteAlt + 0145
’Right single curly quoteAlt + 0146

To use an Alt code:

  1. Turn on Num Lock.
  2. Hold down Alt.
  3. Type the code on the numeric keypad.
  4. Release Alt.

Example:

Alt + 0147 gives: “

Alt + 0148 gives: ”

So to type: “Hello”

Type the opening quote with Alt + 0147, type Hello, then type the closing quote with Alt + 0148.

Type Curly Quotes in Word Using Unicode

You can also use Unicode in Microsoft Word.

SymbolNameUnicode
“Left double curly quote201C
”Right double curly quote201D
‘Left single curly quote2018
’Right single curly quote2019

To use Unicode in Word:

  1. Type the Unicode value.
  2. Press Alt + X.

Example:

  • Type: 201C
  • Then press: Alt + X
  • You should get: “

Method 5: Type Straight and Curly Quotes in Excel

In Excel, the normal keyboard quote keys work.

SymbolShortcut
"Shift + Apostrophe key
'Apostrophe key

Straight Quotes in Excel

Straight quotes are very important in Excel formulas.

Example:

=IF(A1="Yes","Approved","Rejected")

In this formula, the words are inside straight double quotes.

Excel formulas usually use straight quotes, not curly quotes.

If you paste curly quotes into a formula, Excel may not understand the formula correctly.

Wrong:

=IF(A1=“Yes”,“Approved”,“Rejected”)

Better:

=IF(A1="Yes","Approved","Rejected")

Single Quote in Excel

In Excel, a single quote at the start of a cell can force Excel to treat the entry as text.

Example: '00123

This keeps the leading zeros.

If you type: '00123

Excel displays: 00123

But treats it as text.

Curly Quotes in Excel

Excel does not usually auto-convert quotes into curly quotes the way Word does.

If you need curly quotes in Excel, copy and paste them:

“ ”

‘ ’

Or use Windows Alt codes:

  • Alt + 0147 = “
  • Alt + 0148 = ”
  • Alt + 0145 = ‘
  • Alt + 0146 = ’

Method 6: Type Straight and Curly Quotes in PowerPoint

PowerPoint can also use smart quotes depending on your settings.

Type Straight Quotes in PowerPoint

Use the normal keyboard shortcuts:

SymbolShortcut
"Shift + Apostrophe key
'Apostrophe key

Type Curly Quotes in PowerPoint

If smart quotes are turned on, PowerPoint may change straight quotes into curly quotes automatically.

Example: "Welcome"

May become: “Welcome”

If you want to insert curly quotes manually, use:

  • Alt + 0147 for “
  • Alt + 0148 for ”
  • Alt + 0145 for ‘
  • Alt + 0146 for ’

Or copy and paste them from this page.

Method 7: Type Straight and Curly Quotes in Google Docs

Google Docs can automatically change straight quotes into curly quotes.

Type Curly Quotes in Google Docs

To use curly quotes in Google Docs:

  1. Open your Google Docs document.
  2. Go to Tools.
  3. Click Preferences.
  4. Check Use smart quotes.
  5. Click OK.
  6. Type quotes normally.

Google Docs will change straight quotes into curly quotes.

Example: "Hello"

Becomes: “Hello”

Turn Off Curly Quotes in Google Docs

If you want straight quotes instead:

  1. Go to Tools.
  2. Click Preferences.
  3. Uncheck Use smart quotes.
  4. Click OK.

Now Google Docs should keep straight quotes.

Insert Curly Quotes Using Special Characters

You can also insert curly quotes manually:

  1. Go to Insert.
  2. Click Special characters.
  3. Search for left double quotation mark, right double quotation mark, left single quotation mark, or right single quotation mark.
  4. Click the symbol you want.

Method 8: Type Straight and Curly Quotes in Google Sheets

Google Sheets normally uses straight quotes.

To type straight quotes:

SymbolShortcut
"Shift + Apostrophe key
'Apostrophe key

Like Excel, Google Sheets formulas usually need straight quotes.

Example:

=IF(A1="Yes","Approved","Rejected")

Do not use curly quotes in formulas.

Wrong:

=IF(A1=“Yes”,“Approved”,“Rejected”)

Correct:

=IF(A1="Yes","Approved","Rejected")

If you need curly quotes as plain text, copy and paste them:

“ ”
‘ ’

Method 9: Type Straight and Curly Quotes on Mac

On Mac, you can type straight quotes with the normal keyboard keys.

SymbolShortcut
"Shift + Apostrophe key
'Apostrophe key

Mac can also type curly quotes directly with Option shortcuts.

Mac Shortcuts for Curly Double Quotes

SymbolNameMac Shortcut
“Left double curly quoteOption + [
”Right double curly quoteOption + Shift + [

Mac Shortcuts for Curly Single Quotes

SymbolNameMac Shortcut
‘Left single curly quoteOption + ]
’Right single curly quoteOption + Shift + ]

These shortcuts are useful if you want to type curly quotes manually without relying on auto-correction.

Method 10: Type Quotes on Chromebook

On most Chromebooks, use the normal keyboard keys:

SymbolShortcut
"Shift + Apostrophe key
'Apostrophe key

If you need curly quotes, the easiest method is to copy and paste:

“ ”
‘ ’

You can also use Unicode input on Chromebook.

Chromebook Unicode Codes for Curly Quotes

SymbolUnicode
“201C
”201D
‘2018
’2019

To type with Unicode on Chromebook:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U.
  2. Type the Unicode code.
  3. Press Enter or Space.

Example:

Ctrl + Shift + U, then 201c, then Enter

This gives: “

Method 11: Type Straight and Curly Quotes on iPhone and iPad

On iPhone and iPad, the normal keyboard has quote keys in the numbers and symbols section.

To type quotes:

  1. Tap 123.
  2. Tap the quote key.

For more quote options, tap and hold the quote key.

You may see options like:

"
“
”
'
‘
’

Turn Smart Punctuation On or Off on iPhone

iPhone can automatically change straight quotes into curly quotes using Smart Punctuation.

To control it:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to General.
  3. Tap Keyboard.
  4. Turn Smart Punctuation on or off.

When Smart Punctuation is on, your iPhone may automatically use curly quotes.

When it is off, your iPhone is more likely to use straight quotes.

Method 12: Type Straight and Curly Quotes on Android

On Android, the exact method depends on your keyboard app.

In most Android keyboards:

  1. Tap ?123 or the symbols key.
  2. Tap the quote symbol.
  3. Tap and hold the quote key to see more quote styles, if available.

Some keyboards may show:

"
'
“
”
‘
’

If you cannot find curly quotes, copy and paste them from this page.

Method 13: Type Straight and Curly Quotes Using Windows Character Map

Windows Character Map can help you copy curly quotes.

To use it:

  1. Click Start.
  2. Search for Character Map.
  3. Open it.
  4. Choose a font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  5. Find the quote symbol you need.
  6. Click Select.
  7. Click Copy.
  8. Paste it into your document.

This method is slower, but it works if keyboard shortcuts are not available.

Method 14: Type Straight and Curly Quotes Using Windows Emoji/Symbol Panel

You can also try the Windows symbol panel:

  1. Press Windows key + .
    or
    Windows key + ;
  2. Go to the symbols section.
  3. Look for punctuation symbols.
  4. Select the quote mark you need.

If you cannot find the quote quickly, use copy and paste or Alt codes instead.

Method 15: Type Straight and Curly Quotes in HTML

HTML uses different codes for straight and curly quotes.

SymbolNameHTML Code
"Straight double quote" or "
'Straight single quote'
“Left double curly quote“ or “
”Right double curly quote” or ”
‘Left single curly quote‘ or ‘
’Right single curly quote’ or ’

Example: “Hello”

Displays as: “Hello”

Example: John’s book

Displays as: John’s book

Method 16: Type Quotes in CSS

In CSS, straight quotes are commonly used in property values and content.

Example:

.example::before {
  content: "Hello";
}

You can also use curly quotes inside the content value:

.example::before {
  content: "“Hello”";
}

But for coding, straight quotes are usually safer.

Method 17: Type Quotes in JavaScript

In JavaScript, quotes are used to create strings.

Examples:

const name = "John";
const message = 'Hello';

Use straight quotes in JavaScript code.

Do not use curly quotes in code.

Wrong:

const name = “John”;

Correct:

const name = "John";

Curly quotes can break code because programming languages usually expect straight quotes.

Method 18: Type Quotes in Python

Python uses straight quotes for strings.

Examples:

name = "John"
message = 'Hello'

Do not use curly quotes in Python code.

Wrong:

name = “John”

Correct:

name = "John"

If you paste text from Word or Google Docs into code and your code stops working, check if the quotes were changed to curly quotes.

Straight Quotes in Coding: Why They Matter

In coding, straight quotes are usually required.

These are safe in code:

"
'

These can break code:

“
”
‘
’

Examples of places where you should use straight quotes:

JavaScript
Python
HTML attributes
CSS
PHP
JSON
SQL
CSV files
Command line examples

Example in JSON:

Correct:

{
  "name": "John"
}

Wrong:

{
  “name”: “John”
}

Curly quotes may look nicer in writing, but they are not safe for most code.

Curly Quotes in Writing: Why They Look Better

Curly quotes look more professional in normal writing.

Example with straight quotes:

"Writing looks plain."

Example with curly quotes:

“Writing looks polished.”

For blog posts, articles, books, and reports, curly quotes often look better.

However, for tutorials that include code, formulas, or technical commands, straight quotes may be better inside code examples.

Apostrophe vs Single Quote

The straight apostrophe and straight single quote use the same keyboard character:

'

Examples:

John's book
'Hello'

The curly apostrophe is usually:

’

Example:

John’s book

This is the same character as the right single curly quote.

SymbolName
'Straight apostrophe / straight single quote
’Curly apostrophe / right single curly quote

For polished writing, use: John’s

For code or plain text, use: John's

Inch and Foot Marks vs Quotes

Straight quotes are often used informally for inches and feet.

Examples:

5' 8"
12"

But the proper symbols are:

′ for feet
″ for inches

SymbolNameUse
'Straight single quoteOften used as foot mark
"Straight double quoteOften used as inch mark
′PrimeProper foot mark
″Double primeProper inch mark

For casual typing, people often use straight quotes. For professional measurement notation, use prime and double prime symbols.

Common Mistakes with Straight and Curly Quotes

Mistake 1: Using Curly Quotes in Code

Wrong:

const text = “Hello”;

Correct:

const text = "Hello";

Mistake 2: Using Straight Quotes in Polished Writing

Straight quotes are not wrong, but curly quotes often look better in articles, books, and reports.

Plain: "Hello," she said.

Polished: “Hello,” she said.

Mistake 3: Using the Wrong Opening or Closing Quote

Wrong: ”Hello“

Correct: “Hello”

Opening and closing curly quotes should face the correct direction.

Mistake 4: Confusing Apostrophes and Opening Single Quotes

In words like don’t, John’s, and it’s, use the closing single curly quote:

’

Correct:

don’t
John’s
it’s

Not:

don‘t
John‘s
it‘s

Mistake 5: Copying Text from Word into Code

Word may automatically change straight quotes into curly quotes. If you paste that into code, the code may fail.

Before using code, check that quotes are straight.

Troubleshooting: Why Are My Quotes Changing Automatically?

1. Word Is Changing Straight Quotes to Curly Quotes

This is because Smart Quotes are turned on.

To turn it off:

File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type > uncheck Straight quotes with smart quotes

2. Google Docs Is Changing Quotes

This is because smart quotes are turned on.

To turn it off:

Tools > Preferences > uncheck Use smart quotes

3. iPhone Is Changing Quotes

This is because Smart Punctuation is on.

To turn it off:

Settings > General > Keyboard > Smart Punctuation

4. My Code Is Not Working After Copying It

Check whether the quotes are curly.

Wrong: “text”

Correct:"text"

Replace curly quotes with straight quotes.

5. My Keyboard Gives a Different Symbol

Your keyboard layout may be different. Check your language and keyboard settings, or use copy and paste.

Frequently Asked Questions About Straight and Curly Quotes

What are straight quotes?

Straight quotes are the plain quotation marks: " "

and: ' '

They are common in typing, coding, and plain text.

What are curly quotes?

Curly quotes are the curved quotation marks: “ ”

and: ‘ ’

They are common in polished writing and typography.

How do I type straight double quotes?

Press: Shift + Apostrophe key

This gives: "

How do I type straight single quotes?

Press the apostrophe key.

This gives: '

How do I type curly quotes in Word?

Turn on smart quotes in Word, then type quotes normally. Word will automatically convert them into curly quotes.

You can also use Alt codes:

Alt + 0147 = “
Alt + 0148 = ”
Alt + 0145 = ‘
Alt + 0146 = ’

How do I type curly quotes on Mac?

Use these shortcuts:

Option + [ = “
Option + Shift + [ = ”
Option + ] = ‘
Option + Shift + ] = ’

How do I type curly quotes in Google Docs?

Go to: Tools > Preferences

Then check: Use smart quotes

After that, Google Docs will automatically convert straight quotes into curly quotes.

How do I stop Word from changing quotes?

Go to:

File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options > AutoFormat As You Type

Then uncheck: Straight quotes with smart quotes

Should I use straight quotes or curly quotes?

Use straight quotes for code, data, formulas, CSV files, and plain text.

Use curly quotes for articles, books, reports, and polished writing.

Why do curly quotes break code?

Programming languages usually expect straight quotes. Curly quotes are different characters, so the code may not recognize them as valid quotation marks.

What is the Alt code for curly quotes?

The Alt codes are:

Alt + 0147 = “
Alt + 0148 = ”
Alt + 0145 = ‘
Alt + 0146 = ’

What is the HTML code for curly quotes?

HTML codes include:

“ for “
” for ”
‘ for ‘
’ for ’

Is an apostrophe the same as a single quote?

The straight apostrophe and straight single quote use the same character:

'

The curly apostrophe is usually:

’

This is also the right single curly quote.

Conclusion

Straight quotes and curly quotes look similar, but they are used differently.

Straight quotes: " " and: ' ' are best for coding, formulas, plain text, and data.

Curly quotes: “ ” and: ‘ ’ are best for polished writing, articles, reports, and typography.

The fastest keyboard shortcuts are:

" = Shift + Apostrophe key
' = Apostrophe key

For curly quotes, use smart quotes in Word or Google Docs, copy and paste them, or use Alt codes:

Alt + 0147 = “
Alt + 0148 = ”
Alt + 0145 = ‘
Alt + 0146 = ’