How to type the copyright symbol (©) on any device

The copyright symbol (©) is an internationally recognized symbol that indicates a work is protected by copyright. This symbol is placed on creative works such as texts, images, music, software and videos to show that the creator holds exclusive rights to the work. Legally speaking, copyright arises automatically when you create an original work: the © symbol is not required, but adding it makes it clear to others that you are claiming your rights and strengthens your position in case of infringement.

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Typing the copyright symbol on Windows

Method 1: Alt code (works everywhere)

1. Make sure Num Lock is on
2. Hold down the Alt key
3. Type 0169 on the numeric keypad
4. Release Alt: the © appears

Method 2: Windows Emoji Panel

1. Press Windows + . (period) or Windows + ; (semicolon)
2. Click the Ω Symbols tab
3. Find the copyright symbol or type "copyright"
4. Click © to insert it

Typing the copyright symbol on Mac

On a Mac you type the copyright symbol with a simple key combination:

• Press Option + G at the same time

This works in almost all Mac applications, from Safari to Pages and even in Terminal.

Typing the copyright symbol on Linux

On Linux you have several options:

Unicode input

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U
2. Type A9 (the Unicode hex code)
3. Press Enter or Space

Compose key (if configured)

1. Press the Compose key
2. Type o and then c
3. The © symbol appears

Typing the copyright symbol on iPhone and iPad

Using the emoji keyboard

1. Tap the emoji icon (smiley) on your keyboard
2. Search for "copyright" in the search field
3. Select the © symbol

Using text replacement

1. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement
2. Tap +
3. Under "Shortcut", enter for example: copyr
4. Under "Phrase", enter: ©
5. Now © appears automatically when you type "copyr"

Typing the copyright symbol on Android

Using the symbols keyboard

1. Open your keyboard and tap ?123 or the symbols icon
2. Tap =< again for more symbols
3. Find the © symbol (often under "S" on some keyboards)

Using Gboard (Google keyboard)

1. Press and hold the text cursor
2. Select More > Special characters
3. Choose the copyright symbol

Typing the copyright symbol in Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Microsoft Office offers several quick methods:

AutoCorrect

Type (c) and Office automatically converts it to ©

Keyboard shortcut

Press Ctrl + Alt + C to get the © symbol directly

Inserting symbols

1. Go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols
2. Find © in the list (Latin-1 Supplement)
3. Click Insert

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between © and ™? The copyright symbol (©) protects creative works such as texts, images and music under copyright law. The trademark symbol (™) is used for trademarks and business names. For registered trademarks, you use the ® symbol.

Is the copyright symbol legally required? No, in most countries (including the Netherlands and the EU) copyright arises automatically when you create an original work. However, the © symbol is useful for warning others that the work is protected, and it strengthens your position in legal proceedings. In some countries, such as the US, registration with the Copyright Office can offer additional legal advantages.

How do I type the copyright symbol in HTML? Use the HTML entity or the Unicode code . Both produce the © symbol on your web page.

Shortcut overview