How to type © on Windows
The fastest method on a full-size keyboard is the Alt code Alt+0169.
- Make sure Num Lock is on.
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type 0169 on the numeric keypad (the number row will not work).
- Release Alt. The copyright symbol © appears.
No numeric keypad?
Press Win+. to open the emoji panel, choose the Symbols tab (Ω) and search for "copyright". Or open Character Map from the Start menu, find ©, click Select, then Copy.
How to type © on a Mac
Press Option+G on the US keyboard layout. Hold the modifier keys and tap the final key once.
For any symbol, the Character Viewer works: press Control+⌘+Space, type "copyright" in the search box and double-click the result. It will be remembered under Frequently Used.
How to type © on iPhone and iPad
The iOS keyboard does not include ©, so the reliable way is to copy it from this page, then press and hold in any text field and tap Paste.
If you use it often, create a shortcut: open Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement, paste © in the Phrase field and type a short code such as ;copyright in the Shortcut field. Typing that code will then insert © anywhere.
How to type © on Android
Copy the symbol from this page, then long-press in a text field and choose Paste. Gboard also keeps a clipboard history: tap the clipboard icon on the toolbar to paste it again later.
For a permanent shortcut, open Gboard settings → Dictionary → Personal dictionary, add © as the word and a short code as the shortcut.
How to type © in Microsoft Word
- Type the Unicode hex code 00A9 where you want the symbol.
- Press Alt+X. Word converts the code into ©.
This works on Windows in Word, Outlook and OneNote and needs no numeric keypad. You can also go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols, set the font to a Unicode font and type 00A9 in the Character code box. In Excel, the formula =UNICHAR(169) returns the symbol.
How to type © in Google Docs
Open Insert → Special characters, then either search for "copyright" or draw the symbol in the sketch box. Click the result to insert it. In Google Sheets, use =CHAR(169).
© in HTML, CSS and code
| Format | Code |
|---|---|
| HTML entity | © |
| HTML decimal | © |
| HTML hex | © |
CSS content | "\00A9" |
| JavaScript | "\u00A9" |
| Python | "\u00A9" |
| LaTeX | \copyright |
| URL encoded | %C2%A9 |
Because © is a standard Unicode character (U+00A9), you can also paste it directly into any UTF-8 file. The escaped forms above are only needed when the file encoding is uncertain or the symbol must be entered on a keyboard without it.
Where the copyright symbol is used
Writers, publishers, and businesses use it in copyright notices like "© 2026 Acme" on books, websites, and software footers. It also appears in legal disclaimers and licensing text. Some confuse it with the registered trademark symbol ®, which covers trademarks, not creative works.
Frequently asked questions
Does using the copyright symbol make my work legally protected? +
No. In most countries, copyright exists automatically once a work is created; the symbol just signals that the creator claims that protection.
Do I need to register my work to use the copyright symbol? +
No. You can use © without formal registration, though registering with a copyright office can strengthen your legal position in a dispute.
What is the Alt code for the copyright symbol? +
The Alt code for © is Alt+0169. Hold Alt, type 0169 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
How do I type © on a Mac? +
Press Option+G on a Mac with the US keyboard layout. You can also open the Character Viewer with Control + Command + Space and search for "copyright".
How do I type the copyright symbol on iPhone or Android? +
Phone keyboards do not include © by default. Copy it from this page and paste it, or add it as a text replacement shortcut in Settings so you can type it with a short abbreviation.
What is the HTML code for ©? +
Use © in HTML. The numeric form © works too. In CSS use content: "\00A9" and in JavaScript use "\u00A9".