Type Trademark Symbol (™) on Keyboard

The Trademark symbol (™) is one of the most commonly used special characters in business, branding, marketing, and legal documents. It tells others that a word, phrase, logo, or product name is being claimed as a trademark, even if it has not yet been officially registered. Whether you’re writing a business proposal, creating a website, designing a logo, or simply mentioning your brand name in a document, knowing how to type the ™ symbol can make your content look more professional.

Fortunately, adding the Trademark symbol is much easier than many people think. Windows, Mac, smartphones, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and even web browsers provide several simple ways to insert it. Some methods use keyboard shortcuts, while others rely on built-in character menus or copy and paste.

This guide walks you through every practical method for typing the ™ symbol. 

Type a Trademark Symbol ™ on the Keyboard

There are multiple ways to type the Trademark symbol (™) depending on the device and application you’re using. Some methods work everywhere, while others are specific to Windows, macOS, Microsoft Word, or mobile devices. Learning more than one method ensures you’ll always know how to insert the symbol whenever you need it.

1: Type the Trademark Symbol Using the Windows Alt Code

The Alt Code method is one of the fastest ways to type the ™ symbol on a Windows PC. This method works in most desktop applications, including Microsoft Word, Notepad, Outlook, and many other Windows programs.

First, make sure your keyboard includes a numeric keypad on the right side. The number keys along the top of the keyboard usually do not work for Alt codes.

Turn on Num Lock if it isn’t already enabled.

Click where you want the Trademark symbol to appear.

Now press and hold the Alt key. While holding it, type 0153 on the numeric keypad. After entering the numbers, release the Alt key.

The ™ symbol should immediately appear.

If nothing happens, verify that Num Lock is enabled and that you’re using the numeric keypad rather than the top number row.

This is one of the most reliable methods for Windows desktop users.

2: Use the Keyboard Shortcut in Microsoft Word

If you’re working inside Microsoft Word, there’s an even easier shortcut.

Place your cursor where you’d like the Trademark symbol.

Hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys together, then press T.

Another popular method in newer versions of Word is to type (tm) and then press the Spacebar. Word’s AutoCorrect feature often converts it into the ™ symbol automatically.

If AutoCorrect doesn’t replace the text, make sure AutoCorrect is enabled in Word’s settings.

This approach saves time when you’re editing reports, resumes, brochures, or business documents.

3: Insert the Trademark Symbol Using the Character Map in Windows

If keyboard shortcuts aren’t working, Windows includes a built-in tool called Character Map.

Open the Start Menu and search for Character Map.

Launch the application.

Choose a font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.

Scroll through the available characters until you find the ™ symbol.

Click the symbol once to select it.

Choose Select, then click Copy.

Return to your document and press Ctrl + V to paste the symbol.

This method works especially well if you don’t remember keyboard shortcuts or you’re using a compact keyboard without a numeric keypad.

4: Type the Trademark Symbol on a Mac

Mac users have a dedicated keyboard shortcut for the Trademark symbol.

Click where you want the symbol to appear.

Press Option + 2.

The ™ symbol appears instantly.

If you frequently work on both Windows and Mac computers, remembering this shortcut can save time since it works consistently across most macOS applications, including Pages, Notes, Mail, Safari, and Microsoft Office for Mac.

5: Insert the Trademark Symbol in Google Docs

If you’re working online with Google Docs, there are several ways to insert the ™ symbol.

The easiest method is selecting Insert, then Special Characters.

Search for Trademark in the search box.

Click the ™ symbol, and Google Docs inserts it automatically.

Another option is simply copying the symbol from another document and pasting it where needed.

Google Docs also recognizes certain automatic substitutions depending on your settings, making the process even easier.

6: Type the Trademark Symbol on Android and iPhone

Typing the ™ symbol on a smartphone is surprisingly simple.

Open any app where you can type, such as Messages, Notes, Gmail, or your browser.

Tap the keyboard’s 123 or ?123 button to switch to the symbols keyboard.

On many keyboards, the ™ symbol appears directly on the symbols page. On others, you may need to tap an additional symbols key.

Simply tap ™ to insert it.

If your keyboard doesn’t display the symbol, you can copy ™ once and paste it whenever needed.

Many third-party keyboards, including Gboard and SwiftKey, also include the symbol.

7: Copy and Paste the Trademark Symbol

Perhaps the simplest method is to copy the symbol once and reuse it.

Here is the symbol:

™

Highlight the symbol.

Press Ctrl + C to copy it.

Place your cursor where you want it.

Press Ctrl + V to paste it.

This technique works almost everywhere, including emails, websites, spreadsheets, presentations, chat applications, and social media platforms.

It’s especially helpful if keyboard shortcuts aren’t available on your device.

8: Use Emoji and Symbol Panels

Modern operating systems include quick symbol panels.

On Windows 11 and Windows 10, press Windows + . (period).

Open the Symbols section.

Locate the ™ symbol and click it.

On macOS, press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer.

Search for Trademark and insert it with a single click.

These built-in panels are convenient because they provide access to hundreds of symbols without memorizing shortcuts.

9: Use HTML and Unicode Codes

If you’re creating a website or editing HTML code, you can insert the Trademark symbol using character codes.

The HTML entity is ™.

You can also use the numeric code ™.

Developers often use these codes to ensure the symbol displays correctly across different browsers and devices.

Similarly, the Unicode value for the Trademark symbol is U+2122, which is recognized across modern operating systems and programming languages.

FAQs

What does the Trademark symbol mean?

The Trademark symbol (™) indicates that a word, logo, phrase, or brand is being claimed as a trademark. It can be used even if the trademark has not been officially registered.

What is the Windows keyboard shortcut for the Trademark symbol?

The most common shortcut is holding Alt and typing 0153 on the numeric keypad.

How do I type the Trademark symbol on a Mac?

Press Option + 2 to insert the ™ symbol instantly.

Can I use the Trademark symbol in Microsoft Word?

Yes. Microsoft Word supports keyboard shortcuts, AutoCorrect, and the Symbol menu for inserting the ™ symbol.

Why isn’t the Alt code working?

Most often, Num Lock is disabled, or you’re using the number keys above the letters instead of the numeric keypad.

Can I copy and paste the Trademark symbol?

Yes. Simply copy ™ and paste it anywhere you need it.

Is the Trademark symbol different from the Registered Trademark symbol?

Yes. The ™ symbol indicates an unregistered trademark claim, while the ® symbol is reserved for trademarks that have been officially registered with the appropriate government authority.

Summary

Typing the Trademark symbol (™) is easy once you know the available methods. Whether you prefer using a Windows Alt code, a Mac keyboard shortcut, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Character Map, emoji panels, or simply copying and pasting, there’s a method that works for every device and situation. Learning several of these techniques ensures you can quickly insert the ™ symbol into documents, emails, presentations, websites, and branding materials without interrupting your workflow. 

With a little practice, adding the Trademark symbol becomes second nature and helps give your content a polished and professional appearance.