The copyright shortcut key in Windows is Alt + 0169: hold Alt, enter the digits 0169 using the keypad at the right, and the © sign shows up once Alt is released. It works in Word, Excel, browsers and most programs.
Word offers two easier ways: Ctrl + Alt + C, or simply typing (c), which AutoCorrect changes to © as you type. On a Mac, press Option + G.
Quick facts
Copyright ©
Alt + 0169Word ©
Ctrl + Alt + CRegistered ®
Alt + 0174Trademark ™
Alt + 0153Symbol panel
Win + .Mac ©
Option + G
Copyright symbol shortcut key on a laptop
Alt codes only work from a numeric keypad while Num Lock is lit. On laptops without one, press Win + . to open the emoji panel, choose the symbols tab and pick © from the general punctuation set. In Word, Ctrl + Alt + C or the (c) AutoCorrect works on every keyboard. The rupee symbol shortcut page explains the same number pad issue for another sign.
Stop Word changing (c) into ©
If you actually want (c), such as in a numbered list item, press Ctrl + Z right after the change and Word puts the brackets back. To turn it off completely, open File, Options, Proofing, AutoCorrect Options, and delete the (c) entry from the replacement list. The same list holds (r) and (tm), and you can add your own entries for symbols you use often.
Writing a copyright line
A typical notice reads: © followed by the owner's name and the year of first publication, for example on a website footer or the inside cover of a book. On websites, the HTML code © displays © in any browser. In Excel, the CHAR(169) formula returns the sign, which is useful in report footers built from cells. Ownership exists from creation in most countries, so the line is a reminder rather than a requirement, but it tells readers who to contact for permission. Businesses often add All rights reserved after the name, and photographers place a small © line in a corner of the image itself. If a design is shared under a licence that allows reuse, the licence name usually follows the copyright line so readers know what they may do.
When the symbol does not appear
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Alt + 0169 types nothing | Switch on Num Lock and use the keypad digits |
| A box appears instead of © | The font lacks the sign; choose a common font |
| Ctrl + Alt + C does nothing | Only Word uses it; use the Alt code elsewhere |
| Wrong sign on Mac | Check you pressed Option + G, not Option + C |
Frequently asked questions
What is the copyright shortcut key?
How do I type © in Word?
How do I type the registered sign?
How do I type the trademark sign?
Which Mac key gives the copyright sign?
How do I stop Word changing (c) to ©?
Press Ctrl + Z right after, or remove the entry in AutoCorrect Options.