How to Type the Copyright Symbol

With the right keystroke, you can type a professional-looking copyright symbol.

In order to properly reference or cite a certain document, you might need to include a copyright notice on your own word-processed document. Unlike the ampersand, dollar sign and many other symbols, the copyright symbol doesn't appear directly on your keyboard. However, you can type a copyright symbol using a special command. The correct keystroke combination inserts a professional-looking copyright notice into most word processors, presentations, email messages or spreadsheets.

Things You'll Need

• Keyboard with numeric keypad

Instructions

1. Click on the place in your document or email where you want the symbol to appear. A flashing vertical line indicates the currently selected location in the text field.

2. Press the “Num Lock” key on the keyboard. If the “Num Lock” light is already illuminated, skip this step. To type a special character, you need to use a keyboard containing a numeric keypad.

3. Press and hold the “Alt” key on the keyboard.

4. Type “0169” on your computer's numeric keypad. This is the “Alt Code” for the copyright symbol. When you finish typing the code, the symbol appears on the screen.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are using a laptop computer, you may have a Num Lock key that converts part of your keyboard into a numeric keypad. Inspect your laptop keyboard or consult your users manual to see if this is the case.

• In some word processing programs, the “auto-complete” or “auto-correct” function automatically converts “(C)” into the copyright symbol. This is more convenient for some users than using the “Alt Code.” To find out if your word processor has an auto-complete option, press the “F1” key for a searchable help menu.

• The row of numbers that appears over the top row of letters on your keyboard cannot be used to type the copyright code.

References

• Pennsylvania State University: Windows - Alt Key Numeric Codes
• “Word Pocket Guide”; Walter Glenn; 2004

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in Spanish