The registered trademark symbol (®) is a widely recognized symbol used to indicate that a trademark has been officially registered with the appropriate government authority. Whether you are creating business documents, drafting marketing materials, designing a website, or preparing legal content, knowing how to type the ® symbol can save time and help maintain professional formatting.

Many users assume that inserting the registered trademark symbol requires special software or complicated character maps. In reality, most operating systems, applications, and devices provide several simple ways to type it directly from the keyboard. The exact method depends on whether you are using Windows, Mac, a web browser, or a mobile device.

In this guide, you will learn multiple methods to type the registered trademark symbol (®) on your keyboard.

Understand What the Registered Trademark Symbol Means

Before learning the keyboard shortcuts, it helps to understand the purpose of the registered trademark symbol.

A trademark protects a brand name, slogan, logo, or other identifying mark. When a trademark is officially registered with a government trademark office, businesses may use the ® symbol next to the trademarked item.

For example, a company might write its product name followed by ® to indicate legal registration.

Knowing the difference between ®, ™, and © is also important. The ® symbol represents a registered trademark, the ™ symbol represents an unregistered trademark claim, and the © symbol indicates copyright protection.

Understanding these distinctions helps ensure you use the correct symbol in professional and legal documents.

Type the Registered Trademark Symbol (®) on the Keyboard

To type the registered trademark symbol (®) on a keyboard, press Alt + 0174 on a Windows computer using the numeric keypad. On a Mac, press Option + R. You can also copy and paste the symbol ®, use the Character Map in Windows, or insert it through your application’s special characters menu.

The following instructions will help beginners learn the easiest and most reliable ways to type the ® symbol.

1: Type the Registered Trademark Symbol Using the Windows Alt Code

One of the most common methods for Windows users is the Alt code shortcut.

• First, make sure your keyboard includes a numeric keypad. The traditional Alt code method works best on full-size keyboards that have a dedicated number pad on the right side.
• Place the cursor where you want the symbol to appear.
• Press and hold the Alt key.
• While holding the Alt key, type 0174 on the numeric keypad.
• Release the Alt key.
• The ® symbol should immediately appear.

This method works in many Windows applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Notepad, and numerous web browsers.

If the shortcut does not work, verify that Num Lock is enabled and that you are using the numeric keypad rather than the number keys located above the letters.

For many Windows users, this remains the fastest method for inserting the registered trademark symbol.

2: Use the Windows Emoji and Symbols Panel

Newer versions of Windows provide a convenient symbol panel that makes special characters easy to insert.

• Click where you want the symbol to appear.
• Press Windows Key + Period (.) simultaneously.
• The emoji panel will open.
• Navigate to the symbols section.
• Look for the registered trademark symbol (®) among the available symbols.
• Click the symbol to insert it.

This method is especially useful for laptop users who do not have a dedicated numeric keypad.

Because the panel includes a large collection of symbols, it can also help you find other frequently used characters such as ©, ™, currency symbols, mathematical symbols, and punctuation marks.

Many beginners find this option easier than memorizing Alt codes.

3: Insert the Registered Trademark Symbol with Character Map

Windows includes a built-in utility called Character Map that provides access to thousands of special characters.

• Open the Windows Search box.
• Type Character Map.
• Open the Character Map application.
• Locate the registered trademark symbol (®).
• Click the symbol to select it.
• Choose Copy.
• Return to your document and paste the symbol where needed.

Character Map is particularly useful when you need symbols that do not have easy keyboard shortcuts.

It also allows you to browse characters from different fonts, making it a valuable tool for designers, content creators, and office users.

Although it takes slightly longer than an Alt code, it works reliably across almost all Windows systems.

4: Type the Registered Trademark Symbol on a Mac

Mac users enjoy a much simpler keyboard shortcut.

• Place the cursor where the symbol should appear.
• Press Option + R.
• The ® symbol will instantly appear.

This shortcut is built directly into macOS and works across many applications, including Pages, Microsoft Word, Notes, Safari, and email programs.

Because the shortcut is easy to remember, many Mac users consider it one of the most convenient ways to insert special symbols.

If you frequently work with trademarks or legal documents, memorizing Option + R can save significant time.

5: Insert the Registered Trademark Symbol in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word offers several methods for inserting the registered trademark symbol.

• Place the cursor where you want the symbol.
• Select the Insert tab.
• Choose Symbol.
• Click More Symbols if necessary.
• Locate and select the ® symbol.
• Click Insert.

Word may also automatically format certain symbol shortcuts as you type, depending on your AutoCorrect settings.

This method is ideal for users who prefer graphical menus rather than keyboard shortcuts.

It is also useful when working with uncommon symbols that are difficult to remember.

6: Type the Registered Trademark Symbol on Smartphones and Tablets

Mobile devices provide quick access to the registered trademark symbol through the virtual keyboard.

On most iPhones and Android devices, open the keyboard and switch to the symbols or numbers section.

Look for additional symbols by selecting the secondary symbols page if necessary.

Locate the ® symbol and tap it.

The symbol will be inserted into your text message, email, social media post, or document.

The exact location may vary depending on your device manufacturer and keyboard app.

Popular keyboard applications such as Gboard and Apple Keyboard generally include the symbol in their special characters section.

This approach requires no memorization and works well for occasional use.

7: Copy and Paste the Registered Trademark Symbol

Sometimes the quickest solution is simply copying and pasting the symbol.

Copy this symbol:

®

Paste it wherever needed.

This method works on virtually every device, operating system, and application.

While it may not be the most efficient option for frequent use, it is perfect when you only need the symbol occasionally.

Many professionals keep a small note containing commonly used symbols for quick reference.

Issues When Typing the Registered Trademark Symbol

Some users encounter difficulties when attempting to insert the ® symbol.

A common issue occurs when the Alt code produces a different character or no character at all. This often happens because the numeric keypad is not being used correctly or because Num Lock is disabled.

Laptop users without a dedicated numeric keypad may need to use the Windows symbols panel or Character Map instead.

In some applications, keyboard shortcuts may behave differently due to software-specific settings. If one method fails, try an alternative approach, such as copy and paste or the application’s symbol insertion feature.

Keeping multiple methods available ensures that you can always insert the symbol regardless of the software you are using.

FAQs

What is the keyboard shortcut for the registered trademark symbol on Windows?

The most common Windows shortcut is Alt + 0174 using the numeric keypad.

How do I type the registered trademark symbol on a Mac?

Press Option + R to instantly insert the ® symbol.

Can I type the registered trademark symbol without a numeric keypad?

Yes. You can use the Windows Key + Period (.) symbols panel, Character Map, or simply copy and paste the symbol.

Is the registered trademark symbol different from the trademark symbol?

Yes. The ® symbol indicates a registered trademark, while the ™ symbol is generally used for trademarks that are not officially registered.

Why is my Alt code not working?

The most common reasons are that Num Lock is disabled, the numeric keypad is not being used, or the keyboard does not support traditional Alt code input.

Can I use the registered trademark symbol in social media posts?

Yes. Most social media platforms support the ® symbol, allowing it to appear correctly in posts, profiles, and advertisements.

Does every keyboard have a dedicated key for the registered trademark symbol?

No. Most keyboards do not include a dedicated ® key, which is why keyboard shortcuts and symbol insertion tools are commonly used.