How to Easily Make a Copyright Symbol on Your Computer: A Comprehensive Guide

The copyright symbol, ©, is a crucial element in protecting your intellectual property. Whether you’re a writer, artist, musician, or content creator, knowing how to insert this symbol is essential for asserting your rights. While it might seem like a small detail, using the copyright symbol correctly can make a significant difference in how your work is perceived and protected. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods for creating the copyright symbol on different computer operating systems and applications, ensuring you can use it with ease and confidence.

Why Use the Copyright Symbol?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s briefly touch upon why using the copyright symbol is important. The copyright symbol, along with the year of first publication and the name of the copyright owner (e.g., © 2023 John Doe), acts as a visual declaration that your work is protected by copyright laws. While not strictly required in all jurisdictions (some nations, for example, have automatic copyright from the moment of creation), it serves as a clear and universal warning to others not to infringe on your rights. This symbol also provides a professional look to your content and makes it easier for viewers to understand the legal status of the material.

Methods for Creating the Copyright Symbol

Now, let’s explore the various ways to generate the copyright symbol on your computer. The specific method you use might depend on your operating system, the application you’re working in, and your personal preferences. We’ll cover methods for Windows, macOS, and even mobile devices, ensuring you’re covered no matter what tools you’re using.

Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows)

Windows offers a couple of quick keyboard shortcuts to insert the copyright symbol. These methods are generally the fastest and most efficient once you’ve memorized them:

Alt Code Method

This is perhaps the most commonly used keyboard method on Windows. Here’s how to use it:

1. Make sure you have a numeric keypad: This method requires a numeric keypad (the set of numbers on the right side of your keyboard, not the numbers above the letters). If you are using a laptop that doesn’t have a numeric keypad, you may be able to access one through a function key. Look for a key that may say ‘NumLk’ or something similar. Sometimes some of the keys on the right side of the keyboard will have numbers shown on them. Once you engage ‘NumLk’ those will act as if they are the number pad.
2. Turn on Number Lock: Ensure that the Num Lock key on your keyboard is activated. There’s usually an indicator light on your keyboard that shows if it’s on.
3. Press and Hold the Alt key: Press and hold down the Alt key on your keyboard (usually the Alt key on the left side of the spacebar).
4. Type 0169: While holding the Alt key, type the numbers 0, 1, 6, and 9 on your numeric keypad. Make sure that they are the numeric keypad keys, not the numbers at the top of your keyboard.
5. Release the Alt Key: Once you’ve typed the numbers, release the Alt key. The copyright symbol (©) should appear where your cursor is located.

Important Note: This method only works using the numbers from the numeric keypad, and not the numbers at the top row of your keyboard.

Using the Windows Character Map

If the alt-code method doesn’t work for some reason, or if you prefer to see what you are choosing, then the Windows Character Map can be helpful.

1. Open the Character Map: Click on the Windows start menu, and type in ‘Character Map’. Then click the ‘Character Map’ application that appears.
2. Select the Font: In the ‘Character Map’ window, make sure that the correct font is selected. Many fonts will have the copyright character, so this may not matter, but if you are using a special font it is best to choose that one from the dropdown.
3. Find the Copyright Symbol: Scroll down the list of characters until you see the copyright symbol (©). You can also search or use the ‘Go to Unicode’ feature if you know the character’s unicode value (U+00A9).
4. Select and Copy: Select the copyright symbol by clicking on it. Then, click on the ‘Select’ button. Now the character appears in the box below that says ‘Characters to copy’. Next, click the ‘Copy’ button.
5. Paste: Move to the application where you want to insert the copyright symbol. Now either right-click and choose paste or press ‘Ctrl + V’. The copyright symbol should appear.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcuts (macOS)

macOS offers its own set of shortcuts to generate the copyright symbol. These methods are equally straightforward:

Option + G Method

This is the most common method used on a Mac:

1. Press and Hold the Option Key: Locate the Option key (sometimes labeled Alt) on your keyboard. It’s usually next to the Command key. Press and hold it down.
2. Press G: While holding the Option key, press the G key.
3. Release Keys: Release both keys. The copyright symbol (©) should appear.

Using the Character Viewer

The ‘Character Viewer’ tool on MacOS is similar to the Windows Character Map. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open the Character Viewer: Click on ‘Edit’ in the menu bar at the top of your screen. Choose ‘Emoji & Symbols’ from the dropdown menu. Or you can press ‘Control + Command + Space’.
2. Find the Copyright Symbol: In the Character Viewer, use the search bar to type ‘copyright’. You can also scroll to see all the characters. Click the copyright symbol (©) to add it to your document. You can also double-click it to insert it.
3. Insert the Symbol: The copyright symbol will be inserted into your document where your cursor was placed. You can also drag the symbol to your document.

Method 3: Copy and Paste (Universal Method)

If keyboard shortcuts aren’t working or if you’re on a device without a keyboard, copy and paste is a reliable, albeit less efficient, method. This method works on virtually any device, from computers to tablets and smartphones.

1. Locate a Source: Find the copyright symbol online (e.g., in this article!) or in another document where it already exists. ©
2. Copy the Symbol: Select the copyright symbol (©) and copy it using your device’s copy function (e.g., Ctrl+C on Windows, Command+C on macOS, or right-click and select Copy).
3. Paste the Symbol: Move to the application where you want to insert the symbol. Paste it using your device’s paste function (e.g., Ctrl+V on Windows, Command+V on macOS, or right-click and select Paste).

Tip: Keep a document (such as a note or a text file) handy where you have the copyright symbol, or a list of them, ready to copy and paste when you need them.

Method 4: Using Word Processors

Popular word processing programs like Microsoft Word and Google Docs have features that can automatically convert shortcuts to the copyright symbol or insert the symbol using a built-in menu. These methods can save you time and effort, especially if you’re frequently working with text documents.

Microsoft Word

AutoCorrect Feature

Microsoft Word has a built-in AutoCorrect function that can automatically convert certain characters into the copyright symbol.

1. Type (c): When you type a ‘(‘ character followed by ‘c’ followed by ‘)’ character like this ‘(c)’ then Word will automatically convert it to a copyright symbol (©).
2. If AutoCorrect does not work: If the symbol does not appear automatically, you may need to check the AutoCorrect options. Go to ‘File’ -> ‘Options’ -> ‘Proofing’ -> ‘AutoCorrect Options’. Make sure that the ‘Replace text as you type’ box is checked, and also look at the list of replacements and see if there is one that replaces ‘(c)’ with the copyright symbol. If there is not, you can create it yourself.

Using the Insert Menu

You can insert the symbol using the ‘Symbol’ menu.

1. Click on Insert: Click on the ‘Insert’ tab in the ribbon.
2. Click on Symbol: On the far right of the ribbon, click the ‘Symbol’ dropdown menu, and click on ‘Symbol’ again (this one is at the bottom of the dropdown).
3. Select the Copyright Symbol: In the Symbol dialog box, find the copyright symbol (©) and click ‘Insert’.

Google Docs

AutoCorrect Feature

Like Microsoft Word, Google Docs has an AutoCorrect feature that works in a similar way.

1. Type (c): When you type ‘(c)’, Google Docs should automatically replace it with a copyright symbol (©).
2. Check AutoCorrect if necessary: If this doesn’t work, go to ‘Tools’ -> ‘Preferences’ -> ‘Substitutions’. Make sure that there is an automatic substitution for ‘(c)’ with the copyright symbol.

Using the Insert Menu

You can insert the symbol using the ‘Special Characters’ option.

1. Click on Insert: Click on the ‘Insert’ menu at the top of the screen.
2. Click on Special Characters: From the dropdown, click on ‘Special Characters’.
3. Search for the Symbol: In the dialog box that opens, type ‘copyright’ in the search box. The copyright symbol (©) should appear.
4. Insert the Symbol: Click the copyright symbol (©) to insert it into your document.

Method 5: Using Mobile Devices (Android and iOS)

Creating the copyright symbol on your mobile device can be a bit different, as there aren’t physical keyboards with dedicated keys. However, there are still a few options available:

Copy and Paste

The copy and paste method mentioned earlier works on mobile devices just as well as on computers. You can copy the copyright symbol from a website, another document, or a note, and paste it into your mobile text field.

1. Locate the symbol: Find the copyright symbol online (e.g., in this guide). ©
2. Copy the Symbol: Tap and hold the copyright symbol until your device’s copy function appears. Select ‘Copy’.
3. Paste the Symbol: Move to the text field where you want to insert the symbol. Tap and hold inside the text field. Select ‘Paste’.

Using Character Viewer on iOS

iOS devices have a character viewer similar to macOS. This is called the ‘Symbols’ keyboard.

1. Open the Keyboard: Bring up the keyboard in a text field.
2. Find the Symbols Keyboard: Tap the ‘123’ key at the lower-left corner to switch to the numeric keyboard. Now you should see a ‘#+=’ key at the lower left. Tap on this key. This will take you to the ‘Symbols’ keyboard.
3. Find the Copyright Symbol: Scroll through the symbols to find the copyright symbol (©), or do a search if possible, and tap it to insert it.

Using Gboard on Android (or other keyboard apps)

Gboard, Google’s keyboard app, and many other third-party keyboard apps have access to symbols including the copyright symbol. Here’s how to use it.

1. Open the Keyboard: Bring up the keyboard in a text field.
2. Open the Symbols: Find and click on the symbols key on your keyboard. The location may be different for your particular keyboard app, but commonly is located on the lower left near the spacebar. It will likely have a ‘~1/2’ or ‘!?1’ on it.
3. Find the Copyright Symbol: Scroll through the symbols to find the copyright symbol (©), or use the search functionality if available.
4. Tap to Insert: Tap on the copyright symbol to insert it into your text field.

Best Practices for Using the Copyright Symbol

Now that you know how to generate the copyright symbol, here are some best practices to ensure you’re using it effectively:

• Correct Placement: The copyright symbol is typically placed immediately after the year of first publication or first creation (when it is not published), followed by the name of the copyright owner (e.g., © 2023 Jane Doe). The year and owner are important to include along with the symbol.
• Consistent Use: Be consistent in how you display the copyright notice. Use the same format and placement across all your works. It’s okay to put the symbol at the bottom of your work, or sometimes on a dedicated copyright page.
• Use It On All Relevant Works: If you want to claim copyright on your work, use the symbol on all items that you wish to protect. This may include images, website content, video, audio recordings, written documents and even computer programs.
• When Not to Use It: Do not place copyright symbols on work that you do not own or have rights to. Using a copyright notice when you don’t own the copyright can have legal consequences.
• Consider Trademark and Patents: Keep in mind that copyright only protects expression of an idea and not the idea itself. You may also want to pursue patents or trademarks to protect your intellectual property.
• Understanding Fair Use: Be aware of the concept of ‘fair use’ or ‘fair dealing’ in your jurisdiction, which may allow others to use your work under certain circumstances without infringing copyright (e.g., for education, critique, or news reporting).
• Consult a Lawyer: For complex copyright or legal matters it is wise to consult with a lawyer who is familiar with intellectual property issues.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re having trouble inserting the copyright symbol, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Double-Check Keyboard Shortcuts: Ensure that you’re using the correct combination of keys and that you’re holding down the modifier keys (like Alt or Option) correctly. Also ensure you are using the keys on the numeric keypad if using alt codes on windows.
• Verify Num Lock: If using the Alt code method on Windows, ensure that Num Lock is turned on.
• Check Font Settings: Make sure that the font you’re using supports the copyright symbol. Some very specialized or very old fonts may not have the character in their character sets.
• Try a Different Method: If one method isn’t working, try another. For example, try copy and paste if the alt-code or Option-G isn’t working.
• Restart Application/Device: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor glitches that may be preventing you from inserting the symbol correctly.
• Update Your Software: Make sure that your operating system and applications are up to date. Old versions of software may have problems displaying certain characters.

Conclusion

The copyright symbol, ©, might seem like a small detail, but it’s a crucial element in protecting your creative work. By using the symbol correctly, you’re clearly asserting your rights and informing others of your ownership. With the variety of methods available, you can easily insert the symbol into your documents, websites, and other digital content across various operating systems and devices. From keyboard shortcuts to copy-pasting and using character viewers, this comprehensive guide has armed you with the knowledge and tools to use the copyright symbol with confidence. Remember to use these best practices and troubleshooting tips to further improve the protection of your valuable creations. Happy creating!