Switching to a Mac from a Windows PC? I’ve been there, and figuring out how to type special characters, accents, or even the @ symbol can feel tricky at first. With different layouts like QWERTY, AZERTY, or QWERTZ, it’s easy to get lost. To help you out, I’ll share how to type accents, emojis, and special characters on Mac, like Æ, €, #, @, ©. So, let’s dive right in.
Quick Reference: Keyboard Shortcuts for Special Characters
Tried and Tested ✅: The methods and steps mentioned in this article have been tried and tested firsthand by Ojash Yadav on his MacBook Pro M3 and rechecked for errors on Hashir’s MacBook Air M2.
Here’s a handy table with key combinations for common special characters:
| Special Character | Mac Keyboard Keys |
| @ | Shift ⇧ + 2 |
| ° | Option ⌥ + Shift ⇧ + 8 |
| $ | Shift ⇧ + 4 |
| € | Option ⌥ + Shift ⇧ + 2 |
| ® | Option ⌥ + R |
| © | Option ⌥ + G |
| # | Shift ⇧ + 3 |
| £ | Option ⌥ + 3 (UK keyboard layout) |
| ¢ | Option ⌥ + 4 |
| ™ | Option ⌥ + 2 |
| Æ | Option ⌥ + Shift ⇧ + ‘ (apostrophe)Alternatively, keep pressing A till a box appears with different special characters. You can choose Æ from that box. |
| √ | Option ⌥ + V |
The keyboard shortcuts may vary depending on your Mac keyboard layout.
How to Type Special Characters on Mac
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Below, I’ve shared how you can type all special characters on your Mac.
1. Typing @ on Mac
- Shortcut:
Shift ⇧ + 2
This works on most Mac keyboards, but keep in mind that the @ and " keys may swap places depending on your regional layout.
2. Typing the Euro (€) Symbol
- Shortcut:
Option ⌥ + Shift ⇧ + 2(UK/US keyboards)
Ensure you’re using a European keyboard layout if the shortcut doesn’t work.
3. Typing the Pound (£) Symbol
- Shortcut:
Option ⌥ + 3(UK layout)
For US keyboards, switch to a UK layout in System Preferences if needed.
4. Typing the Dollar ($) Symbol
- Shortcut:
Shift ⇧ + 4
How to Access More Symbols
If the shortcuts don’t work, or you need more symbols, try these methods:
1. Use the Keyboard Viewer
- Go to
System Settings > Keyboard.
- Select Emojis and Symbols from Change Input Source menu.
- Press 🌐 Globe Key on your MacBook to view emojis and symbols.
2. Use the Character Viewer
- Press
Control ^ + Command ⌘ + Space. - Browse or search for symbols like
€,¢, or©. - Double-click a symbol to insert it into your document.
How to Type Emojis on Mac
Emojis are just as easy to access. Here is how to type emojis on Mac:
- Press Control ^ + Command ⌘ + Space.
- The emoji picker will appear. Browse categories or search for specific emojis.
- Click the emoji to insert it into your text.
How to Type Accents on Mac
For accented characters like é or ñ, simply:
- Press and hold the base letter key (e.g.,
E). - A pop-up will show accent options.
- Select the desired accent using your mouse or number keys.
Common Math Symbols
| Symbol | Shortcut |
|---|---|
+ | Shift ⇧ + = |
- | Hyphen key (-) |
÷ | Option ⌥ + / |
± | Option ⌥ + Shift ⇧ + = |
∞ | Option ⌥ + 5 |
How to Type Unique Symbols on Mac
Here are a few other unique symbols you might need:
1. Apple Logo ()
- Shortcut:
Option ⌥ + Shift ⇧ + K
2. Degree (°) Symbol
- Shortcut:
Option ⌥ + Shift ⇧ + 8
3. Registered (®) and Trademark (™)
- Shortcuts:
Option ⌥ + Rfor ®,Option ⌥ + 2for ™
Typing Curly and Straight Quotes
- Curly Quotes: Enable
Smart QuotesunderEdit > Substitutions. - Straight Quotes: Press
Shift ⇧ + 'orShift ⇧ + 2(varies by layout).
Remember that not all fonts and applications support the Apple logo character, so it may not display correctly in some cases.
Improve Typing Efficiency on Your Mac
With this comprehensive guide, you should now have a solid understanding of various methods to type accents, special characters, and emojis on your Mac. Here are some more tips to enhance efficiency while typing on Mac:
- Practice and memorize frequently used Mac keyboard shortcuts to save time and increase efficiency.
- Customize your Mac keyboard to optimize your input menu and keyboard settings.
- Understand Unicode and its role in special characters on Mac to use different special characters more easily.
