Copy a single copyright character
The copyright symbol © is one Unicode character, U+00A9. It is not the same text as a lowercase c enclosed in parentheses. Some applications replace a typed parenthetical abbreviation automatically, but copying © gives you the intended character without relying on that application's replacement settings.
You can place it alongside a year and a name in your document. The symbol itself contains neither the year nor a name, and it will not update other text automatically. This guide covers entering the character; it does not determine what wording belongs in a copyright notice.
Use your app's typing method
The reference below lists methods with their sources and limitations. A compatible Windows app can accept Alt + 0169 through a numeric keypad. Preserve the initial zero. If you use a laptop without a numeric keypad, direct copying is a convenient alternative.
In Word for Windows, 00A9 then Alt + X converts selected Unicode digits. In Excel, =UNICHAR(169) returns © in a cell. If you are combining it with other text, remember that this formula returns only the symbol. For Mac and Google Docs, a symbol picker provides another way to select the character by name or code.
Keep the symbol distinct
The registered trademark sign ®, the trademark sign ™, and the sound recording copyright sign ℗ are different characters. They may appear in similar design contexts, but changing the font does not turn one into another. Check the name in the symbol reference before copying.
For HTML text, the named reference © represents ©. Use that reference in HTML source, or paste the actual character into a UTF-8 document. Pasting the characters © into an ordinary text field may display the reference literally rather than render the symbol.
Why did my font change the appearance?
The copied value preserves the Unicode character, not a picture of the original glyph. The destination font controls the circle, weight and spacing. If the symbol appears too large or heavy, adjust its font or formatting in the destination app rather than replacing it with a different character.
Quick reference
| Character | © |
|---|---|
| Unicode | U+00A9 |
| Decimal | 169 |
| HTML entity | © |
| HTML decimal | © |
| HTML hex | © |
| UTF-8 bytes | C2 A9 |
Typing methods by platform
These instructions are checked against the linked documentation. They are not a claim of testing on every device or app version.
Windows
Alt + 0169
In a compatible Windows app, hold Alt, type 0169 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
Enable Num Lock and include the leading zero. Microsoft documents this sequence in Word; behavior in other apps and code pages may differ.
Read the source ↗Mac
Character Viewer
Choose Edit → Emoji & Symbols, search for “copyright sign” or its code 00A9, then select the character to insert it.
Expand Character Viewer if needed. Available characters depend on font support.
Read the source ↗Word
Unicode conversion in Word for Windows
Type 00A9, select those hexadecimal digits, then press Alt + X to insert ©.
Applies to Word for Windows. Use a font that contains the character. This is Unicode conversion, not a Windows Alt code.
Read the source ↗Excel
=UNICHAR(169)
Enter =UNICHAR(169) in a cell to return ©.
Excel 2013 or later. The English function name is shown; localized Excel may use another name. Paste values if you need text without a formula.
Read the source ↗Google Docs
Insert → Special characters
On a computer, choose Insert → Special characters and search for U+00A9 or copyright sign. Select the matching symbol.
Google Docs and Slides on desktop. If the picker does not offer the symbol, copy it here and paste it into your document.
Read the source ↗Linux
Ctrl + Shift + U, 00A9, Enter
In a compatible GNOME/GTK text field, press Ctrl + Shift + U, release the keys, type 00A9, then press Enter.
Applies to GNOME/GTK Unicode entry, not every Linux application. Use copy and paste when the app intercepts this shortcut.
Read the source ↗