How to enter emojis, GIFs and Symbols with Alt Codes on Windows 11
You can add emojis, GIFs, and symbols to your Windows 11 text using Alt Codes. Hold down the Alt key and type a special number code on your keyboard’s number pad.
Alt Codes are a handy built-in Windows feature that lets you insert special characters right into your documents, emails, or any text field, so you don’t have to copy and paste. For example, to type the copyright symbol (©), you would hold down Alt and type 0169 on the number pad. This method is especially useful for characters not found on a standard keyboard layout and works across most Windows applications, including Microsoft Word, Notepad, and even web browsers.
Hold Alt and type the numeric code on your number pad to insert symbols. For emojis and GIFs, press Windows key + Period (.) to open the emoji panel, then select your desired character.
Using Alt Codes for Symbols
Windows 11 alt codes are special number combinations you can type using your keyboard’s number pad to quickly add symbols, like © or —, directly into your text without needing to search online.
Get Ready
To use Windows 11 alt codes, first press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard, then type the specific number code using the number pad on the right side of your keyboard.
The Magic Numbers
Windows 11 alt codes are special number combinations you can type to quickly add symbols and characters to your text. To use them, hold down the Alt key, type the specific number code for the symbol you want, and then release the Alt key. For example, Alt+0169 gives you the copyright symbol ©.
Tip: It’s helpful to have a list of common Alt codes. Here are a few popular ones:
Alt + 0169for the copyright symbol (©)Alt + 0174for the registered symbol (®)Alt + 0153for the trademark symbol (™)Alt + 0151for the em-dash (—)Alt + 0149for a bullet point (•)Alt + 0167for the section symbol (§)Alt + 0161for an upside-down exclamation mark (¡)Alt + 0191for an upside-down question mark (¿)
See the Symbol Appear
Important note: This method requires a number pad that’s turned on. If your keyboard lacks one, or it’s switched off, these codes won’t function. You’ll need to use the Windows emoji panel instead.
The Easy Way: The Emoji Panel
Windows 11 has a great built-in emoji panel, which is also how you can find symbols. It’s accessible and you won’t have to memorize any codes.
Open the Panel
When you’re typing in any text box (like in an email, document, or chat), press the Windows key and the period key (.) at the same time.
Find Your Symbol
The emoji panel will open. At the top, you’ll see tabs for Emojis, GIFs, and Symbols. Click on the Symbols tab.
Look and Choose
The Windows 11 emoji panel lets you easily find and insert symbols, emojis, and even GIFs by browsing categories like Punctuation or Currency, or by typing a keyword into the search box.
Tip: You can also add emojis and animated GIFs from this panel!
Add It to Your Text
Adding emojis, GIFs, and symbols using the Windows 11 emoji panel is simple: just click the item you want, and it appears right in your text where your cursor is. These shortcuts work in most apps, making it easy to add flair to your messages and documents.
Note: These shortcuts usually work in most programs. However, some special software might use different shortcuts. If you’re not sure, check the program’s help section.
Reference:
Summary
Windows 11 alt codes and the emoji panel are handy tools for adding special characters, symbols, emojis, and GIFs without the hassle of searching and copying. They let you quickly insert these items directly into your text, making your writing more engaging and personal.
What happens when you’re finished? When you use Alt codes right, the symbol pops up instantly where your cursor is. With the emoji panel, you select what you want, and it appears in your text.
What is Alt 0172?
Alt 0172 is the Alt Code for the ‘not’ symbol (¬). To use it, press and hold the Alt key, then type 0172 on your keyboard’s number pad. This lets you add the logical negation symbol right into your text in most Windows applications.
How do you type '@' on a keyboard?
To type the ‘@’ symbol on a standard US keyboard, press and hold the Shift key and then press the ‘2’ key located above the letter keys. This is the most common method and does not require using Alt Codes.
What does Alt 255 do?
Alt 255 produces a non-breaking space character. This is a blank space that prevents automatic line breaks between words. To use it, hold down the Alt key and type 255 on the number pad. It’s useful for maintaining specific text formatting.
What are some common alt codes?
Common Alt Codes include © (Alt + 0169) for copyright, ® (Alt + 0174) for registered trademark, ™ (Alt + 0153) for trademark, and • (Alt + 0149) for a bullet point. These codes are useful for inserting frequently used symbols quickly.
Was this guide helpful?
About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
No comments yet — be the first to share your thoughts!