How to Put the TM Symbol: A Quick Guide

Learn how to put the TM symbol (™) on your computer or phone. Quick and easy methods for various operating systems and devices.

What’s the quickest way to type the TM symbol on a Windows PC?

The absolute quickest way to type the Trademark symbol (™) on a Windows PC is to use the Alt code shortcut: hold down the Alt key and type 0153 on the numeric keypad. Then release the Alt key, and the ™ symbol will appear.

This method relies on the numeric keypad (NumPad) being enabled. If the NumLock key is off, the Alt code won’t work. Most standard keyboards have a NumPad to the right; however, some smaller or laptop keyboards may require you to activate the NumPad functionality via a function (Fn) key combination. Look for small numbers printed on some of the keys; these represent the NumPad when activated. Before trying Alt + 0153, ensure your NumLock is on.

While Alt + 0153 is usually the fastest method, other options exist. You can use the Character Map application built into Windows. Search for “Character Map” in the Windows search bar, open the application, locate the ™ symbol, and copy and paste it into your document. Alternatively, many programs like Microsoft Word have autocorrect features that automatically convert certain character combinations (like (TM) or (tm)) into the trademark symbol. Explore the autocorrect settings in your favorite applications for these time-saving options.

How do I insert the TM symbol on a Mac?

The easiest way to insert the Trademark (™) symbol on a Mac is by using the keyboard shortcut Option + 2. Simply hold down the Option key and press the number 2 key.

Beyond the keyboard shortcut, you have a few alternative methods. You can access the Character Viewer (also known as the Emoji & Symbols viewer) by pressing Control + Command + Spacebar. In the Character Viewer, you can search for “trademark” or “trade mark” and then double-click the symbol to insert it into your document. The Character Viewer provides access to a wide range of symbols and characters beyond the standard keyboard layout.

Another approach involves using Text Replacement. You can set up your Mac to automatically replace a specific sequence of characters, such as (tm), with the ™ symbol. To do this, go to System Preferences (or System Settings in newer macOS versions), then Keyboard, and then Text. Click the “+” button to add a new replacement. In the “Replace” field, enter the trigger sequence (e.g., (tm)). In the “With” field, enter the ™ symbol (you can copy and paste it from the Character Viewer). Now, whenever you type (tm) in any application, macOS will automatically convert it to the Trademark symbol. This is particularly useful if you need to insert the symbol frequently.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for the trademark symbol (™) on my phone?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a universal, dedicated keyboard shortcut for the trademark symbol (™) directly on most phone keyboards. However, there are several workarounds to easily insert it.

The most common method involves accessing the symbol through the special characters menu on your phone’s keyboard. Usually, this requires pressing and holding a key like the number “1” or the ampersand (&), or tapping a dedicated “symbols” button (often represented by “?123” or “Sym”). This will bring up a secondary keyboard layout populated with various symbols, including the trademark symbol. Its exact location may vary depending on your phone’s operating system (Android or iOS) and the specific keyboard app you’re using (e.g., Gboard, SwiftKey, Samsung Keyboard). Once you locate the trademark symbol, simply tap it to insert it into your text field.

Another effective approach is to create a custom text replacement shortcut. Most smartphones allow you to define specific words or phrases that will automatically be replaced with a longer text string. For example, you could set “tm” or “trademark” to automatically convert to “™” as you type. To set this up, navigate to your phone’s settings, typically under “Keyboard” or “Text Replacement,” and add the shortcut. This is a convenient method for frequently using the trademark symbol.

How do I add the TM symbol in Microsoft Word?

The easiest way to insert the Trademark (™) symbol in Microsoft Word is to type “TM” (without quotes) immediately after the brand name or word you want to mark, then press Alt+Ctrl+T. Word will automatically convert “TM” into the ™ symbol. Alternatively, you can use the Insert Symbol function.

Typing Alt+Ctrl+T is the quickest shortcut for inserting the trademark symbol. However, if you prefer a visual method, navigate to the “Insert” tab on the Word ribbon. Then, click “Symbol” in the “Symbols” group, usually found on the far right. Select “More Symbols…” from the dropdown menu. In the Symbol dialog box, choose “(normal text)” as the Font and “Superscripts and Subscripts” as the Subset. You will find the ™ symbol there. Select it and click “Insert,” then “Close.” If you use the Trademark symbol frequently, consider assigning it an AutoCorrect entry. Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the “Replace” box, type a unique shortcut like “(tm)”. In the “With” box, insert the ™ symbol (using one of the methods above). Click “Add” and then “OK.” Now, whenever you type “(tm)” and press space, Word will automatically replace it with the ™ symbol. This can be a significant time-saver.

What’s the HTML code for the TM symbol?

The HTML code for the Trademark symbol (™) is either or . Both of these will render the trademark symbol in a web browser.

While both and achieve the same result, is a named character entity, making it generally more readable and easier to remember. is a numeric character reference, which uses the Unicode value of the trademark symbol. In most cases, using is preferred for its clarity. It’s important to remember that the Trademark symbol (™) signifies an unregistered trademark, while the Registered Trademark symbol (®) signifies that the trademark has been officially registered with the relevant governing body. The HTML code for the Registered Trademark symbol is ® or ®. Make sure to use the correct symbol to accurately represent the trademark status.

How do you insert the TM symbol in Google Docs?

You can insert the Trademark (™) symbol in Google Docs using a few simple methods. The quickest way is often to type (tm) and Google Docs will automatically convert it to ™. Alternatively, you can use the “Insert” menu, or copy and paste the symbol from another source.

While the automatic conversion of (tm) to ™ is convenient, sometimes you might want more control over how the symbol is inserted. The “Insert” menu provides an alternative route. Navigate to “Insert” in the top menu, then select “Special characters.” A dialogue box will appear. In the search bar, type “trademark” or simply look for the “™” symbol in the character grid. Clicking the symbol will insert it into your document at the cursor’s current location. This method allows you to insert other special characters as well, which can be helpful for more complex documents. Finally, remember that you can always copy and paste the Trademark symbol (™) from any website or document where it appears. This can be useful if you are already working with a document that contains the symbol, or if you prefer to use a specific variation of the symbol from an external source. Choose the method that best suits your workflow and the context of your document.

Can I copy and paste the TM symbol from somewhere?

Yes, you can absolutely copy and paste the TM (™) symbol from various sources online or within your operating system’s character map. This is the quickest and easiest way to insert the symbol into your documents, websites, or other digital content.

Copying and pasting the TM symbol is perfectly acceptable for informal uses or when quick insertion is needed. You can find it readily available on websites that list special characters, in articles explaining trademark usage, or even from this very response. Just select the symbol (™), copy it (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C), and then paste it (Ctrl+V or Cmd+V) where you need it. Similarly, both Windows and macOS operating systems have built-in character maps or emoji viewers which contain the TM symbol. However, it’s worth noting that while copying and pasting is convenient, some professional typesetting or web development contexts may benefit from using specific HTML entities or character codes. These methods ensure that the symbol renders correctly across different platforms and browsers, avoiding potential display issues. For example, using the HTML entity is a reliable way to display the trademark symbol on a webpage. Ultimately, the best method depends on the specific application and your need for consistent rendering across different systems.

And there you have it! Putting the TM symbol wherever you need it is a breeze once you know the tricks. Thanks so much for reading, and we hope this helped! Come on back any time you need a quick and easy tech tip – we’re always happy to share.