Computer keyboards come with different types of layouts and special modifier keys. These modifier keys are used along with another key to achieve certain function like Alt + F4 in Windows or Command + Space in Mac. Though some keyboards show the symbol on top of modifier keys, many built-in keyboards do not show them. For example, you will not see the symbols for Alt, Control or Shift keys in built-in Windows and Mac keyboards which come as part of the laptop. However, you can clearly see these modifier key symbols in external keyboards like Apple Magic Keyboard. In this article, we will show you how to type modifier key symbols using alt code shortcuts and other methods.
Why You Should Know Modifier Key Symbols?
Most apps show symbols in the menu items instead of full description. For example, below is how you will see the “Edit” menu items in Microsoft Word app for Mac. It is important to know the key symbols so that you can use the keyboard shortcuts correctly.
Sometimes you may also want to type the modifier key symbols in documentations or as a reference in Sticky Notes. In such cases, you should know how to type them using your keyboard.
Modifier Key Symbols with Shortcuts to Type
Though you can type all these symbols in Windows and Mac, obliviously some of the keys are only applicable either in Windows or in Mac. Also, some keys like Enter and Delete are actually not modifiers, though they are included in the list to provide a complete list of special keys on keyboards.
| Modifier Key | Key Name | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⌘ | Command | Alt + 8984 | Option + 2318 |
| ⌥ | Option | Alt + 8997 | Option + 2325 |
| ⌃ | Control | Alt + 8963 | Option + 2303 |
| ⏎ | Enter | Alt + 9166 | Option + 23CE |
| ⇥ | Tab | Alt + 8677 | Option + 21E5 |
| ⇤ | Reverse Tab | Alt + 8676 | Option + 21E4 |
| ⇪ | Caps Lock | Alt + 8682 | Option + 21EA |
| ⇧ | Shift | Alt + 8679 | Option + 21E7 |
| ⌦ | Delete Right | Alt + 8998 | Option + 2326 |
| ⌫ | Delete Left | Alt + 9003 | Option + 232B |
| ⇱ | Home | Alt + 8689 | Option + 21F1 |
| ⎋ | Power On / Off | Alt + 9099 | Option + 238B |
| ⇲ | End | Alt + 8690 | Option + 21F2 |
| ⇞ | Page Up | Alt + 8670 | Option + 21DE |
| ⇟ | Page Down | Alt + 8671 | Option + 21DF |
| ↑ | Up Arrow | Alt + 8593 | Option + 2191 |
| ↓ | Down Arrow | Alt + 8595 | Option + 2193 |
| ← | Left Arrow | Alt + 8592 | Option + 2190 |
| → | Right Arrow | Alt + 8594 | Option + 2192 |
| ⎇ | Alt Key | Alt + 9095 | Option + 2387 |
Note that the Windows shortcut column has the decimal numbers while Mac shortcut has hexadecimal code. The hexadecimal code is the codepoint written like U+2387 in Unicode representation. Some symbols may not display properly and show as a squared box with cross or question mark in browsers. However, it will display properly on other applications when using the shortcuts or when you copy and paste the symbols.
Typing Modifier Key Symbols in Windows
You have multiple ways to insert these symbols in Windows based laptops and desktops.
Using Alt + Decimal Code
- Hold one of the alt keys.
- Type the numbers for the key symbol using numeric pad.
- Leave the alt key.
For example, Alt + 8670 will make the Page Up key symbol like ⇞.
Using Alt + X Method in Word
If you do not have a keyboard with number pad, then you can use the hexadecimal code in the last column. This method will work only in Microsoft Word documents in Windows.
- Type the symbol code.
- Press Alt and X keys together.
For example, 2303 Alt X will make Control key symbol ⌃ in Word.
Typing Windows Logo Symbol
You might have wondered, why the above table does not have a Windows Logo key symbol which is a primary modifier key in all Windows based computers. However, Unicode does not have an official codepoint for Windows Logo symbol. It is available as part of Wingdings font available only in Microsoft based applications like Word or PowerPoint.
- Open Word document and go to “Insert > Symbol > More Symbols” menu.
- Select Wingdings as a Font from the dropdown under “Symbols” tab.
- Scroll down to bottom of the symbols list.
- You can find Windows Logo as a last symbol.
- Double-click to insert the symbol in your document.
Similarly, you can insert Windows Logo symbol in PowerPoint by going to “Insert > Symbols” menu.
Typing Modifier Key Symbols in Mac
Similar to Windows, you have multiple options in Mac laptops and desktops.
Using Option Code Shortcuts
- Change the input method to Unicode Hex Input.
- Hold one of the Option keys.
- Type the hexadecimal code for the key symbol.
For example, Option + 2318 will make Command key symbol like ⌘.
Using Character Viewer
This is the best option if you frequently want to type the keyboard key symbols in Mac. It works when you are in any applications both system and third-party apps.
- Open any app like Pages or Word and go to “Edit > Emoji & Symbols” menu.
- If you see a small Character Viewer app, click on the symbols icon showing on top right corner to make it a bigger view.
- Click the small down arrow showing on top left corner and select “Customize List…” option.
- Expand “Symbols” categories, check “Technical Symbols” option and click “Done” button.
- Now, go to “Technical Symbols” section from left sidebar to find all keyboard key symbols.
- Double-click on any symbol like Command (⌘) or Option (⌥) key to insert it in your document.
You can quickly navigate to “Technical Symbols” section to insert the key symbols anytime using the Character Viewer app.
Note: Apple logo is not part of the Mac keyboard. However, you can also type Apple logo symbol using various methods.
Image Reference for Offline Use
Below image has list of all alt code shortcuts for modifier key symbols. You can right-click on the image and save it to your local computer for offline use.
