How to Insert a Tick in Word: 5 Methods for Windows, Mac, and Mobile

Whether you’re marking off a to-do list or finalizing a form, inserting a tick symbol in Word often feels needlessly fiddly. This guide walks you through every method available—from simple keyboard shortcuts to hidden Alt codes and interactive checkbox controls—so you can pick the one that fits your workflow best.

Unicode for check mark: U+2713 ·
Unicode for heavy check mark: U+2714 ·
Alt code for check mark: 0252 ·
Alt code for heavy check mark: 0254 ·
Number of methods covered: 8

Here are the quick reference numbers for tick symbols in Word.

How do I add a tick symbol?

Microsoft’s official Symbol dialog is the most straightforward way to insert any special character, including the tick.

Using the Symbol dialog box

• Go to the Insert tab on the Ribbon.
• Click Symbol > More Symbols.
• In the dialog, set the font to Wingdings.
• Scroll to find the check mark (character code 252) and click Insert (Microsoft Support guidance).

Using Wingdings font

• Alternatively, you can type a placeholder character, change its font to Wingdings, and then replace with the check mark via the Symbol dialog.
• Wingdings also offers a boxed check mark at character code 254 (Microsoft Support guidance).

The catch: This method works on both Windows and Mac, but it takes several clicks. For frequent insertions, assign a custom shortcut using the Shortcut Key button in the Symbol dialog (Microsoft Learn answer).

What is the shortcut key for a tick mark in Word?

If you have a numeric keypad, Alt codes are the fastest way to insert a check mark.

Alt code for check mark

• Hold down the Alt key and type 0252 on the numeric keypad.
• Then change the font of the inserted character to Wingdings (Alt-Codes.net reference).

Alt code for heavy check mark

• For a bolder check mark, use Alt + 0254 and again set the font to Wingdings (Alt-Codes.net reference).
• These Alt codes require a numeric keypad, not the number row above letters.

The trade-off: If your laptop lacks a numeric keypad, you’ll need to rely on another method such as the Emoji panel or the Symbol dialog.

How do I insert a checkable checkbox in Word?

If you want an interactive box that users can click to place a check mark, use the Developer tab.

Using the Developer tab

• Enable the Developer tab: File > Options > Customize Ribbon and check Developer.
• On the Developer tab, in the Controls group, click Check Box Content Control.
• To make it functional for others, protect the document for forms (Microsoft Support guidance).

Using Bullets or Symbols for non-interactive checkboxes

• For a static checkbox symbol, use the Symbol dialog in Wingdings 2 (character code 163) or a bullet list with a custom bullet (YouTube tutorial).

Why this matters: Interactive checkboxes are essential for digital forms, while static symbols work fine for printed checklists.

How do I get a tick on the keyboard?

Several keyboard-based methods require no mouse at all.

Using the Character Map

• Press Win + R, type charmap, and press Enter.
• Find the check mark, copy it, and paste into Word (Microsoft Support guidance).

Using the Emoji Panel (Windows 10/11)

• Press Windows key + . (period) to open the emoji picker.
• Search for “check mark” and double-click to insert (Alt-Codes.net reference).
• This method also works in Word Online and other apps.

The pattern: The Emoji Panel is the fastest keyboard-only method for users without a numeric keypad.

How do I insert a tick in Word on Mac?

Mac users have two primary methods, both quick once you know the shortcut.

Using the Emoji & Symbols viewer

• Place your cursor and press Control + Command + Space.
• In the Character Viewer, search for “check mark” and double-click to insert (iClarified guide).

Using the Symbol dialog (same as Windows)

• Go to Insert > Advanced Symbol and choose Wingdings.
• Select the tick symbol and click Insert (YouTube tutorial).

The implication: Mac users gain speed with the Character Viewer shortcut, but the Symbol dialog remains a fallback for those who prefer a visual grid.

Comparison of key methods: one pattern—choose based on your device and how often you need the symbol.

Step-by-step guide to inserting a tick symbol

For the widest compatibility, follow these steps using the Symbol dialog on any platform.

1. Open Word and place your cursor where you want the tick.
2. Click the Insert tab, then Symbol > More Symbols.
3. In the Font dropdown, choose Wingdings.
4. Scroll down to character code 252 (a check mark appears).
5. Click Insert and then Close (Microsoft Support guidance).
6. To reuse this symbol, select it and assign a keyboard shortcut via the Shortcut Key button (Microsoft Learn answer).

The upshot: Once you assign a shortcut, future insertions take a single keystroke.

These clarifications help users choose the right method for their setup.

Expert perspectives

“To insert a check mark symbol in Word, go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, choose Wingdings, and select the check mark.” For more detailed instructions on inserting check marks in Word, you can convert video to mp3 online.

Microsoft Support (official documentation)

“Mac users can open the Character Viewer with Control+Command+Space and search for ‘check mark’ to insert it quickly.”

iClarified (tech guide)

For fast workers on Mac, the Character Viewer is the recommended route—no font switching needed.

For anyone who regularly processes documents, the choice is clear: learn the Alt code (Windows) or the Character Viewer shortcut (Mac). Fiddling with menus every time wastes seconds that add up over a week. If you manage forms for a team, invest the extra minute to enable the Developer tab and insert interactive checkboxes—your collaborators will thank you.

Related reading: How to Compress a PDF File Size: 10 Free Methods (2025 Guide)

If you need to remove extra blank pages after inserting symbols, the same software offers easy methods for deleting unwanted pages in Word as well.

Frequently asked questions

For most users, the Emoji panel (Windows) or Character Viewer (Mac) offers the best balance of speed and accessibility, while the Developer tab remains essential for form creators.