How-To

How to Make and Insert the Registered Trademark Symbol (®)

Learn how to make the ® symbol on Windows, Mac, and in Microsoft Word, plus copy-paste tips and correct placement for trademarks.

By Editorial TeamJune 10, 20265 min read
How to Make and Insert the Registered Trademark Symbol (®)

Understanding the Registered Trademark Symbol

The registered trademark symbol is ®. It signals that a trademark is registered for use in relation to goods or services. If you are not sure whether your mark is registered, check the relevant trademark register before using the symbol.

People often ask, “how do i make the registered trademark symbol?” The easiest answer is that you can type it with a keyboard shortcut, insert it using Microsoft Word features, or copy and paste it from a reliable source. The right method depends on where you need the symbol.

In many word processors and online editors, the ® symbol can be inserted as an actual character. That matters for formatting and for how the symbol behaves across different fonts and exports.

  • Character: ®
  • Meaning: trademark is registered
  • Common use: placed near the trademark name
Document layout showing where a trademark symbol is typically placed
Where the ® goes

Keyboard shortcuts for Windows (PC)

To how to make registered trademark symbol on pc, use either a direct shortcut or an ASCII code. Which one works can depend on your keyboard layout and the app you are typing into.

The two common Windows options are Ctrl + Alt + R and the numeric character code Alt + 0174. Try the shortcut first. If it does not work, use the numeric code.

  1. Ctrl + Alt + R: place your cursor where you want ®, then press the keys together.
  2. Alt + 0174: use the numeric keypad if available, hold Alt, type 0174, then release Alt.

If you only have a keyboard without a numeric keypad, you may need to enable Num Lock or use an “Fn” key that simulates a keypad. If shortcuts fail in a specific app, the copy and paste method in this article usually still works.

  • Use a numeric keypad for Alt + 0174 when possible
  • Test in the exact program where you need the symbol
  • Switch to Word’s Symbol tool if keyboard shortcuts do not register
Close view of a keyboard for entering Windows shortcuts
Windows shortcut keys

Keyboard shortcuts for Mac

If you are looking for how to make registered trademark symbol on mac, the classic shortcut is Option + R. Put the cursor where you want the symbol, then press those keys together.

This is often the fastest way to answer “how do you make the registered trademark symbol” on Mac. It also avoids formatting issues that can happen when you paste into some apps.

If you are using an app where the shortcut does not behave as expected, try switching to plain text input briefly and then return to your document. You can also use the Symbol insert menu in your app as a fallback.

Device Shortcut When to use
Mac Option + R Quick typing in most text fields
Windows Ctrl + Alt + R or Alt + 0174 Copy-safe typing in most editors
Mac keyboard and trackpad for using the Option + R shortcut
Mac symbol shortcut

Inserting the symbol in Microsoft Word

If your goal is how to make a registered trademark symbol in word, Microsoft Word has built-in tools. This route is reliable when shortcuts do not work inside Word or your export workflow.

To insert the character, go to the Insert tab, then choose Symbol. From there, select More Symbols if you do not see ® in the recent set. Word opens a character chooser where you can find the symbol and insert it directly.

Once inserted, you can reuse it without searching every time. Word often keeps recently used symbols in the Symbol gallery, so the next insertion takes only a few clicks.

  • Insert tab → Symbol
  • Choose More Symbols to browse
  • Click the ® character, then press Insert
Word processing workspace where you insert the registered trademark symbol
Insert via Word Symbol tool

Copy and paste method

When you just need “how to make registered trademark symbol” working in any app, the simplest path is copy and paste. This avoids keyboard layout issues and app-specific shortcut conflicts.

Here is the basic workflow. Copy the ® character from this page or another trusted source. Then paste it into your document or form field where you need the trademark symbol.

  1. Copy the ® symbol from a source that displays it correctly.
  2. Click your cursor in your document.
  3. Paste using the app’s paste command or keyboard shortcut.

After pasting, double-check the character renders properly in the final view. Some older formatting setups may swap fonts, which can make the symbol look different. If that happens, reapply a standard font or insert the symbol again using Word’s Symbol feature.

Typing a plain “(R)” will not always work. In some supported editors, typing “(R)” can auto-convert to ®. That is convenient, but it is not dependable across all platforms.

Common uses and proper placement

Proper placement is part of using a trademark symbol correctly. The typical pattern is to place ® at the top right of the trademark name. This positioning reads clearly and matches common typographic conventions.

In most cases, you place ® immediately after the trademarked word or logo. For example, if your mark is “Brightline,” you would write it as Brightline®. Avoid placing the symbol far away from the mark, since readers may not connect it to the correct brand.

If you are formatting a product description or a contract exhibit, keep the symbol consistent across headings, body text, and figure captions. Consistency also helps with later edits, since you will not accidentally omit the symbol in only one section.

  • Place ® immediately after the trademarked name or mark
  • Use top-right (superscript) styling when your editor supports it
  • Keep usage consistent across the document

Finally, remember that using the symbol is tied to trademark registration status. If you are updating documents for a new registration, insert ® only for the jurisdictions and classes that match your filing.

FAQ

How do i make the registered trademark symbol on a PC?

You can use Ctrl + Alt + R, or use the code Alt + 0174 with a numeric keypad. If shortcuts do not work in your app, copy and paste ® instead.

How do you make the registered trademark symbol on Mac?

Press Option + R with your cursor in the text field. This usually inserts ® in most editors.

How do i make registered trademark symbol in Microsoft Word?

Use the Insert tab, then choose Symbol and More Symbols. Select ® and click Insert.

Can I type something like R and have it turn into ®?

In some supported editors, typing “(R)” can auto-convert to ®. That behavior varies by platform and settings, so test in your final format.

What is the correct placement for the ® symbol?

Place it as a top-right symbol right after the trademark name or mark. Keep the placement consistent throughout your document.

FAQ

How do i make the registered trademark symbol on PC?
Use Ctrl + Alt + R, or type Alt + 0174 using a numeric keypad. If it fails in your app, copy and paste ® instead.
How do you make the registered trademark symbol on Mac?
Press Option + R while your cursor is in the text field. It should insert ® in most editors.
How to make a registered trademark symbol in Word?
Go to Insert, then Symbol, and choose More Symbols. Select ® and click Insert.
How do i make registered trademark symbol using keyboard shortcuts?
Windows and Mac both support shortcuts. If shortcuts do not work in your specific app, switch to Word’s Symbol menu or paste the character.
Does typing (R) automatically become ®?
Some supported applications auto-convert (R) into ®. It is not consistent across all platforms, so test where you will publish.
Where should the registered trademark symbol be placed?
Place ® at the top right of the trademark name. Keep it immediately after the word or mark it refers to.
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