The ™ (TM) symbol indicates an unregistered trademark claim and is commonly used for brands, products, and services. This evergreen explainer shows how to insert ™ using keyboard shortcuts, on-screen character pickers, and HTML entity codes so it displays correctly in documents, web pages, and social posts.
Quick Answer: How to Get the ™ Symbol
On Windows, hold Alt and type 0153 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt. On macOS, press Option+2. On iOS and Android, type tm and tap the suggested ™, or use the Emoji & Symbols picker. In HTML, use ™ or &tm; to render ™ in browsers. These methods work in most editors, email clients, and web forms.
Windows: Character Map and Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard Alt Code (Numpad)
With NumLock on, hold the Alt key and type 0153 using the numeric keypad, then release Alt. The symbol appears at the cursor in most applications. If your keyboard lacks a numpad, try holding Fn while pressing the numbers, though results vary by device.
Character Map Utility
Open Character Map from the Start menu, search for Trademark, double-click ™, click Copy, and paste where needed. This approach is helpful when keyboard shortcuts do not work or you need additional context about the character.
macOS: Option Key and Emoji & Symbols
Option+2 Shortcut
Press Option+2 to type ™ directly in most macOS applications. The keystroke produces the symbol in text fields, documents, and web forms without opening additional panels.
Emoji & Symbols Viewer
Open the Character Viewer by choosing Edit > Emoji & Symbols from the menu bar or pressing Control+Command+Space. Search for trademark, double-click ™, and it inserts into your document or input field.
iOS and Android: Mobile Typing Methods
Typing tm and Using Predictions
Type tm with lowercase letters on mobile keyboards; many predictive tools place ™ among the top suggestions. Tap the suggestion to insert the symbol without switching to a special layout.
Emoji Keyboard Access
Enable the Emoji keyboard if needed. Access the symbols section, locate ™, and tap to insert. Steps may vary slightly by device manufacturer and OS version.
Web Development and HTML Entity Codes
HTML Character References
Use ™ or &tm; in HTML source to produce ™ in browsers. These named entities are widely supported, and ™ also covers the registered trademark symbol ®. Always validate that your DOCTYPE and encoding support Unicode to avoid rendering issues.
Best Practices for Web Authors
- Use entities in HTML to ensure consistent rendering across browsers and assistive technologies.
- Avoid substituting (TM) or plain T M when the symbol is semantically required.
- Test appearance in common browsers and on mobile devices during content review.
Summary Table: TM Symbol by Platform
| Platform / Method | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (Alt Code) | Hold Alt, type 0153 on numpad, release Alt | ™ |
| Windows (Character Map) | Open Character Map, select Trademark, Copy, Paste | ™ |
| macOS (Option Shortcut) | Press Option+2 | ™ |
| macOS (Character Viewer) | Control+Command+Space, search Trademark, insert | ™ |
| iOS / Android (Predictive) | Type tm, tap ™ suggestion | ™ |
| iOS / Android (Emoji Panel) | Open Emoji & Symbols, locate ™, tap | ™ |
| HTML | Use ™ or &tm; in source | ™ rendered in browser |
Common Issues and Clarifications
Some laptop keyboards omit the dedicated numpad; in those cases use the on-screen keyboard’s numeric keypad, an external USB numpad, or the Character Map/Viewer. Auto-correct may replace tm with ™ automatically, which is convenient but should be verified for accuracy. The symbol ™ is distinct from the registered trademark symbol ®; use ™ for unclaimed marks and ® only after registration.
When and How to Use the TM Symbol
Place ™ next to a brand name, product, or service mark you claim without requiring official registration. It notifies competitors and consumers of trademark claims, though it does not confer legal rights equivalent to ®. Consistent usage across materials supports clarity and reinforces brand identity in marketing and legal contexts.
Copy-Paste Ready: ™
You can copy the symbol directly here: ™. Paste it into documents, web pages, or messages where supported. For reliable reuse, save it in a text snippet manager or create a keyboard shortcut mapping to the Unicode character U+2122.
Conclusion
Copying and pasting the ™ symbol is straightforward once you know the platform-specific methods: Alt codes on Windows, Option+2 on macOS, mobile predictions or emoji panels, and HTML entities for web content. Consistent use of ™ helps communicate trademark claims clearly while you pursue formal registration when needed.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does using TM provide legal protection?
Using ™ signals a claim to a mark and can aid in enforcement, but it does not replace registration or legal rights granted by trademark authorities. Consult a legal professional for advice specific to your jurisdiction and use case.
Why does my tm shortcut produce a different symbol?
Check whether you typed lowercase tm versus intended ™, and confirm you used the correct method for your operating system. Platform-specific behavior and font support can affect which glyph appears.
Can I use ™ in domain names or social handles?
Domains and social usernames typically allow letters, numbers, and hyphens; the ™ symbol is not permitted in URLs. You may use the symbol in display names and bios where supported, but keep identifiers simple for search and recall.
How should I cite the TM symbol in documentation?
Reference the symbol by description (TM symbol, U+2122) and, when necessary, include entity codes or screenshots. Clarify whether the intent is unclaimed ™ or registered ® to avoid confusion in developer or compliance documentation.