The trademark tm symbol (™) signals a claim of trademark rights for brands, products, and services. This evergreen guide explains how to type the tm symbol accurately across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and web platforms, using keyboard shortcuts, Alt codes, Character Map, Emoji panels, HTML entities, and Unicode points. You will find exact steps, copy-paste options, and practical guidance to insert ™ in documents, email, code, and social posts without errors.
What is the tm symbol and when to use it
The ™ symbol indicates an unregistered trademark claim for goods or services. Unlike the registered trademark symbol ®, you can use ™ without a registration number by simply claiming rights in your jurisdiction. Use ™ in branding, product names, packaging, marketing, and digital content to signal ownership. Note that ™ does not grant legal protection on its own; enforceability depends on local trademark law and actual use. Reserve ™ for claims you intend to back with evidence of use and consider professional legal guidance for registrations.
How to type the tm symbol on Windows
Using Alt code (number pad)
On a Windows PC with a numeric keypad, hold the Alt key and type 0153 on the number pad, then release Alt to produce ™. Ensure Num Lock is enabled and use the dedicated number pad keys, not the row above letters. This method works in most Windows desktop applications, including Word, Excel, and web forms that accept extended characters.
Using Character Map
Open Character Map from the Start menu, search for ™ or trademark, double-click the symbol, click Copy, and paste it where needed. Enable Advanced view to search by Unicode name if available, and explore fonts to confirm glyph clarity before inserting into documents.
Alt code variations and limitations
Some laptops require holding the Fn key or using an external numeric keypad to generate Alt codes. In legacy systems or console apps, these shortcuts may not work; prefer copying the symbol or using Unicode input methods in such cases.
How to type the tm symbol on macOS
Keyboard shortcut
Press Option+2 on the macOS keyboard to insert ™ in most text fields, including Pages, Keynote, TextEdit, and web forms. This native shortcut produces the trademark tm symbol without opening the Character Viewer.
Using the Emoji and Symbols viewer
Open the Emoji & Symbols viewer via Edit > Emoji & Symbols or by pressing Control+Command+Space. Search for trademark, select ™, and insert it into your document. This method is helpful when you need additional trademark-related symbols, such as ®.
How to type the tm symbol on mobile and tablet
iOS and iPadOS
On iPhone and iPad, access the ™ symbol by opening the keyboard, switching to the numbers and symbols layout, then long-pressing the trademark or number two key (varies by language layout) and selecting ™ from the popup. Alternatively, copy the symbol from this page and paste it into messages, notes, or documents.
Android
On Android keyboards, switch to the symbols or numeric layout, long-press available trademark keys, or tap the ™ symbol in the popup panel. If your keyboard lacks dedicated options, use the copy-paste method or install an emoji/syymbols extension for easier access.
Typing the tm symbol in code, HTML, and design tools
HTML entities and Unicode
In HTML, use ™ or ™ to render ™ in browsers. The Unicode code point is U+2122, so in environments that accept Unicode escape sequences you can use \u2122 (JavaScript, Java) or \u2122 in CSS content properties. Verify encoding support to prevent substitution glyphs on legacy systems.
Design tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Figma, and Inkscape offer glyph panels and keyboard-driven Unicode input. Shortcuts vary by OS and application; consult vendor documentation for precise input methods and font choices that render the glyph clearly at small sizes.
Quick reference: tm symbol across platforms
Use this table for reliable, copy-ready results across common environments. When shortcuts fail, copy the symbol from this list and paste it into your content.
| Platform or context | Method | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (Alt code) | Alt + 0153 (on number pad) | ™ |
| Windows Character Map | Copy from menu | ™ |
| macOS | Option+2 | ™ |
| iOS/iPadOS | Long-press trademark key or copy-paste | ™ |
| Android | Symbols panel or long-press, or copy-paste | ™ |
| HTML | ™ or ™ | ™ |
| Unicode point | ™ | |
| LaTeX | \texttrademark | ™ |
Common pitfalls and verification tips
Avoid typing ™ on the main alphanumeric row (the "T" key), which produces only the letter T. Confirm Num Lock is on for Alt codes, and remember that some web forms may strip or mis-encode special characters; in those cases, plain text ™ is safest. The registered trademark symbol ® is distinct and requires a valid registration; do not substitute ™ for ® when registration is granted. If you see replacement characters or question marks, check font support and document encoding, and prefer widely available fonts for trademark symbols.
Best practices and legal context
Use ™ consistently alongside brand names to reinforce trademark claims, but understand that symbol use does not replace registration or legal compliance. Keep records of first use, ownership, and relevant jurisdictions if you intend to register later. Consult trademark counsel before asserting rights or sending cease-and-desist communications. Avoid informal substitutions such as (tm) or trailing spaces, which can reduce professionalism and clarity. Aim for clear, accurate, and lawful trademark notation in all public materials.
Summary and quick copy
The trademark tm symbol ™ is straightforward to type on most platforms. On Windows, use Alt+0153 or Character Map; on macOS, use Option+2; on mobile, use long-press or copy-paste; in code, use ™ or ™. If one method fails, fall back to copy-pasting ™ from this guide. These evergreen techniques remain reliable across devices and software updates, making it easy to assert trademark notation accurately and consistently.