How to insert a check mark in Word
To put a check mark in Word, type 2713 and press Alt + X. Word swaps the code for ✓. For the bold version ✔, type 2714 instead. Word for Mac users can use Insert → Advanced Symbol, and anyone who needs a box to click can add a checkbox content control.
Quick answer
Type 2713, then press Alt + X to get ✓ (use 2714 for ✔).
Step by step
Place the cursor
Click where the tick should go, for example at the start of a list item or in a table cell.
Type the code
Type 2713 for a light check mark or 2714 for a heavy one. If the code follows a letter or digit, add a space first so Word reads only the four hex digits.
Press Alt + X
Word converts the code into ✓ or ✔. Pressing Alt + X again turns it back into the code, which is handy for checking what you inserted.
Reuse it
Copy the tick and paste it wherever you need it, or save it as an AutoCorrect entry (see below) so a short word such as (y) becomes ✓ as you type.
Using the Symbol dialog
If you prefer menus, go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols. Choose the font Segoe UI Symbol, set “from” to Unicode (hex) and type 2713 in the Character code box. Click Insert. The tick then appears under Recently used symbols, so the next one is two clicks away. On a Mac the same dialog is Insert → Advanced Symbol; search for “check”.
Make Word type ✓ for you
Insert one tick, select it, then open Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → AutoCorrect. Word pre-fills the “With” box with your ✓. Type a trigger that you would never use by accident, such as (y) or ;tick, and click Add. From then on, typing the trigger followed by a space produces the check mark in every document.
Why not the Wingdings tick?
Older tutorials tell you to switch to the Wingdings 2 font and press Shift + P. That draws a tick, but the character underneath is a capital P. Paste it into an email, a web form or Google Docs and it turns back into “P”, and screen readers read it as a letter. The Unicode ✓ keeps its meaning everywhere, so it is the safer choice for any document that will be shared or converted to PDF and back.
A checkbox people can tick
For forms and to-do lists, enable the Developer tab (File → Options → Customize Ribbon → tick Developer), then choose Developer → Check Box Content Control. The reader clicks it to toggle between ☐ and ☒. You can change the checked symbol to ✓ in the control’s Properties. Our page on check mark and tick symbols lists every tick and box you can use, and the full check mark ✓ reference has its codes for HTML and other apps.
Working in spreadsheets instead? See how to add a check mark in Excel, and for more Word techniques read how to insert any symbol in Word.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut for a tick in Word?
Type 2713 and press Alt + X. There is no single built-in key combination, but you can assign one: select ✓ in Insert → Symbol → More Symbols and click Shortcut Key.
Why does my check mark turn into a P or ü?
It was made with the Wingdings or Wingdings 2 font. When the font changes, the underlying letter shows. Replace it with the Unicode ✓ (2713, Alt + X).
Does Alt + X work in Word for Mac?
No. On a Mac, use Insert → Advanced Symbol, or press Control + Command + Space, search for “check” and double-click ✓.
How do I make a checkbox I can click in Word?
Show the Developer tab and insert a Check Box Content Control. Clicking it switches between checked and unchecked.