How to type the copyright symbol in Word
In Word, just type (c): AutoCorrect turns it into the copyright symbol © as you type. Word for Windows also has a dedicated shortcut, Ctrl + Alt + C, and Alt + 0169 works in any Windows app. On a Mac, press Option + G.
Quick answer
Type (c) in Word, or press Ctrl + Alt + C (Windows) or Option + G (Mac).
Step by step
Type an opening parenthesis
Type ( where the symbol should go.
Type c and a closing parenthesis
Type c). As soon as the bracket closes, Word replaces the three characters with ©.
Continue the notice
Add a space, the year and the owner: © 2026 Jane Smith.
The other legal marks work the same way
Word’s default AutoCorrect list pairs each legal mark with a shortcut. (r) becomes ®, (tm) becomes ™ and, on Windows, Ctrl + Alt + R and Ctrl + Alt + T insert ® and ™ directly. They are listed in Insert → Symbol → More Symbols → Special Characters, which is also where you can change a shortcut you keep triggering by mistake.
When (c) should stay (c)
In numbered lists and legal clauses, “(c)” is often a list label, and the automatic swap is unwelcome. Press Ctrl + Z straight after the replacement to get the letters back for that one instance. To switch it off everywhere, open File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options, find (c) in the Replace list and click Delete.
Should © be superscript?
No. The copyright sign is designed to sit on the baseline at full cap height. It is the registered mark ® that designers sometimes raise, and even that is a style choice rather than a rule. Leaving © at normal size also keeps the line height even in footers.
Writing the notice
A complete notice has the symbol, the year of first publication and the owner. Our copyright symbol page covers the format, what the symbol does legally, and the look-alikes ℗ and Ⓒ that are not interchangeable with it. The legal symbols collection gathers ©, ®, ™, § and ¶ in one place, and the registered trademark ® page explains when that mark may be used.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut for © in Word?
Ctrl + Alt + C on Windows, or type (c) and let AutoCorrect replace it. On a Mac, Option + G.
Why doesn’t (c) turn into © in my Word?
The AutoCorrect entry was removed or AutoCorrect is off. Re-add it in File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options, or use Ctrl + Alt + C.
What is the alt code for the copyright symbol?
Alt + 0169 on the numeric keypad. In Word you can also type 00A9 and press Alt + X.