How to Type Emojis: Windows & Mac Keyboard Shortcuts
No more copy-pasting from a browser tab. One keyboard shortcut opens the emoji picker on Windows, Mac, Slack, and Teams.
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Contents
On Windows you type an emoji with Win + . , on a Mac with Cmd + Ctrl + Space. In Slack and Teams a colon plus the name is enough, for example :fire:. All three work in any text field, no copy-paste needed.
Windows
Win + .orWin + ;- opens the emoji panel- Works in almost any text field: browser, Word, chat apps
- Use the search box at the top to find a specific emoji fast (e.g. "fire")
Mac
Cmd + Ctrl + Space- opens the emoji and symbol viewerFn + E- opens the same viewer on a Mac with an Fn or Globe key- From the menu: Edit, then Emoji & Symbols
- Recently used emojis show up first, handy for repeats
- Works system-wide, including Mail, Notes, and the browser
In Slack and Teams
- Type
:followed by a name, e.g.:fire:- suggestions appear automatically - Both tools learn which emojis you use most and suggest them first
- Custom emoji shortcodes can be set up in either tool
In Word and Outlook
The system shortcut also works in Word and Outlook: put the cursor in the text, press Win + . on Windows or Cmd + Ctrl + Space on a Mac, then type a word to search, for example "laugh" or "heart".
Smileys to copy
The most searched ones, ready to copy: 😂 🤣 😊 😉 😍 😭 😢 👍 ❤️ 🔥
| Smiley | Common name |
|---|---|
| 😂 | Laughing smiley, tears of joy |
| 🤣 | Rolling on the floor laughing |
| 😭 | Loudly crying smiley |
| 😢 | Crying smiley |
| 😉 | Wink |
| 👍 | Thumbs up |
Without emoji, text does the job too: :-) for a smile, :-( for sad, ;-) for a wink, :-D for a big grin.
If the shortcut does not work
- The cursor has to be in a text field, the panel inserts nothing elsewhere.
- Try
Win + ;, the second shortcut for the same panel. - Restart the computer and try again.
- On Windows, some users fix it by starting the "Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service" in services.msc. That tip comes from forums, not from Microsoft.
- On a Mac, go through the menu: Edit, then Emoji & Symbols.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make a smiley with the keyboard?
On Windows press Win + . and on a Mac Cmd + Ctrl + Space. Then pick the smiley in the panel.
What is the emoji shortcut on Windows?
Win + . or Win + ;.
What is the emoji shortcut on a Mac?
Cmd + Ctrl + Space, or Fn + E on a Mac with an Fn or Globe key.
Why this shortcut is worth learning
If you type a lot, you type a lot of emojis too - in Slack messages, team chats, social posts. Copy-pasting from an emoji website costs a few seconds of context switching every single time. The built-in picker is always one keystroke away, no tab switch required.
Pro tip
The emoji panel remembers your recently used symbols. Force yourself to use the shortcut instead of copy-paste for a week - after that it's muscle memory, same as any other keyboard shortcut. The most useful ones are in the cheat sheets for Windows and Mac.
Next step
Shortcuts save clicks, touch typing saves time on every word. Start with a free typing speed test to see how much room there is. How touch typing works is explained in the complete touch typing guide.
Sources
- Keyboard shortcuts in Windows - Microsoft Support, emoji panel section (Windows logo key + period).
- Use emoji and symbols on Mac - Apple Support.
- Use emoji and emoji reactions - Slack Help Center.
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