Copyright Symbol ©
The quick guide to copy, type and download the © symbol
What is the Copyright Symbol © ?
That little © you see on books, websites and photos? It stands for copyright, literally "the right to copy." It's a heads-up that somebody owns that work.
Fun fact: in most countries you're already protected the second you create something, no © needed. So why bother? Because it removes any doubt. Nobody can claim they didn't know.
The standard format is © 2026 Your Name. This goes back to a 1952 international treaty and it still holds up pretty much everywhere.
Keyboard Shortcuts to Type ©
| System | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Windows | Alt + 0169 (numeric keypad) |
| Mac | Option ⌥ + G |
| Linux | Ctrl + Shift + U, then type 00A9, then Enter |
| HTML | © or © |
| Mobile | Long press on the "0" key or use the symbols keyboard |
Download © Images
Black copyright symbol
SVG (vector) · PNG 200×200 · PNG 500×500
White copyright symbol
SVG (vector) · PNG 200×200 · PNG 500×500
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I type the copyright symbol © on a keyboard?
On Windows, use Alt + 0169 with the numeric keypad. On Mac, press Option + G. On Linux, use Ctrl + Shift + U then type 00A9.
Is the © symbol required to protect a work?
Nope. In most countries, copyright protection is automatic as soon as you create something. Adding the © is not required by law, but it's still a good habit to warn people.
What is the difference between © and ™?
© is for creative works: a song, a photo, some code you wrote. ™ is for brand stuff: a company name or logo. Totally different things.
Protect Your Creations
Want to protect your work? Find out how copyright works and what you can do.
Learn more on copyright01.com