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Choose the Right Way to Add a Check Mark in Word

Use Word’s symbol picker for a static check mark, Alt+X for a known Unicode code, or a checkbox content control for an interactive checklist.
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For a regular, non-clickable check mark, place the cursor where it belongs and choose Insert > Symbol. Select a check mark, or open More Symbols to browse by font. If you need a box readers can toggle, use Word’s checkbox feature instead: a symbol inserted as text is static.

Insert a check mark from Word’s symbol picker

  1. Click in the document where you want the mark.

  2. Choose Insert > Symbol. Depending on your Word version or platform, the labels or placement may differ. Microsoft’s check-mark instructions cover the symbol-dialog method, with platform-specific details.

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  3. Choose a visible check mark from the list. If you do not see one, open More Symbols, select a font that contains the mark, and browse the available characters.

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  4. Select or double-click the check mark to insert it, then close the dialog.

This method is the most dependable starting point because you can see the available character before inserting it. Microsoft notes that the selected font affects which symbols are available.

Use a keyboard code when you know the symbol

Word can convert a typed hexadecimal Unicode code into a character with Alt+X. This is a conversion method, not a universal check-mark shortcut: enter the code for the symbol you want, then press Alt+X. Microsoft lists 2705, 2713, and 2714 as check-mark codes for Segoe UI Symbol.

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  1. In Word, choose Insert > Symbol > More Symbols and find the desired mark.

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  2. Note the Character code and the from setting in the dialog. Confirm that the code is hexadecimal Unicode before using Alt+X.

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  3. Close the dialog, type the hexadecimal code at the insertion point, and press Alt+X. Word converts the code into the character when the selected font supports it. See Microsoft’s explanation of ASCII and Unicode character codes.

For example, type 2713 and press Alt+X to convert that Unicode code in a compatible font. If Word displays an unexpected character, check both the font and whether the code is hexadecimal or decimal.

Windows desktop: Wingdings decimal codes

Microsoft also documents Wingdings codes 252 and 254 as check-mark options. These are Symbol decimal codes, not Unicode hexadecimal values, so do not type 252 and press Alt+X expecting the Wingdings check mark.

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To enter a decimal code in Windows desktop Word, choose the corresponding font and code type in the symbol dialog, then use Alt plus the number on the numeric keypad. Microsoft’s check-mark guidance specifies Wingdings code 252, with 254 as another option. This route depends on Windows desktop Word and a numeric keypad; use the symbol picker if your setup does not support it.

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Make a clickable checkbox instead of inserting a symbol

A check mark inserted as ordinary text cannot be switched on or off by clicking. For a checklist that readers can interact with, use Word’s checkbox content control rather than a static character. In Windows desktop Word, the control can be configured to display a check mark when selected. Microsoft explains the setting in its instructions for changing checked boxes from an X to a check mark. The control is a better fit for a fillable checklist; for a printed or decorative mark, insert a symbol.

Copy a mark from Character Map on Windows

If you cannot find the character in Word’s picker, Windows Character Map offers another way to copy and paste it. Open Character Map, choose a font, select the check mark, copy it, and paste it into Word. The glyph must exist in the chosen font; Microsoft’s instructions for using Character Map with symbols describe the Windows workflow.

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Choose the method that matches your document

Method Best for Important distinction
Insert > Symbol Adding a visible static mark on any supported Word platform Choose a font containing the desired glyph.
Unicode code + Alt+X Quickly inserting a known Unicode character Use a hexadecimal code; it is not a general shortcut for all check marks.
Wingdings decimal code Windows desktop users familiar with symbol codes 252 and 254 are decimal codes; this workflow uses the numeric keypad.
Checkbox content control A checklist whose boxes should be toggled This is an interactive Word control, not a text symbol.
Windows Character Map Copying a glyph into Word when needed Availability depends on the chosen font.

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