How to Type the TM Character Symbol on Any Device

The fastest way to type the symbol is Option + 2 on Mac, Alt + 0153 on Windows, and U+2122 in Unicode-aware systems. The symbol is officially the trade mark sign, Unicode character U+2122 [source: Unicode]. If you use it often, create a text shortcut such as tmx that expands into . That is usually faster than hunting through symbol menus every time.

TLDR: On Windows, hold Alt and type 0153 on the numeric keypad: . On Mac, press Option + 2. On phones, set a text replacement, for example tmx → ; if you label 50 product names a week, saving even 8 seconds per symbol cuts more than 6 minutes of dull work. If nothing works, copy this symbol: .

Quick reference for typing

Device or app Best method

Windows Alt + 0153 using the numeric keypad

Mac Option + 2

iPhone or iPad Use Text Replacement or copy and paste

Android Use the symbols keyboard, clipboard, or a personal dictionary shortcut

Chromebook Ctrl + Shift + U, then 2122, then Enter

HTML ™ or ™

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How to type on Windows

On most Windows keyboards, the reliable shortcut is:

1. Turn on Num Lock.
2. Hold the Alt key.
3. Type 0153 on the numeric keypad.
4. Release Alt.

You should get . The annoying part is that the number row above the letters often will not work. You usually need the separate numeric keypad. On a small laptop, that can mean using an embedded keypad or a different method.

In Microsoft Word, you can also type 2122, then press Alt + X. Word converts the code into . Microsoft documents this style of Unicode conversion for Office apps [source: Microsoft].

If shortcuts fail, use Character Map:

• Open the Start menu.
• Search for Character Map.
• Find .
• Click Select, then Copy.
• Paste it where needed.

Honestly, it feels silly to open a whole utility for one tiny symbol. Still, it is safe and works in older programs.

How to type on Mac

Mac has one of the cleanest shortcuts:

Press Option + 2

That inserts in most Mac apps, including Pages, Notes, Mail, Keynote, browsers, and many design tools. If it does not work, check whether your keyboard layout has been changed. Some non-US layouts may place symbols in different spots.

You can also use the Character Viewer:

1. Press Control + Command + Space.
2. Search for trademark.
3. Double-click .

This is useful when you also need ®, ©, or other legal and business symbols.

How to type on iPhone and iPad

iOS does not give the symbol a perfect one-tap keyboard shortcut in every app. That is irritating when you are editing a product name on a phone and just need one clean character.

The best fix is Text Replacement:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to General.
3. Tap Keyboard.
4. Tap Text Replacement.
5. Tap the + button.
6. Set Phrase to .
7. Set Shortcut to something like tmx.

After that, typing tmx can expand into . Choose a shortcut you would not type by accident. Do not use tm if you often write normal words or abbreviations that include those letters.

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How to type on Android

Android varies by keyboard app, brand, and version. With Gboard, try the symbol panels first:

• Tap ?123.
• Tap =\< or a similar extra-symbol key.
• Look for .

If you do not see it, copy once and save it in your clipboard. A stronger long-term option is a personal dictionary shortcut. On many Android phones, you can add one through keyboard settings or system language settings. Set tmx as the shortcut and as the output.

The exact menu names may differ. Samsung Keyboard, Gboard, and SwiftKey do not always place shortcuts in the same area. Expect to waste 30 seconds the first time. After setup, it becomes almost instant.

How to type on Chromebook

Chromebooks support Unicode entry. Use this sequence:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U.
2. Type 2122.
3. Press Enter or Space.

The result is . This method also works for many other symbols if you know their Unicode values.

How to type on Linux

On many Linux desktops, use Unicode input:

Ctrl + Shift + U, then 2122, then Enter

You can also configure a Compose key, if your desktop supports it. The Compose key is handy for special characters, though setup varies between GNOME, KDE, and other environments.

How to type in HTML, websites, and code

For web pages, use the named HTML entity:

&trade;

That displays as . You can also use the numeric entity:

&#8482;

Both are valid. The named entity is easier to read in code. The numeric entity is useful in systems that restrict named entities.

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When should you use ?

The symbol usually marks a brand name, slogan, product name, or logo as a trademark claim. It can be used even if the mark is not registered. The registered trademark symbol, ®, is different. In many countries, ® should be used only after official registration.

For example:

• BrightLeaf for an unregistered product name.
• BrightLeaf® only after registration, where legally allowed.

This is not legal advice. For legal filings, packaging, or disputes, ask a qualified trademark attorney. For routine writing, the basic rule is simple: use for a trademark claim and ® for a registered mark.

Best practical method

If you type the symbol once, copy it here: . If you type it weekly, use the keyboard shortcut for your device. If you type it daily, set a text replacement. A three-letter shortcut such as tmx is accurate, easy to remember, and unlikely to appear in normal writing.

Keep the symbol tight against the brand name, with no space before it: ProductName. That small detail keeps product pages, labels, and formal documents looking clean.