The square symbol on a keyboard can mean a filled box, an outline, or a small square. You can type ■, □, ▪, or ▫ with a Windows code or Word’s Unicode shortcut; on other devices, copy the character you need.
For copyright, use Alt+0169 on a Windows numeric keypad or Option+G on a Mac. To add the pi symbol in Word, use the Symbol menu or type its Unicode code, then use copy-paste when a shortcut is unavailable.
Choose the Square Symbol on a Keyboard: ■, □, ▪, and ▫
Choose the square by its appearance and size:
- ■ Black square — U+25A0: Use it for a solid box, checkbox-style marker, or geometric design.
- □ White square — U+25A1: This outline square has an empty center.
- ▪ Black small square — U+25AA: Use it as a compact bullet or small marker.
- ▫ White small square — U+25AB: This provides a smaller outlined box.
These codes differ, so do not substitute one code for another. In Microsoft Word, type the code, such as 25A0, and press Alt+X to convert it to ■. Repeat the process with 25A1, 25AA, or 25AB for the other characters.
For the black square only, many Windows apps also accept Alt+254 on the numeric keypad. Turn on Num Lock before using that keystroke.
Find the Keystroke for the Copyright Symbol
The fastest keystroke for the copyright symbol on a Windows desktop is Alt+0169. Hold Alt, enter 0169 on the numeric keypad, and release Alt to produce ©. The number row above the letters usually will not work for this shortcut.
- Mac: Press Option+G to insert ©.
- Microsoft Word: Type 00A9, then press Alt+X.
- Word’s menu: Select Insert > Symbol > More Symbols, choose ©, and select Insert.
If the shortcut does not work, use Word’s Symbol menu or copy © from this page. Both methods avoid keyboard-layout differences.
Insert the Pi Symbol in Word
Word includes lowercase pi, π, and uppercase pi, Π, in its Greek and Coptic character set.
- Place the cursor where you want the character.
- Open Insert > Symbol > More Symbols.
- Set the subset to Greek and Coptic, if needed.
- Select π or Π, then choose Insert.
You can also type 03C0 and press Alt+X for π. For uppercase pi, type 03A0 and press Alt+X.
Use Symbol Menus and Copy-Paste Fallbacks
When a direct shortcut fails, use the operating system’s character picker. Windows users can press Windows key+. and search for “square,” “copyright,” or “pi.” On a Mac, press Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer.
Copy-ready characters:
- Squares: ■ □ ▪ ▫
- Copyright: ©
- Pi: π Π
For a superscript two rather than a square shape, use ². In Word, you can insert it through the same Symbol menu or copy it directly.