How to Add a Copyright Symbol in Google Docs (3 Ways)

Google Docs gives you three quick ways to add the copyright symbol ©: type (c) and let automatic substitution replace it, pick it from the Special characters menu, or use a keyboard shortcut from Windows or Mac. This guide covers each method, how to add ® and ™ the same way, what to do on phones and tablets, and how to fix it if (c) doesn’t convert.

Automatic lists are controlled separately from substitutions; see turning off automatic list detection in Google Docs if a typed dash keeps becoming a bullet.

Quick Answer

Type (c) followed by a space, and Google Docs changes it to ©. Or go to Insert > Special characters, type copyright in the search box, and click ©.

Method 1: Automatic Substitution

1. Click where you want the symbol.
2. Type (c) and then a space or punctuation.
3. Docs replaces it with ©.

This also works for (r) → ® and (tm) → ™. Press Ctrl + Z right after the replacement if you actually wanted “(c).”

Method 2: Special Characters

1. Go to Insert > Special characters.
2. Type copyright in the search box, or draw the symbol in the drawing area.
3. Click © to insert it, then close the dialog.

Method 3: Keyboard Shortcuts

• Windows: hold Alt and type 0169 on the number pad (Num Lock on). On laptops without a number pad, press Windows + ., open the Ω Symbols tab, and pick ©.
• Mac: press Option + G.
• Chromebook: press Ctrl + Shift + U, type a9, and press Enter or Space.

Turn On or Customize Substitutions

1. Go to Tools > Preferences.
2. On the Substitutions tab, make sure Automatic substitution is checked and the (c) → © row is checked.
3. Add your own shortcuts, such as copy! → © 2026 Your Company, and click OK.

On iPhone, iPad and Android

• The Google Docs app doesn’t have the Special characters menu. Type (c) in some versions, or copy © from elsewhere and paste it.
• iPhone and iPad: set up a text replacement in Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement (paste © as the phrase and use a shortcut like “cpy”).
• Android (Gboard): open the symbols keyboard (?123, then =\<) and look for ©, or add a personal dictionary shortcut.

Format the Symbol

• Make it smaller or raised with Format > Text > Superscript (Ctrl + .), common for ® and ™.
• Change the size or font like any other character.

A Typical Copyright Line

A common format is © 2026 Your Name or Company. All rights reserved. Put it in the footer with Insert > Headers & footers > Footer so it appears on every page. The symbol is a notice, not a registration; rules on copyright vary by country.

(c) Not Converting?

• Check that Automatic substitution is on in Tools > Preferences.
• Type a space after (c); the change happens when you finish the “word.”
• Substitutions don’t apply in some places, such as equations or while suggesting in certain modes.

Related: How to add a copyright symbol in Word.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work in Google Slides and Sheets?

Slides has Insert > Special characters. In Sheets, use =CHAR(169) or paste the symbol.

How do I type the sound-recording copyright symbol ℗?

Search “sound recording” in Special characters.

Summary

1. Type (c) and a space to get ©.
2. Or use Insert > Special characters and search “copyright.”
3. Use Alt + 0169 on Windows or Option + G on Mac.
4. Add your own substitutions in Tools > Preferences.

Kermit Matthews

Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.