How to Open the Emoji Keyboard on Windows and Mac

On Windows, press Windows + period (.). On Mac, press Control + Command + Space. First click in a text field so the selected emoji has somewhere to go.

Windows

Open a message, document or other editable text field. Hold the Windows key and press the period key. Use the emoji panel to search or select a character, then return to your text. Microsoft documents the panel and its additional symbol options in Windows keyboard tips.

Try the shortcut in a simple local note if it fails inside a remote desktop, game or browser application. That comparison helps distinguish an operating-system shortcut issue from a program that captures the keys.

Mac

Click where you want the emoji, then press Control + Command + Space to open the character picker. You can also use the application’s Edit menu and look for Emoji & Symbols. The view and available shortcut settings can vary with the application and macOS version. Apple describes the options in Use emoji and symbols on Mac.

When a website rejects the emoji

A field may allow ordinary text but reject symbols. Test a short message in another field before assuming copying failed. A username, account number or password field can have different rules from a chat box. Do not bypass a form’s validation by adding invisible characters.

Build a longer message

Our online emoji keyboard lets you search, choose available variants and save browser-local favorites. Compose the message, copy it once, then paste it into the destination. Nothing needs to be installed.

If the pasted character becomes a box rather than disappearing, follow the missing emoji display guide instead.