Paragraph Symbol Shortcut (¶)
To type the paragraph symbol (¶), called the pilcrow: press ⌥7 (Option+7) on a Mac, or hold Alt and type 0182 on the numeric keypad on Windows.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilcrow (Paragraph Symbol) ¶ | ⌥7 | Alt+0182 | |
| Pilcrow (Paragraph Symbol) (copy) | ¶ | ¶ |
The pilcrow (paragraph symbol) on Mac vs Windows
The pilcrow (paragraph symbol) (¶) is used for citing paragraphs in legal text and marking paragraph breaks. On a Mac press ⌥7 (Option+7). On Windows, hold Alt and type 0182 on the numeric keypad, then release. No number pad? Copy the ¶ above, or use the Windows emoji panel Win+. and search for the character.
When to use ¶
The pilcrow ¶ marks the start of a paragraph and is used in legal citations (¶ 12). In Word, the same button that inserts it also toggles showing all formatting marks with Ctrl+* (Windows) or ⌘8 (Mac).
Related special characters
Typing other symbols and accented letters? See how to type bullet point · em dash · checkmark on both Mac and Windows.
FAQ
What is the pilcrow (paragraph symbol) shortcut?
On a Mac press ⌥7 (Option+7). On Windows hold Alt and type 0182 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt.
How do I type ¶ on a laptop without a number pad?
Copy the ¶ from this page, or on Windows open the emoji panel with Win+. and search for it. On Mac ⌥7 works on any keyboard.
What is the ¶ symbol called?
It is called the pilcrow or paragraph mark. Type it with ⌥7 on Mac or Alt+0182 on Windows.