How to Type the Heart Symbol on Your Computer

On Windows, you can easily insert the heart symbol by using a special Alt code with the numeric keypad. If your computer doesn’t have a numeric keypad, you can use the Character Map tool. For macOS, you need to open the Symbol Viewer to locate and insert the heart symbol. This symbol has been part of Unicode since version 1.1.0 (released in 1993) and is supported on almost all devices.

Activate NumLock. Make sure the NumLock is enabled on your numeric keypad to use the Alt code.

• If your computer has an integrated numeric keypad with regular keys functioning as a substitute, you may need to press the Fn key to activate it. This layout is common on laptops and small netbooks that don't have a full-sized numeric keypad.
• Not all laptops come with a numeric keypad, especially certain ThinkPad models. In such cases, refer to the instructions for using the Character Map below.

Hold down the Alt key. This allows you to enter the code using the numeric keypad.

Press the number 3 on the numeric keypad while still holding the Alt key. You can't use the top row number 3 key; you must use the one on the numeric keypad on the right side.

• If your computer uses an integrated numeric keypad, the key will be L because the right side of the keyboard switches to the numeric keypad function when NumLock is enabled.

Release the Alt key. Once you let go of the Alt key, the ♥ symbol will appear. If you're using a program with a font that doesn't support this symbol, a square "□" will be shown instead.

Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner. There is no keyboard shortcut to type the heart symbol on macOS, but you can use the Symbol Viewer to insert it. You can enable the Symbol Viewer from within the System Preferences menu.

• The Apple menu is always accessible, no matter which program you have open.

Choose "System Preferences" from the Apple menu. This will open various system settings on your Mac.

Click on "Keyboard". This will display your input settings.

Check the box at the bottom of the Keyboard window. The box is labeled "Show viewers for keyboard, symbols, and emoji in the menu bar". A new button will appear in the menu bar at the top of your screen.

Click on the Viewer button in the menu bar. A variety of input options will be displayed.

Select "Show Emoji & Symbols". A new window will open, showcasing a range of symbols and characters.

Click on the "Emoji" category. A full list of available emojis will be displayed, organized into different categories.

Select "Symbols". A variety of heart symbols will appear at the top of the list.

Double-click the heart symbol you wish to insert. The heart will be placed where the cursor is currently positioned.

• There are also other heart symbols available in the "Pictographs" section. This includes the heart symbol used on playing cards.

Open the Start menu or screen. You can click the Start button at the bottom-left corner of the desktop screen, or press the ⊞ Win key.

Type "character map" in the Start menu or screen. The Character Map program will launch on your computer.

• You can use the Character Map to search for and insert the heart symbol if your computer doesn't have a numeric keypad with Alt code support.

Click the "Advanced view" box at the bottom of the window. Additional options will appear in the Character Map window.

Select "Unicode Subrange" from the "Group by" dropdown menu. A smaller window will appear next to the Character Map.

Choose "Symbols & Dingbats" from the new window. The characters in the Character Map will now be limited to a selection of symbols, including the heart symbol.

Double-click on the heart symbol in the list. This symbol will be added to the characters ready to be copied.

Click the "Copy" button. The selected character(s) (in this case, the heart symbol) will be copied to your clipboard.

Paste the copied heart symbol where you want it. Place the cursor where you'd like the heart symbol to appear and press Ctrl + V. The heart will be pasted into the text field.