Document Editing Problems

How to Insert a Check Mark Symbol in Microsoft Word

Steve K Oct 9, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user wants to know how to add a check mark (tick) symbol into a Microsoft Word document.

How to Insert a Check Mark Symbol in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Document Editing and Formatting
Observed behavior: Needs to locate and correctly insert check mark symbols using the built-in Symbol menu and fonts such as Wingdings 2.

Before you start

Ensure your text cursor is placed exactly where you want the check mark to appear in your document before opening the Symbol dialog box.

Solution 1Recommended

Insert Check Mark Using the Symbol Dialog Box

The most reliable method to browse and insert various styles of check marks using built-in Wingdings fonts.

Microsoft Word includes several built-in symbol fonts like Wingdings and Webdings. By utilizing the Symbol dialog box, you can access a wide variety of special characters, including plain check marks and check marks inside boxes.

Go to the Insert Tab

Open your Microsoft Word document and click on the 'Insert' tab located in the top ribbon menu.

Open the Symbols Menu

Look for the 'Symbols' group on the far right of the ribbon. Click on 'Symbol', then choose 'More Symbols...' from the drop-down menu.

Select the Wingdings 2 Font

In the Symbol dialog box, click the 'Font' drop-down arrow and select 'Wingdings 2' (or 'Wingdings').

Insert the Symbol

Scroll through the characters to find the check mark (character codes 80, 81, or 82 in Wingdings 2). Click on the desired check mark and then click the 'Insert' button.

Insert Check Mark Using the Symbol Dialog Box

Quick Tip: Once you insert a symbol, it will appear in your 'Recently used symbols' list in the initial Symbol drop-down, making it much faster to add again later.

Solution 2

Insert Check Mark Using a Keyboard Alt Code

A fast alternative for users who have a numeric keypad and want to type check marks without navigating through menus.

Seamless Document Editing

Easily Insert Symbols and Edit Documents with WPS Office

WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and fully compatible office suite. You can effortlessly insert symbols, special characters, and check marks into your documents using a familiar, intuitive interface just like Microsoft Word.

1. Open Your Document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open your text document in the WPS Writer application.
2. Navigate to the Insert Tab: Click the 'Insert' tab on the top menu ribbon, then click on 'Symbol' and select 'Custom Symbol' or 'More Symbols'.
3. Choose the Correct Font: In the dialog box, set the Font to 'Wingdings 2' or 'Wingdings' to view the check mark options.
4. Insert Your Check Mark: Select the check mark icon you prefer and click 'Insert' to place it directly into your document.

Completely free to use with an intuitive, familiar interfaceFully compatible with Microsoft Word formats (.doc, .docx)Easily access and insert thousands of symbols and special charactersLightweight design ensures fast and smooth performance on any device

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I insert a clickable checkbox in Word instead of just a symbol?

To insert an interactive, clickable checkbox, you need to use the Developer tab. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, and check the box for 'Developer' in the right column. Click OK. Then, place your cursor where you want the checkbox, go to the Developer tab, and click the 'Check Box Content Control' icon in the Controls group.

Why did my check mark symbol turn into a weird letter or square box?

This happens when the font of the symbol is accidentally changed. Check marks inserted via the Symbol dialog rely on specific symbol fonts (like Wingdings or Webdings). If you select the check mark and change its font to a standard text font like Arial or Times New Roman, it will revert to the standard alphanumeric character (often a 'P' or 'ü') associated with that keystroke.

Is there a keyboard shortcut for a check mark on a Mac?

Yes, on a macOS keyboard, you can quickly insert a standard check mark (which technically represents a square root but acts visually as a tick) by pressing Option + V. This shortcut works directly in most standard fonts without needing to switch to Wingdings.

Document & File Issues