Opening Emoji keyboard on Mac
Method 1: Press the Fn/globe key on your Mac keyboard.
Method 2: Use the keyboard shortcut Command + Control + Space.
Method 3: Select Edit > Emoji & Symbols from the top menu bar.
Opening Emoji keyboard on Windows 11
Press WIN + . (period) to launch the emoji keyboard in Windows 11. If you're in a browser, right-click > Emoji.
Then, select the Emoji symbol to browse for one. Or perform a keyword search. Select the emoji to paste it.
The same emoji keyboard shortcut can be used on touchscreen devices via the on-screen keyboard.
Use the Globe Key (for Mac)
Newer Macs come with a key in the lower left corner labeled with a globe or an FN. Press the FN key and the emoji keyboard pops right up.
Use a Keyboard Shortcut (for Mac)
If you’re a fan of Mac keyboard shortcuts and find it easy to remember those you need, then here's a new one for you: Command + Control + Space.
The emoji window pops right up for you to make a selection.
Use the Menu Bar (for Mac)
As a Mac user, you know that the Mac menu bar holds actions for Finder along with the app you’re currently using. This makes the menu bar the easiest way to remember how to access the emoji keyboard.
Select Edit and choose Emoji & Symbols.
You’ll then see those happy smileys, people, and animals open in a small window.
Adjust the Keyboard Settings to Make Sure the Emoji Keyboard Shows up (for Mac)
If you don’t see the emoji keyboard open, you can make a simple adjustment to your settings.
Open System Preferences with the icon in your Dock or use the Apple icon in the menu bar and select Keyboard.
Then go to the Keyboard tab.
In the drop-down menu next to Press (globe key) to, pick Show Emoji & Symbols.
You can then close System Preferences and give your globe key another press. You should see the emoji keyboard open right up.
How to Use the Emoji Keyboard (for Mac)
Once you have the emoji keyboard open, use the tabs at the bottom to select people, animals, food, activities, or another category. Alternatively, you can enter a keyword into the Search box.
Select the emoji you want to use and then double-click to insert it into your document, note, or email where your cursor sits.
If you prefer, you can also drag the emoji from the window to your document where you want it.
To see additional symbols, click the Character Viewer button on the top right corner of the emoji window. This displays the Character Viewer with categories along the left side.
You can insert an emoji or symbol into a document or other spot the same way. Either double-click or drag the character where you want it.
How to Open the Emoji Keyboard on Windows 11
The built-in emoji keyboard makes it easy to use emojis in Windows 11. All you need to know is the Windows keyboard shortcut for this special menu. Then, select one of the supported emojis to insert it into any text area instantly.
Select a place in the text where you want to insert the emoji. You can always move it later via copy/paste.
Press WIN + . (period) or WIN + ; (semicolon) to open the emoji keyboard.
Search for the emoji you want to use or select the smiley face to find an emoji category if you'd rather browse the collection.
If you want to stick to using your keyboard only, use Tab and the arrow keys to sift through the various menus and emojis in the menu. Press Enter to insert one and Esc to close the keyboard menu.
Select the emoji to insert it into the text.
Keep selecting emojis if you want to add more. Otherwise, select X to close the emoji keyboard.