Microsoft Word

How to Get Emojis in Word

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
Microsoft Word

Emojis have become an integral part of our digital communication, but did you know you can use them in Microsoft Word too? That's right! Adding a little color and emotion to your documents is easier than you might think. Whether you're writing a report or crafting a heartfelt letter, emojis can help convey tone and emotion where words might fall short. Let's explore how you can seamlessly integrate emojis into your Word documents for that extra flair.

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Why Use Emojis in Your Word Documents?

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of adding emojis to your Word documents, it's worth pondering why you'd want to do it in the first place. Emojis aren't just for texts and social media anymore. They've entered the professional sphere, albeit with some discretion, of course.

Here's a quick list of reasons why emojis might be your new best friend in Word:

  • Convey Emotion: Sometimes words just aren't enough. Emojis can add emotion to your documents, making your message more relatable.
  • Engage Your Audience: Whether you're creating a presentation or a newsletter, a well-placed emoji can capture attention and make your content more engaging.
  • Break the Ice: In formal documents like emails or memos, a subtle emoji can lighten the mood and make communication more approachable.
  • Visual Interest: Emojis can serve as visual elements to break up text, making your document easier to read. This is especially useful in long reports or guides.

While emojis are fun, they should be used sparingly in professional settings. But when used appropriately, they can enhance your communication significantly.

Using the Emoji Keyboard on Windows

For Windows users, adding emojis to Word documents is a breeze thanks to the built-in emoji keyboard. This feature is available on Windows 10 and later versions, making it accessible to most users. Here's how you can activate it:

Step-by-Step Guide to Access the Emoji Keyboard

  1. Open Microsoft Word: First, make sure your Word document is open, and your cursor is where you want to insert an emoji.
  2. Open the Emoji Keyboard: Simply press the Windows Key + Period (.) or Windows Key + Semicolon (,). This will bring up the emoji panel.
  3. Select Your Emoji: Browse through the emoji categories or use the search function to find the specific emoji you want. Click on it, and it will be inserted into your document.
  4. Close the Panel: Once you have selected your emoji, you can close the panel by clicking the X or pressing Esc.

This method is quick and efficient, allowing you to add multiple emojis without breaking your workflow. It's especially handy for users who frequently use emojis across different applications.

Accessing Emojis on Mac

If you're a Mac user, don't worry! Apple has its own version of the emoji keyboard, and it's just as easy to use. Here's how you can access it:

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Step-by-Step Guide for Mac Users

  1. Open Your Document: Ensure your Word document is open, and your cursor is positioned where you want the emoji.
  2. Open the Emoji Keyboard: Press Control + Command + Spacebar. The emoji palette will appear.
  3. Find Your Emoji: You can browse through the categories or use the search bar to find the emoji that fits your needs.
  4. Insert the Emoji: Double-click the emoji you want to insert. It will appear in your document at the cursor's location.
  5. Close the Palette: Close the emoji palette by clicking the close button or pressing Esc.

With these simple steps, Mac users can easily enhance their documents with emojis, just like their Windows counterparts.

Using the Character Map for Additional Symbols

Sometimes you might want to insert symbols or characters that aren't available in the standard emoji keyboard. This is where the Character Map comes in handy, especially for Windows users. It's a bit like a secret weapon for symbols, and it's easy to use once you know where to find it.

Steps to Use the Character Map

  1. Open the Character Map: Search for "Character Map" in the Windows Start menu and open the application.
  2. Select the Font: Choose a font that contains the symbol or character you're interested in. Some fonts have more symbols than others.
  3. Find Your Symbol: Scroll through the list or use the search feature to find the symbol you need.
  4. Select and Copy: Click on the symbol and then click the Select button. After that, click Copy to add it to your clipboard.
  5. Paste into Word: Go back to your Word document and paste the symbol where you need it.

The Character Map is a powerful tool not just for emojis but for any special character or symbol you might need in your document.

Inserting Emojis with AutoCorrect

Did you know you can use Word's AutoCorrect feature to insert emojis? It's a neat trick that can save you time, especially if you find yourself using the same emojis frequently.

Setting Up AutoCorrect for Emojis

  1. Open AutoCorrect Options: Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options.
  2. Enter Text Replacement: In the Replace field, type a short code or keyword you want to use for the emoji.
  3. Insert the Emoji: In the With field, paste the emoji you want associated with the text code.
  4. Confirm Your Settings: Click Add, then OK to save your settings.

Now, whenever you type the short code in your document, Word will automatically replace it with the corresponding emoji. It's like having your own custom emoji shortcuts!

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Copying and Pasting Emojis from Other Sources

If you've ever wanted to use emojis from your favorite websites or social media platforms, copying and pasting them into Word is a viable option. This method is straightforward, albeit with a couple of things to keep in mind.

How to Copy and Paste Emojis

  1. Find Your Emoji: Navigate to a website or social media platform with the emoji you want to use.
  2. Copy the Emoji: Highlight the emoji and press Ctrl + C (Windows) or Command + C (Mac) to copy it.
  3. Paste into Word: Go back to your Word document and paste the emoji using Ctrl + V (Windows) or Command + V (Mac).

While this method is easy, be aware that the emoji's appearance might change slightly depending on how Word renders it. But overall, it's a quick solution when you're in a pinch.

Using Online Emoji Libraries

There are numerous online libraries where you can find a wide variety of emojis. These libraries can be useful if you're looking for something specific or if you need a high-resolution emoji for a design project.

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Steps to Use Online Libraries

  1. Visit an Emoji Library: Websites like Emojipedia offer extensive collections of emojis.
  2. Search for Your Emoji: Use the search bar to find the emoji you're interested in.
  3. Copy the Emoji: Click on the emoji to get more information, then use the Copy feature to add it to your clipboard.
  4. Paste into Word: Insert the emoji into your document using the paste function.

These libraries often provide additional information about emoji meanings and usage, making them great resources if you're unsure about the context of a particular emoji.

Adding Emojis with Spell

If you're using Spell, our AI document editor, you can easily add emojis as well. Spell offers a more integrated approach, making the process even smoother.

Benefits of Using Spell for Emojis

  • AI Assistance: Spell's AI can suggest emojis based on the context of your document, saving you time and enhancing your content.
  • Easy Integration: Just like with Word, adding emojis in Spell is intuitive and straightforward, with the added benefit of AI-driven features.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: With Spell, you can collaborate with team members in real time, including when you're adding emojis to your document.

To add emojis in Spell, simply use the emoji keyboard on your device, and Spell will handle the rest. It's that easy!

Final Thoughts

Whether you're aiming to convey emotion, increase engagement, or just add a touch of fun to your documents, emojis can be a fantastic tool. With methods ranging from keyboard shortcuts to online libraries, you have plenty of options to choose from. And if you're looking for an even faster way to incorporate emojis, using Spell can streamline the process with its AI capabilities, saving you even more time. So go ahead, give your documents that extra bit of personality!

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been working in product and growth for the last 10 years. He's currently Head of Growth at Sugardoh. Before that he worked at Bump Boxes, Buffer, UserTesting, and a few other early-stage startups.

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