How to use emojis on mac

Last Updated: Mar 4, 2024 by

Emojis have become an integral part of our digital communication, adding a fun and expressive element to our messages. While they are commonly used on smartphones, many people are unaware that they can also be used on Mac computers. In this article, we will discuss how to use emojis on Mac, including shortcuts and tips to make the process easier.

Enabling the Emoji Keyboard

Before you can start using emojis on your Mac, you need to make sure that the emoji keyboard is enabled. To do this, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard and check the box next to “Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar.” This will add an icon to your menu bar that looks like a smiley face.

Using Emoji Shortcuts

One of the easiest ways to use emojis on Mac is by using keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts allow you to quickly insert emojis into your messages without having to search for them. To use a shortcut, simply press the Command + Control + Spacebar keys at the same time. This will bring up the emoji keyboard, where you can select the emoji you want to use.

Creating Custom Emoji Shortcuts

If you have certain emojis that you use frequently, you can create custom shortcuts for them. This can save you time and make it easier to insert your favorite emojis. To create a custom shortcut, go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text and click on the “+” button. In the “Replace” field, type in the shortcut you want to use (e.g. “:heart:”) and in the “With” field, select the emoji you want to use. Now, whenever you type in the shortcut, it will automatically be replaced with the emoji.

Using the Emoji Viewer

Another way to insert emojis on Mac is by using the emoji viewer. To access this, click on the smiley face icon in your menu bar or press Control + Command + Spacebar. This will bring up a window with all the available emojis. You can browse through the different categories or use the search bar to find a specific emoji. Once you find the one you want, simply click on it to insert it into your message.

Emoji Tips

  • To make emojis larger or smaller, simply click and drag the corners of the emoji before inserting it into your message.
  • You can also use emojis in your file names on Mac. This can make it easier to identify files and add a fun touch to your documents.
  • If you want to use emojis in your social media posts or emails, you can copy and paste them from the emoji viewer or use the keyboard shortcuts.

Final Thoughts

Using emojis on Mac can add a fun and personal touch to your messages and documents. By enabling the emoji keyboard and using shortcuts and tips, you can easily incorporate emojis into your digital communication. So go ahead and start using emojis on your Mac today! Have any other emoji tips? Let us know in the comments.

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.