Emoji keyboard shortcuts
One shortcut per device opens the emoji keyboard: Win + . on Windows, Control + Command + Space on a Mac. Here is every platform, including Outlook.
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The shortcut for every device
| Device | Shortcut | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10 / 11 | Win + . (period) or Win + ; | Opens the emoji panel in any text field, including Outlook, Teams and browsers; type to search |
| macOS | Control + Command + Space | Opens the Character Viewer; newer keyboards also have a 🌐 / fn key that opens it |
| iPhone / iPad | Tap the 😀 or 🌐 key on the keyboard | Search field at the top of the emoji keyboard on recent iOS versions |
| Android (Gboard) | Tap the 😀 key left of the space bar | Or long-press the comma / Enter key on some layouts |
| ChromeOS | Search + Shift + Space | Also via right-click → Emoji |
| Any device | Copy from this site | Every card copies the exact Unicode character |
All of these insert standard Unicode emoji, the same characters this directory lists, so what you type on one device is what the recipient sees on theirs, drawn in their font. There is no separate “Outlook emoji” or “Windows emoji”; the app just decides how to draw the character.
Emoji in Outlook
Outlook has no special emoji code of its own, and the fastest route on Windows is the system panel: put the cursor in the message body and press Win + .. The web version and the new Outlook also have an emoji button in the compose toolbar (Insert → Emoji, or the smiley icon). On a Mac, use Control + Command + Space as in any other app. Classic Outlook on Windows also offers Insert → Symbol, but the system panel is quicker and searchable.
- Click into the message body (the shortcut does nothing in the subject line on some versions).
- Press Win + . (Windows) or Control + Command + Space (Mac).
- Type a word such as “thumbs” or “fire”, choose the emoji, press Enter.
- If the recipient sees a box, their mail client lacks that emoji; older characters such as 👍 and ✅ are the safest in email.
When the panel doesn’t open
- Windows: the shortcut needs a text field focused; on older Windows 10 builds the panel is English-language only unless the input language is changed.
- Mac: if Control + Command + Space does nothing, check System Settings → Keyboard for the “Press 🌐 key to” option and set it to “Show Emoji & Symbols”.
- Any device: copy the character from this site instead — the directory search finds any emoji by name, and the random emoji generator is a quick way to browse.
The About page keeps a short version of this table; this page is the full reference.
Emoji on a Chromebook
On a Chromebook, open the emoji picker by pressing Search (or the Launcher key) + Shift + Space. You can also right-click in many text fields and choose Emoji. The picker works in most text fields across the system, including web apps.
If the shortcut does nothing, make sure a text field is active and your Chromebook is up to date. You can also open the on-screen keyboard and tap the emoji key, or copy any emoji from this directory and paste it where you need it.
Emoji in Microsoft Word and Office
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams on Windows all use the same system emoji panel: press Win + . (or Win + ;) to insert an emoji at the cursor. On a Mac, use Control + Command + Space.
In Microsoft Teams, the chat box has its own emoji button, but the same Windows emoji hotkey works anywhere you can type. The web version of Teams also has an emoji button in the compose area.
- Windows emoji hotkey works in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
- Teams chat has a dedicated emoji button
Troubleshooting
What is the emoji shortcut on Windows?
Windows key + . (period) or Windows key + ; (semicolon). It opens a searchable emoji panel in any text field.
What is the emoji shortcut on a Mac?
Control + Command + Space opens the emoji picker. On keyboards with a 🌐 (globe) key, pressing it does the same.
How do I insert an emoji in Outlook?
Click in the message body and press Win + . on Windows or Control + Command + Space on a Mac. Outlook on the web and the new Outlook also have an emoji button in the toolbar.
Why does my emoji look different to the recipient?
Each device draws emoji in its own font. The character is identical; only the artwork changes.
Are there secret emojis I can get with a keyboard shortcut?
No, all standard emoji are available from the picker. There are no secret emoji hidden behind keyboard shortcuts.
How do I make the tongue-sticking-out emoji on a keyboard?
Open the emoji picker and search for “tongue” to find 😛. You can also type :P in many messaging apps, and it may convert to 😛 or a similar tongue emoji.
How do I get emoji suggestions while typing?
On iPhone and Android, emoji suggestions appear above the keyboard as you type relevant words. On Windows and Mac, the emoji panel search suggests emoji based on what you type.
How do I use emojis on a PC?
On a Windows computer, press the Windows key + . (period) or Windows key + ; (semicolon) while a text field is active. This opens the emoji picker.
How do I use emojis on a MacBook or Mac OS?
Press Control + Command + Space while a text field is active. This opens the Character Viewer, where you can choose an emoji.
How do I use emoji shortcuts on Facebook?
There are no Facebook-specific shortcuts; use your device’s emoji picker. On Android, tap the smiley face icon on your keyboard while typing in the Facebook app or mobile browser. On iPhone, tap the globe or smiley key. On a computer, use the same keyboard shortcut as your operating system (see the answers above).
About this guide
Written and maintained by the Emoji Directory editorial team, without ads or sponsorship. Meanings describe how the emoji is commonly used in public posts and messages, not an official definition. Names, code points, versions, keywords and translations come from the Unicode Emoji 18.0 and CLDR data; shortcodes from the gemoji project. Last reviewed . Spotted a mistake or a new usage? Tell us, or read how the directory is made.
