Emojis have become an essential way for people to express themselves online. Whether you’re a Windows or Mac user, there are easy ways to access and type emojis on your computer.
Table of Contents
Accessing the Emoji Keyboard on Windows
Use the Keyboard Shortcut
The quickest way to access emojis on Windows is by using the keyboard shortcut Windows key + . (period). This will bring up the emoji picker, allowing you to browse through different emoji categories or search for a specific emoji.
Add the Touch Keyboard Button
Alternatively, you can add a Touch Keyboard button to your taskbar for easy access:
- Right-click on an empty space in your taskbar
- Select “Show touch keyboard button”
- The touch keyboard icon will now be available in your taskbar. Click it anytime to bring up the emoji picker.
Use the Windows + ; Shortcut
You can also use Windows key + ; (semi-colon) to bring up the emoji menu. This shortcut works the same way.
Accessing the Emoji Keyboard on Mac
Use the Keyboard Shortcut
The easiest way to access emojis on a Mac is to use the keyboard shortcut Control + Command + Spacebar. This will open the Character Viewer with the emoji keyboard ready to use.
Edit Menu
You can also access the emoji keyboard through the Edit menu. Click on Edit > Emoji & Symbols in the application menu bar. The Character Viewer will pop up with the emojis.
Modify the Control + Spacebar Shortcut
Alternatively, you can set Control + Spacebar to open the emoji keyboard specifically:
- Go to System Preferences > Keyboard
- Change “Press Control + Spacebar to” to “Show Emoji & Symbols”
- Now you can use Control + Spacebar to view emojis.
Using the Emoji Keyboard
Once you have emoji keyboard access set up, using it is very straightforward:
- Browse – Scroll through categories or use the search feature to find the perfect emoji.
- Select – Click or double click an emoji to insert it.
- Repeat – Insert multiple emojis as needed in your text.
Here are some tips for seamless emoji use:
- Get to know emoji keyboard shortcuts for your favorite emojis
- Use emoji combinations and sequences to tell a story
- Maintain clear communication by using emojis appropriately
- Be mindful of emoji interpretations across different cultures
Adding Custom Emojis
Unfortunately, Windows does not currently allow users to install custom emoji packs. However, Mac users have a few options:
Download Emoji Fonts
- Find and download emoji fonts online
- Install these fonts on your Mac
- Switch keyboard input to this font to access the custom emojis
Create Emoji Shortcuts
- Open System Preferences > Keyboard > Text tab
- Under “Replace” column, add text shortcuts for emojis, e.g. “:smile:”
- The text will automatically convert to the corresponding emoji
Use Third-Party Apps
- Apps like Bitmoji or Emoji> allow more customization
- Install on Mac and gain access to more diverse and personalized emojis
So whether you’re on Windows or Mac, you can easily access default and custom emojis to take your online conversations to the next level!
