How to Type Checkmark in Word Using Wingdings 2 (5 Easy Methods)

Adding a checkmark (tick mark) or a checked ballot box in Microsoft Word is essential when creating to-do lists, survey forms, contracts, and project checklists. While Microsoft Word has hundreds of symbols, the Wingdings 2 font is famous for having the cleanest, most professional checkmarks.

However, many users struggle to find the exact keyboard shortcut or character code to insert a Wingdings 2 checkmark quickly without opening endless menus.

In this step-by-step guide, you will learn 5 fast methods to type a checkmark in Word using Wingdings 2, including instant keyboard shortcuts, Alt codes, and our free 1-click copy tool.

Quick Reference: Wingdings 2 Checkmark Keyboard Shortcuts

If you are in a hurry, change your font in Microsoft Word to Wingdings 2, and press any of the following keys on your keyboard:

SymbolSymbol NameWingdings 2 KeystrokeAlt Code (NumPad)
🗸Light Checkmark (Clean Tick)Shift + PAlt + 0252
☑Ballot Box with CheckmarkShift + RAlt + 0254
☒Ballot Box with Cross (X)Shift + TAlt + 0253
🗴Clean Cross Mark (X)Shift + OAlt + 0251

💡 Don’t want to change fonts? Use our free Wingdings 2 Translator & Symbol Copier to copy Unicode checkmarks with one click and paste them directly into Word or Discord!

Method 1: The Fastest Keystroke Method (Shift + P or Shift + R)

The quickest way to insert a checkmark in Word without touching your mouse is using capital letters with the Wingdings 2 font:

  1. Open your document in Microsoft Word.
  2. In the Home tab ribbon, click the font dropdown box and select Wingdings 2.
  3. Press Shift + P on your keyboard to instantly type a clean checkmark (🗸).
  4. If you want a box with a checkmark inside, press Shift + R (☑).
  5. Once inserted, switch your font back to your normal writing font (like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman) to continue typing.

🍎 For Mac Users: The numeric Alt codes only work on Windows, but the Shift + P shortcut with Wingdings 2 font works 100% identically on Microsoft Word for macOS.

Method 2: Using the Alt Code on the Numeric Keypad

If you have a keyboard with a dedicated number pad (NumPad on the right), you can use Windows Alt codes:

  1. Place your cursor where you want the tick mark to appear.
  2. Ensure Num Lock is turned ON.
  3. Set your active font to Wingdings 2 (or Wingdings 1).
  4. Hold down the Alt key, and type:
  • Alt + 0252 ➔ Standard Checkmark (✔)
  • Alt + 0254 ➔ Checkmark in a Box (☑)
  1. Release the Alt key, and your checkmark will render immediately.

Method 3: Using Word’s “Insert Symbol” Dialog

If you prefer selecting symbols visually from Word’s interface:

  1. Click on the Insert tab on the top menu bar.
  2. On the far-right side of the ribbon, click Symbol ➔ More Symbols…
  3. In the Symbol dialog window:
  • Set the Font dropdown to Wingdings 2.
  1. Scroll toward the bottom of the grid until you see the checkmarks and ballot boxes.
  2. Click on the checkmark symbol and click the Insert button.
  3. Click Close.

Method 4: The 1-Click Copy and Paste Method (Universal & Safe)

The biggest drawback of typing in the Wingdings 2 font inside Word is that if you email your document or open it on a Mac or mobile device that doesn’t have the Wingdings font installed, your checkmark can turn back into the letter “P” or an empty square box!

To avoid this, you should use modern Unicode checkmarks that never break:

  1. Visit our Wingdings 2 Symbol Decoder.
  2. Click on the checkmark button in the quick symbol bar (🗸 or ☑).
  3. The symbol is copied to your clipboard instantly.
  4. Press Ctrl + V (or Cmd + V on Mac) to paste it directly into your Word document, Google Docs, or email.

Because it is a native Unicode character, it will display correctly across all devices and operating systems!

Method 5: Create an AutoCorrect Shortcut in Word (Permanent Fix)

If you type checkmarks daily, you can train Word to replace a shortcut like (c) or \tick with a checkmark automatically:

  1. Go to File ➔ Options.
  2. Select Proofing ➔ click on AutoCorrect Options…
  3. In the Replace field, type your custom trigger (e.g., :check: or \cm).
  4. In the With field, paste a checkmark (🗸 or ☑).
  5. Click Add, then click OK.

Now, whenever you type :check: and hit the spacebar, Word will automatically transform it into a professional checkmark!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my Wingdings 2 checkmark turn into the letter “P”?

Wingdings 2 is a legacy substitution font. If someone opens your document without the font installed, or if the text is copied into plain text fields (like Notepad or web forms), Word reverts the character back to its underlying ASCII key (P). To prevent this, use native Unicode checkmarks using our Wingdings Translator tool.

What is the difference between Wingdings 1 and Wingdings 2 checkmarks?

In the original Wingdings 1 font, typing Alt + 0252 gives a bolder checkmark (✔). In Wingdings 2, pressing Shift + P produces a thinner, modern checkmark (🗸), while Shift + R produces an enclosed ballot check box (☑).

Can I insert a Wingdings 2 checkmark in Excel?

Yes! The exact same methods work in Microsoft Excel. Change the cell font to Wingdings 2, and press Shift + P to insert a checkmark.

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