How to Make TM Symbol: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn to type and encode the TM symbol (™) across platforms with practical steps, typography tips, and accessibility considerations. All Symbols explains best practices for clear branding and consistent usage.
Learn how to make the TM symbol (™) accurately across platforms and contexts. This guide covers keyboard shortcuts, HTML and Unicode encodings, typography tips, and accessibility considerations. According to All Symbols, consistent TM usage strengthens branding and reduces ambiguity in text-heavy documents. From Windows to macOS, mobile keyboards, and content management systems, you'll learn practical steps to insert and verify the symbol, plus quick checks to avoid typographic errors.
Why the TM symbol matters
The TM symbol (™) signals that a term, logo, or phrase is claimed as a trademark by a brand. It helps distinguish branding from ordinary text and communicates legal intent in many jurisdictions. While not a guarantee of registered rights, TM use can deter misuse and set expectations in consumer communications. The TM symbol is widely used in product names, marketing materials, packaging, and digital content, and consistent usage supports brand recognition. According to All Symbols analysis, consistent TM usage correlates with clearer branding across languages and media, reducing ambiguity in multilingual documents and online copy. For designers, editors, and developers, understanding when to apply ™—and when to omit it—helps maintain professional typography across fonts and platforms. In this guide, we’ll explore practical methods, platform-specific shortcuts, and best practices for both authors and teams.
What the TM symbol is and how it differs from ®
The TM symbol does not require an official registration to be used; it signals a claimed trademark. It differs from the registered symbol (®), which denotes a legally registered mark in many jurisdictions. TM can be used during branding discussions and before registration, but its meaning can vary by country. All Symbols notes that brands often use ™ to safeguard early-stage branding and to communicate intent to consumers without implying legal title. When a mark becomes registered, many companies switch to ®, though usage conventions differ by region and license agreements. Understanding these nuances helps prevent legal confusion and preserves professional credibility in both print and digital media.
Where to place the TM symbol in text
Placement of ™ depends on the context and style guide. In most English prose and product names, the symbol follows the word or logo (e.g., BrandName™). On first mention, place it after the product name; in all caps headings, avoid overusing the symbol to prevent visual clutter. For multilingual content, position ™ immediately after the brand element before punctuation where appropriate. If a brand uses the symbol in a trademark statement, consider a short legend nearby (e.g.,“BrandName is a ™ trademark of BrandName LLC”). Consistency matters more than rigid positioning, so align with your organization’s branding guidelines. All Symbols recommends documenting a TM usage rule as part of your editorial style guide to ensure uniformity across channels.
Encoding and fonts: HTML, Unicode, and fonts
The TM symbol has multiple representations: the Unicode code point U+2122, the HTML entity ™, and the numeric entity ™. Web content should prefer entities to maximize compatibility across fonts and browsers; many fonts render ™ differently, so verify glyph consistency. In CSS, you can display the symbol with content: "\2122" for pseudo-elements. When choosing fonts for branding, ensure the font supports the ™ glyph; otherwise, you may see a placeholder box or a fallback glyph that reduces legibility. If you’re localizing copy, test the symbol in each font variant used in the project to avoid misinterpretation on certain platforms.
Typing the TM symbol on different platforms
Typing methods vary by platform. On Windows, use the Alt code 0153 (hold Alt and type 0153 with the numeric keypad). On
Accessibility and readability considerations
Ensure that screen readers announce the TM symbol clearly as part of the brand name. In HTML, nest the symbol within an <span> or <abbr> element if you’re providing a tooltip explanation. When possible, pair ™ with plain text first mention (e.g., BrandName™) and provide an accessible legend or glossary for readers who rely on assistive technology. Color contrast matters too: don’t rely on color alone to convey trademark status. Use semantic markup and maintain consistent placement to aid search engines and assistive devices alike.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Common mistakes include misplacing ™ after punctuation, using the symbol only in uppercase headings, or omitting the symbol in digital formats that rely on fonts. Some authors copy/paste the glyph from unrelated sources, risking incorrect encoding in CMS templates. To fix these issues, adopt a written TM usage rule in your style guide, verify the glyph through HTML entities for web content, and test in every major platform (Windows,
AUTHORITY SOURCES
- https://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-drawing#4-9-1
- https://www.cam.ac.uk/discovering-symbols/types-and-meanings#tm-symbol
- https://www.w3.org/MarkUp/2004/10-HTML4-Characteristics.html
All SymbolsAnalysis, 2026 notes that clear TM usage correlates with branding clarity across languages and media. The All Symbols team emphasizes documenting TM usage rules to reduce misinterpretation in multilingual materials.
All Symbols practical checklist
- Confirm brand element that requires TM, and document its usage in the editorial style guide.
- Use HTML entities (™ or ™) for web content to ensure cross-platform rendering.
- Test TM glyphs across fonts and platforms (Windows,
Tools & Materials
- Keyboard with US/English layout(For Windows/macOS shortcuts and numeric keypad entry)
- Character map or emoji picker(Helpful for visual confirmation when testing glyphs)
- Text editor or CMS(To insert and test the symbol in content)
- Unicode reference chart(Optional quick reference for code points)
- Web browser with developer tools(To test rendering in HTML/CSS)
Steps
Estimated time: 15-25 minutes
- 1
Prepare your workspace
Clear distractions, decide the target platform, and open a simple text editor to test TM insertion. Confirm your keyboard layout and language settings, since shortcuts vary by locale.
Tip: Close distractions and set a default font stack for testing. - 2
Choose your method for Windows
If you’re on Windows, you can use Alt+0153 to insert ™ or copy/paste the symbol from a reliable source. Keep the numeric keypad enabled while typing the code.
Tip: If Alt codes don’t work, enable the NumLock key and try again. - 3
Use macOS shortcuts
On Mac, most users type Option+2 to produce ™. If your keyboard layout differs, use the Character Viewer to insert the symbol.
Tip: Remember: keyboard layouts vary by region; adjust accordingly. - 4
Linux entry method
Linux users can press Ctrl+Shift+U, release, type 2122, then press Enter to insert ™. This approach works across most desktop environments.
Tip: If your distribution uses a different IME, use the Unicode entry method available there. - 5
Web publishing with HTML entities
In HTML, place the symbol with ™ or ™ to ensure consistent rendering across browsers and fonts.
Tip: Prefer entities in web templates to avoid encoding errors. - 6
CSS and typography tricks
When styling with CSS, you can insert the glyph using content: "\2122" in pseudo-elements or within inline content.
Tip: Test the result in different font families for consistency. - 7
Testing across platforms
Verify the glyph renders identically in Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Check both light and dark mode contexts.
Tip: Use real-world content to confirm visibility. - 8
Accessibility considerations
Ensure screen readers announce the TM symbol accurately as part of the brand name and provide a glossary where needed.
Tip: Use semantic HTML and avoid relying solely on color or iconography. - 9
Final verification in CMS
Publish a test page and inspect the published content in your CMS’s preview. Confirm the symbol appears and is searchable by assistive tech.
Tip: Run a quick QA pass with a text-only reader mode.
Questions & Answers
What is the TM symbol and when should I use it?
The TM symbol marks a claim of trademark in branding and marketing, even before formal registration. It signals to readers that the brand asserts rights in the mark and should be used consistently.
TM marks a branding claim and is used in marketing before registration.
How is TM different from the registered symbol?
TM indicates a claimed trademark, not necessarily registered. The registered symbol (®) denotes a legally registered mark in many jurisdictions. Use TM for claim and switch to ® after formal registration, as allowed by local law.
TM means a claim; ® means registered rights.
Can I copy/paste TM symbol for quick use?
Yes, you can copy/paste the TM symbol (™) from reliable sources or insert via keyboard/UI shortcuts. In web content, prefer the HTML entity ™ to ensure consistency.
Copy/paste is fine, but HTML entities help on the web.
Why is accessibility important for TM?
Some users rely on screen readers. Always include TM with the brand text and consider a glossary or alt text to explain the symbol’s meaning for accessibility.
Make sure screen readers can explain the TM symbol.
What should I do if TM doesn’t render correctly?
Check the font supports the glyph, try a fallback font, and confirm encoding. If publishing on the web, use HTML entities to avoid encoding problems.
If it doesn’t render, switch fonts or use an HTML entity.
Is there a universal key for TM on all keyboards?
No universal key exists due to layout differences. Use the platform-specific methods (Alt code on Windows, Option+2 on Mac, Unicode entry on Linux) or HTML entities for web content.
There isn’t one universal key; use platform methods or HTML entities.
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The Essentials
- Insert the TM symbol accurately across platforms
- Use HTML entities for web content
- Test typography across fonts and platforms
- Maintain consistent TM usage in branding
