The heart symbol is one of the most popular ways to show love, support, or positivity in text. People use it in chats, emails, social media posts, and even documents.
You don’t need special software to type it. Whether you’re on Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android, there are quick shortcuts and tricks to add a ♥ or ❤ to your messages.
How to Make a Heart on Windows Keyboard
On Windows, the easiest way is with an Alt code. Press and hold the Alt key, then press 3 on the numeric keypad. When you release Alt, a ♥ appears. This feature only works with a full keyboard that has a numeric keypad.
If you don’t have a numeric keypad, you can use the emoji panel instead. Press Windows + . (period) or Windows + ; (semicolon) to open the emoji menu, then choose the red heart ❤ or any other heart design.
Another option is the Character Map, a built-in Windows tool. Open Start, search for Character Map, scroll through symbols until you find a heart, copy it, and paste it into your document or chat.
How to Make a Heart on Mac Keyboard
Mac computers don’t use Alt codes the way Windows does. Instead, you open the Emoji & Symbols viewer. Press Control + Command + Space and a window will appear with hundreds of characters. From there, pick the heart symbol you like — ❤ ♥ 💖 💜 are all available.
This method works in any app, including Mail, Messages, and Pages.
How to Make a Heart on iPhone and iPad
On an iPhone or iPad, the easiest way is through the emoji keyboard. Tap the emoji icon on your keyboard, scroll to the heart section, and select the one you want. You can add a simple red heart ❤, a beating heart 💓, or a sparkling heart 💖.
These symbols work in text messages, social media apps, and even Notes.
How to Make a Heart on Android Phones
Android phones also make it simple with the built-in emoji panel. If you’re using Gboard or Samsung Keyboard:
- Tap the emoji icon on the keyboard.
- Open the heart category.
- Pick a heart symbol such as ❤ ♥ 💕 💜 and insert it into your message.
Different Android versions may show slightly different heart styles, but they work across all apps.
Copy and Paste a Heart Symbol
If shortcuts or emoji panels aren’t available, you can always copy a heart from somewhere else and paste it where you need. Try copying these: ♥ ❤ 💖 💜 💕.
This method works on any device and is helpful if you only need the symbol once or twice.
Variations of Heart Symbols You Can Use
Hearts come in many styles, and each carries a different tone. A few examples include:
- ♥ Classic black heart symbol
- ❤ Standard red heart
- 💕 Two hearts together
- 💖 Sparkling pink heart
- 💜 Purple heart, often used for support or friendship
Final Thoughts
Typing a heart on a keyboard is easier than it seems. On Windows, use Alt codes or the emoji panel; on Mac, use the symbols viewer; on iPhone and Android, open the emoji keyboard.
Once you know the shortcuts, adding a ♥ or ❤ to your messages becomes second nature. To save time, you can even copy your favorite style and keep it handy for quick pasting.