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Use symbols, emojis, and special characters

Sometimes words just aren't enough. When that's the case, use symbols, emojis, and special characters to add extra meaning and dazzle to your pages, blogs, and other Confluence content. 

Insert symbols and special characters

Symbols and special characters were removed from the new editor, so use your operating system's symbols as these are more comprehensive.

While we cannot provide comprehensive instructions for every operating system and device in these documents, the basic instructions for inserting symbols and special characters on Windows and Apple computers are given below.

To insert special characters on a Windows computer while editing a page in Confluence:

  1. Select NUM LOCK on your keyboard if it is not already enabled.

  2. Hold ALT and enter the four-digit Unicode value for the character you'd like to enter.
    You must use the numpad to enter this value. You can also copy and paste the symbol from Windows Character Map application.

To insert special characters on an Apple computer while editing a page in Confluence:

  1. Hold CTRL+CMD and press the space bar to bring up the Character Viewer.

  2. Select a category from the options on the right.

  3. Double click on a symbol to add it to your page.

Insert emojis

When you edit a page, choose the emoji item in the toolbar, then click an emoji to add it to your page. Alternatively, you can also add emojis to your page using keyboard shortcuts. 

The emoji selection box in Confluence Cloud

Add your own emoji

Custom emojis won't display when shared on different platforms.

You can upload your own emojis through the emoji insert tool.  Image file types must be a JPG, PNG, or GIF and can't be larger than 1MB.  Regardless of the original file's dimensions, the emoji created will be 20 pixels by 20 pixels.

  1. Click the emoji item in the toolbar

  2. Click Add your own emoji

  3. Enter a name for the emoji

  4. Click Choose file

  5. Browse for and select the file

  6. Click Open

Site administrators can manage and delete custom emojis using https://[yourdomain].atlassian.net/admin/emoji.

Disable emojis

Don't want your :) to turn into a smiley face? You can use Ctrl+z to undo the conversion, or turn this feature off altogether by disabling keyboard shortcuts.

To disable keyboard shortcuts:

  1. Click your avatar in the top-right navigation.

  2. Select Personal settings.

  3. Select Edit, then uncheck the box labeled Enable next to Keyboard Shortcuts.

  4. Select Submit to confirm your changes.

If you change your mind, you can always enable keyboard shortcuts again.

Still need help?

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