How to Insert a Check Mark or Tick Mark in Google Docs (4 Ways)

Insert or Type a Check Mark or Tick Mark Symbol in Google Docs

by Avantix Learning Team | Updated September 7, 2023

Applies to: Google Docs^® (Windows or Mac)

You can insert or type a check mark or tick mark symbol in a Google Docs file in several ways. Check marks can be inserted using built-in commands or you can create a Substitutions shortcut. It's important to note that there is a difference between inserting a static check mark and inserting a clickable check box in a Checklist.

In this article, we'll review 4 ways to insert a check mark or tick mark in a Google Docs file:

1. Insert a check mark using Insert special characters
2. Insert check marks as bullets
3. Insert a clickable check box in a Checklist
4. Create and use a Substitutions shortcut

First, you will need to log in to your Google Drive account at drive.google.com and then open the document in which you want to insert the check mark(s).

Recommended article: How to Change Margins in Google Docs (2 Ways)

1. Insert a check mark using Insert special characters

You can insert a check mark, as well as other symbols, anywhere in a line of text or in a table using Insert special characters.

To insert a check mark in a Google Docs document using Insert special characters:

1. Position the cursor in the document where you want to insert a check mark.
2. Click Insert in the menu. A drop-down menu appears.
3. Click Special characters. A dialog box appears.
4. In the Search box, type check or check mark. Check marks will appear on the left.
5. Click the check mark you want to use.
6. Click Close (X on the top right of the dialog box).

The Insert Symbol dialog box (with check marks) appears as follows:

2. Insert a check mark by inserting bullets

If you want to insert a check mark at the beginning of one or more paragraphs, you can apply custom bullets.

To apply check marks as custom bullets to paragraphs:

1. Select the paragraph(s) to which you want to add check marks.
2. Click Format in the menu. A drop-down menu appears.
3. Select Bullets & numbering, then List options and then More bullets from the sub-menu. The Insert special characters dialog box appears.
4. In the Search box, type check or check mark. Check marks will appear on the left.
5. Click the check mark you want to use.
6. Click Close (X on the top right of the dialog box).

The check marks will be added at the beginning of the paragraph(s).

The Format menu in Google Docs can be used to add More bullets such as check marks:

In the dialog box, you can click the check mark or other character you want to insert:

3. Insert a clickable check box in a Checklist

If you want to insert a check box that you can click to add a check mark at the beginning of one or more paragraphs, you'll need to create a Checklist. This is a great feature for To Do lists.

To insert a clickable check box at the beginning of one or more paragraphs:

1. Select the paragraph(s) to which you want to add the clickable check box.
2. Click Format in the menu. A drop-down menu appears.
3. Select Bullets & numbering, then List options and then Checklist from the sub-menu. A check box will be added at the beginning of each paragraph.
4. Click the box to add or remove a check mark in the box.

4. Insert a check mark using a Substitutions shortcut

To add a check mark in Google Docs to use as a Substitutions keyboard shortcut:

1. Position the cursor in a document.
2. Click Insert in the menu. A drop-down menu appears.
3. Click Special characters. A dialog box appears.
4. In the Search box, type check mark. Check marks will appear on the left.
5. Click the check mark you want to use.
6. Click Close (X on the top right of the dialog box).
7. Select the check mark and press Ctrl + C or Command + C to copy it.
8. Click Tools in the menu. A drop-down menu appears.
9. Click Preferences. A dialog box appears.
10. Click the Substitutions tab.
11. Click in the With box and press Ctrl + V or Command + V to paste the check mark.
12. Click in the Replace box and enter the combination of letters and symbols you want to replace such as (c1).
13. Click OK.

Below is the Preferences dialog box in Google Docs with an entry for a check mark.

To use the entry in a document, type the entry and then press the Spacebar.

Subscribe to get more articles like this one

Did you find this article helpful? If you would like to receive new articles, join our email list.

More resources

How to Superscript in Google Docs (Mac or Windows)

How to Do a Hanging Indent in Google Docs (3 Ways)

How to Select All in Google Docs (7 Ways with Shortcuts)

How to Insert Greek Letters or Symbols in Google Docs (6 Ways)

How to Strikethrough or Cross Out Text in Google Docs (with Shortcuts)

Related courses

Microsoft Word: Intermediate / Advanced

Microsoft Word: Styles, Templates and Tables of Contents

Microsoft Word: Power User 

VIEW MORE COURSES >

Our instructor-led courses are delivered in virtual classroom format or at our downtown Toronto location at 18 King Street East, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (some in-person classroom courses may also be delivered at an alternate downtown Toronto location). Contact us at info@avantixlearning.ca if you'd like to arrange custom instructor-led virtual classroom or onsite training on a date that's convenient for you.

Copyright 2024 Avantix^® Learning

You may also like

Google, the Google logo and related Google Drive applications and logos are registered trademarks of Google LLC in Canada, US and other countries.

Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, Microsoft Office and related Microsoft applications and logos are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in Canada, US and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of the registered owners.

Avantix Learning |18 King Street East, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5C 1C4 | Contact us at info@avantixlearning.ca