How to get emojis on macOS

Emojis have become an integral part of our digital communication, adding colour and personality to our messages. On a MacBook, there are several ways to access and use these delightful symbols. Here are various methods, from keyboard shortcuts to dedicated emoji panels, so you can express yourself with flair.

How to get emojis on a MacBook

There are several different methods to get emojis on MacBooks and iMacs. Here’s how to go about them.  

1. The emoji & symbols menu 

The most straightforward way to access a vast collection of emojis is through the ‘Emoji & Symbols menu.’ Here’s how: 

 i. Menu bar: Click on ‘Edit’ in the menu bar of any app, then select ‘Emoji & Symbols.’ 

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ii. Shortcut: Press Control + Command + Space. 

This will open a panel where you can browse through categories of emojis, symbols, and even special characters. You can also search for specific emojis by typing keywords like “happy,” “sad,” or “thumbs up.”

2. Keyboard shortcuts 

For quick access to frequently used emojis, keyboard shortcuts are your best friend. Here are a couple of useful ones: 

i. Fn + E: This shortcut brings up a small popup with suggested emojis based on your recent usage. Press the spacebar to insert the chosen emoji. 

ii. Fn/Globe key + E: Similar to Fn + E, but it replaces the typed word with the selected emoji if there’s a match. 

These shortcuts can save you time and streamline your emoji usage.

3. The globe key 

Newer Macs have a dedicated Globe key that can be used to access emojis. Here’s how: 

i. Press and hold: Press and hold the Globe key to see a list of recently used emojis. 

ii. Short press: A short press of the Globe key may trigger a language switching menu. In this case, you’ll need to adjust your keyboard settings. 

To customise the Globe key for emoji access, go to System Settings > Keyboard, then click on the ‘Keyboard Shortcuts’ tab. Under ‘Input Sources’ you can modify the behaviour of the Globe key. 

4. Touch bar (if applicable) 

If you have a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, it can serve as another handy way to insert emojis: 

i. Tap the smiley face icon: This will display a strip of emojis that you can scroll through and tap to insert. 

ii. Customisation: You can customise the Touch Bar to include other frequently used emojis or symbols. 

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The Touch Bar offers a visual and intuitive way to browse and select emojis. 

5. Third-party apps 

While the built-in options are quite comprehensive, some users prefer third-party emoji apps for additional features and customisation. Here are a few popular choices: 

i. Rocket: Offers a wide range of emojis, GIFs, and stickers, along with custom themes and search capabilities. 

ii. Macmoji: Focuses on quick emoji access and a clean, minimalist interface. 

iii. Emojipedia: A comprehensive emoji reference website that also offers an app for easy copying and pasting of emojis. 

Explore these apps to see if they enhance your emoji experience. 

6. Text replacement 

MacOS has a handy text replacement feature that you can leverage for emoji shortcuts. Here’s how to set it up: 

i. System Settings: Go to System Settings > Keyboard > Text Replacement. 

ii. Add new replacement: Click the ‘+’ button. 

iii. Enter shortcut: In the ‘Replace’ field, enter a shortcut word or phrase (e.g., “:)”). 

iv. Enter emoji: In the ‘With’ field, paste or insert the desired emoji. 

Now, whenever you type the shortcut, it will be automatically replaced with the corresponding emoji.

7. Finding and using emojis in the character viewer 

For even more diverse characters, including those from different languages, the Character Viewer is your gateway. Here’s how to access it: 

i. Menu bar: Click on ‘Edit’ in the menu bar, then select ‘Emoji & Symbols.’ 

ii. Shortcut: Press Control + Command + Space. 

Within the Character Viewer, you can explore a plethora of symbols and characters. Use the search bar to find specific items or browse through the various categories.

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Emojis have become an integral part of digital communication, and Macs offer a wide array of tools and methods to access and use them. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, dedicated menus, or third-party apps, there’s an emoji solution for everyone.  

By mastering these techniques, you can add fun and personality to your messages, making your communication more engaging and expressive. So go forth and let those emojis flow!