How to get emojis on MacBook

Date 05/10/2023
Category
Apple Blog, Apple Hints & Tips, Apple How to?, Apple Macbook Blog
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How to get emojis on MacBook

 

Emojis have become an essential part of digital communication, adding fun and expressiveness to messages. If you’re wondering how to access and use emojis on your MacBook, we’ve got you covered.

Unlock the magical world of emojis on your MacBook!

To access and use emojis on your MacBook, you have several options:

  1. Built-In Emoji Keyboard:
    • Click on any text field where you want to insert an emoji.
    • Press Control + Command + Space ( ⌃ + ⌘ + Space )simultaneously. This keyboard shortcut will open the emoji picker.
    • A window with various emojis will appear. You can scroll through the categories on the left or use the search bar at the top to find a specific emoji.
    • Click on the emoji you want to use, and it will be inserted into your text.
  2. Using Character Viewer:
    • Open the “Edit” menu in certain applications like Pages, TextEdit, or Messages.
    • Select “Emoji & Symbols” or “Special Characters.”
    • A Character Viewer window will appear. You can browse and select emojis from here.
  3. Touch Bar (MacBook Pro only):
    • If you have a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, you can customize it to display the emoji picker. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Customize Control Strip and add the emoji icon to your Touch Bar.
  4. Shortcut Codes:
    • Some emoji codes work on macOS. For example, typing smile in a compatible app like Messages will automatically replace it with the emoji.
  5. Using the Trackpad (if enabled):
    • If you have the “Look up & data detectors” feature enabled in Trackpad preferences, you can draw an emoji on the trackpad, and macOS will attempt to recognize it and suggest matching emojis.
  6. Emoji Shortcuts in Messages:
    • In the Messages app, you can type a colon followed by the emoji’s name (e.g., Heart) to insert emojis quickly.

These methods should help you access and use emojis on your MacBook for more expressive communication.

What is the process for customizing the Touch Bar to display emojis (for MacBook Pro users)?

Customizing the Touch Bar on a MacBook Pro to display emojis is a convenient way to have quick access to your favorite symbols. To begin, navigate to the “System Preferences” from the menu bar at the top of your screen. From there, select “Keyboard” and then click on the “Customize Control Strip” button. You’ll see a range of icons you can add to your Touch Bar, including an emoji icon that resembles a smiling face. Simply drag this emoji icon from the customization window onto your Touch Bar, and it will now be readily accessible whenever you engage the Touch Bar on your MacBook Pro. This method streamlines the process of adding emojis to your messages or documents without needing to toggle between different windows or menus.

While macOS doesn’t have a built-in feature to directly customize the Touch Bar for emojis, some third-party applications may offer this functionality. These applications typically provide specialized emoji viewers or menu options that can be integrated into the Touch Bar. Keep in mind that using third-party apps for this purpose may require additional setup and customization. It’s essential to ensure that any third-party app you choose to use is reputable and trusted to maintain the security and functionality of your MacBook Pro.

Are there specific shortcuts for inserting emojis in the Messages app?

Yes, the Messages app on macOS offers a convenient shortcut for inserting emojis. To access this feature, open the Messages app and begin composing a message. Then, click on the smiley face icon located in the menu bar. This will open the emoji viewer, allowing you to choose from a wide range of symbols. You can either scroll through the various categories or use the search field to find a specific emoji. Once you’ve selected the emoji you want, simply click on it to insert it into your message. This method provides a quick and easy way to add emojis to your conversations without the need for external applications or complex processes.

In addition to the built-in emoji viewer, some third-party apps may offer specialized emoji menus or viewers that integrate with the Messages app. These apps can provide additional customization options or features that enhance the emoji experience. However, it’s important to exercise caution when using third-party applications to ensure they are reputable and won’t compromise the security or functionality of your Messages app. Always verify the source and legitimacy of any third-party app you choose to install.