The Power of Check and Cross Symbols
Checkmarks and crosses are among the most universally understood symbols in human communication. A simple ✓ instantly conveys approval, completion, or correctness, while ✗ signals rejection, removal, or incorrectness. These powerful symbols have found new life in the digital age.
On social media, checkmark symbols are particularly valuable. They can indicate verified status (even unofficially), highlight completed goals, or create organized lists. The visual clarity of these symbols makes them perfect for quick communication and aesthetic organization.
From simple tick marks to elaborate decorative checkmarks, this collection includes every variation you might need for your bios, posts, and messages.
Types of Check and Cross Symbols
- ✓ Check Mark: The classic approval symbol. Clean and universally recognized.
- ✔ Heavy Check: Bolder version for more emphasis and visibility.
- ✅ White Heavy Check: Emoji checkmark with green background. Very popular.
- ☑ Ballot Box Check: Checkbox style, perfect for task lists.
- ✗ Ballot X: Simple rejection or removal symbol.
- ✘ Heavy X: Bold cross for strong negation.
- ❌ Cross Mark: Red X emoji, highly visible.
- ❎ Negative Squared: Cross in square, for declined options.
Creative Uses for Checkmark Symbols
Checkmarks and crosses offer practical and aesthetic applications:
Achievement Lists: Showcase your accomplishments with "✓ 10K followers ✓ Brand deals ✓ Living the dream" format that celebrates success.
Verification Style: Add a checkmark next to your name like "Alex ✓" to create a verified-look aesthetic (note: this isn't actual verification).
Comparison Content: Create engaging posts with "✓ Yes ✗ No" format to share opinions or make recommendations.
Bio Organization: Use checkmarks as bullet points: "✓ photographer ✓ traveler ✓ foodie" creates a clean, scannable bio.
Using Checks for Task Management
Beyond aesthetics, checkmark symbols are practical for public goal tracking. Many creators share their goals with checkboxes: "☐ reach 1M ☑ collab with brand ☑ launch merch" shows progress while engaging followers.
The visual impact of seeing checked items creates a sense of accomplishment and motivates both the creator and their audience. It's a simple but effective way to share your journey.
Checkmark Symbols with Alt Codes
Every checkmark and cross has its own Unicode code point. Click any character below to copy it, or type it manually with the listed code. On Windows, hold Alt and type the decimal number on the numeric keypad; almost everywhere else, the U+ hex code works (in Word, type the hex code then press Alt+X).
| Symbol | Name | Unicode | Alt / Wingdings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check Mark | U+2713 |
Alt 10003 | |
| Heavy Check Mark | U+2714 |
Alt 10004 | |
| Square Root (informal tick) | U+221A |
Alt 251 | |
| Ballot Box with Check | U+2611 |
Wingdings: Alt 0253 | |
| Empty Ballot Box | U+2610 |
Wingdings: Alt 0168 | |
| Ballot Box with X | U+2612 |
Wingdings: Alt 0254 | |
| Ballot X | U+2717 |
Alt 10007 | |
| Heavy Ballot X | U+2718 |
Alt 10008 | |
| Multiplication X | U+2715 |
Alt 10005 | |
| Heavy Multiplication X | U+2716 |
Alt 10006 | |
| White Heavy Check Mark (emoji) | U+2705 |
— | |
| Cross Mark (emoji) | U+274C |
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Note: Alt 0253 and Alt 0254 only render as a boxed check or X while the font is set to Wingdings. In any normal font, the Unicode characters above are the reliable choice because they keep their meaning when copied between apps.
How to Type a Checkmark in Word, Excel & Google Docs
Microsoft Word — Insert Symbol: Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols, set the subset to Dingbats, pick ✓ or ✔, and click Insert. To type it instead, enter the hex code 2713 and press Alt+X to convert it into a checkmark.
Microsoft Word — Alt code: Hold Alt and type 10003 on the numeric keypad for ✓, or 10004 for ✔ (Num Lock must be on). For a checkbox look, change the font to Wingdings and press Alt+0253 for ☑ or Alt+0254 for ☒.
Microsoft Excel — CHAR & UNICHAR: Type =UNICHAR(10003) for ✓ or =UNICHAR(10004) for ✔ in any cell. The older =CHAR(252) returns a checkmark only when the cell font is set to Wingdings (and =CHAR(251) gives an X). You can also use Insert → Symbol exactly as in Word, or paste a symbol from this page.
Google Docs: Open Insert → Special characters, then search "check mark" or draw the symbol in the sketch box and click the result. Alternatively, set up Tools → Preferences → Substitutions so a shortcut like (/) auto-replaces with ✓. Copy-paste from this page works in Docs, Sheets and Slides too.
Where to Use Check Marks
- To-do lists: Mark finished tasks with ✓ or ✅ and pending ones with ☐ to keep a clean, scannable checklist in notes apps and planners.
- Bios & profiles: Use ✓ as bullet points ("✓ designer ✓ coffee addict") on Instagram, TikTok, or LinkedIn for a tidy, verified-looking layout.
- Discord & chat: Drop ✅ and ❌ into messages, reactions, or rules channels to confirm, vote, or flag what's allowed and what isn't.
- Spreadsheets: Track status columns in Excel or Google Sheets with ✓ / ✗, ideal for comparison tables, QA checklists, and progress trackers.
- Documents & forms: Add ☑ and ☐ to surveys, contracts, and printable forms where readers tick the boxes that apply.