Reference Mark Symbol
The reference mark ※ (U+203B) is a punctuation symbol used to point to notes, references, or additional information.
U+203B
The reference mark ※ is a punctuation symbol commonly used in edited text. It helps readers spot notes or sources tied to a specific item. Use it when you want a clear, typographic “see the note” signal.
Reference Mark Symbol Meaning
The symbol ※ is the Unicode “REFERENCE MARK” (U+203B). It functions as a typographic marker that indicates there is related information elsewhere in the document, such as a footnote, endnote, or reference entry. In many layouts, it appears next to a phrase to cue the reader to look at the matching note or citation. Because it’s a dedicated punctuation character (not a caret or star), it’s often used when you want a distinct marker that visually communicates “reference” without using numeric superscripts. It’s also commonly seen in documentation, templates, and notices.
Common uses
- •Labeling footnotes or endnotes in articles and reports
- •Marking referenced items in product or menu notes
- •Indicating sources or citations in documentation
- •Tagging important details in policies, disclaimers, or terms
- •Separating or cueing additional information in editorial text
Examples
※ Reference Mark (U+203B) Symbol
- ※For details, see the note ※.
- ※Shipping times vary by region ※.
- ※The data source is listed in the reference ※.
- ※Service availability may change ※—check the terms below.
- ※Additional instructions are provided in the note ※.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+203B | |
| HTML Entity | ※ | |
| HTML Code | ※ | |
| CSS | \203B | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8251 | |
| Decimal | 8251 |
How to type Reference Mark Symbol (※)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8251 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 203B then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 203B. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 203b, then press Enter or Space.
Anywhere
Copy ※ with the button above and paste it wherever you need it — this works on every device and in every app, with no keyboard shortcut to remember.
FAQ
What does the symbol ※ mean?
It’s a reference mark used to point to a note, source, or additional information related to nearby text.
How do I copy the symbol ※ for documents or web pages?
Copy the character directly (※). For web use, you can also insert the HTML entity ※.
What is the Unicode code point for ※?
The Unicode code point is U+203B.
Can I use ※ in HTML, CSS, or JavaScript?
Yes. Use HTML: ※. For CSS you can use \\203B. For JavaScript you can use \\u{203B}.