Option Key Symbol
The ⌥ symbol represents the Option key on many keyboards, especially on macOS.
U+2325
⌥ is the Unicode character named “OPTION KEY” with code point U+2325. It’s commonly used in writing to refer to the Option key on keyboard shortcuts.
Option Key Symbol Meaning
⌥ (U+2325) is the Unicode symbol “OPTION KEY.” It’s most often used to label or describe keyboard shortcuts that involve the Option key, particularly in macOS-related documentation. Instead of writing the full word “Option,” designers, writers, and developers often use ⌥ to keep shortcut labels compact and visually consistent. You’ll also see it in interface help text, readme files, and instructional posts where space matters. Because it is a real Unicode character, it can be copied into design tools, documents, and code comments, or inserted using its HTML entity and language-specific escape sequences.
Common uses
- •Labeling keyboard shortcuts in documentation (e.g., “Press ⌥ + click”)
- •Creating concise UI help text for macOS applications
- •Annotating screenshots or tutorials with the Option key symbol
- •Writing README instructions for developers and power users
- •Designing keyboard shortcut cheat sheets and reference cards
Examples
⌥ Option key symbol
- ⌥Press ⌥ + Enter to open advanced settings.
- ⌥Hold ⌥ while clicking to duplicate the item.
- ⌥In the menu, choose ⌥ + F to search faster.
- ⌥Tip: ⌥ + drag reorders without replacing.
- ⌥Use ⌥ to reveal hidden options in this panel.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2325 | |
| HTML Entity | ⌥ | |
| HTML Code | ⌥ | |
| CSS | \2325 |
FAQ
What does the Option Key symbol mean?
⌥ (U+2325) is the Unicode symbol “OPTION KEY.” It’s most often used to label or describe keyboard shortcuts that involve the Option key, particularly in macOS-related documentation. Instead of writing the full word “Option,” designers, writers, and developers often use ⌥ to keep shortcut labels compact and visually consistent. You’ll also see it in interface help text, readme files, and instructional posts where space matters. Because it is a real Unicode character, it can be copied into design tools, documents, and code comments, or inserted using its HTML entity and language-specific escape sequences.
What Unicode character is ⌥?
⌥ is the Unicode character named “OPTION KEY” with code point U+2325.
How do I type or copy the Option key symbol?
You can copy it directly from this page, or use the escapes: HTML entity ⌥ and CSS escape \\2325 (JavaScript: \\u{2325}).
Is ⌥ only for macOS?
It’s most commonly used to refer to the Option key in macOS keyboard shortcut text, but it’s a general Unicode symbol for the Option key concept.
Will ⌥ display correctly in my documents?
Most modern fonts render it well as a single character. If a font doesn’t support it, you may see a fallback box or different glyph.