How to Use Emojis on a Mac Keyboard

Learn how to use emojis on a Mac keyboard.

When I have something to say and only a phone to say it, my fingers can really fly. And when I say fly, I mean I can text about half as fast as I can type. #fatfingers

I spend a fair amount of my work day scrolling Instagram, checking Twitter, popping in on Facebook or texting. While my phone is great for working on the go, when I really want to bang things out I turn to my Mac.

Initially the only drawback was that I didn’t know how to incorporate emojis using my keyboard. Fortunately, it’s easy. It’s easy, and there are several options!

How to Use Emojis on a Mac – Option 1

On a Mac press command + control and then the space bar brings up the regular emoji panel.

Even better? You can search out specific emojis for a quick insert.

Finally, I can quickly locate Santa when I need him!

Click the emoji of your choice to insert it at the location of the cursor.

How to Use Emojis on a Mac – Option 2

Sometimes even using the emoji keyboard takes too long. Enter Mac’s keyboard shortcuts. You can easily make it so that when you type a specific phrase, it’ll instantly swap it out for a specific emoji. I love to use these for texting in iMessage.

To set up a keyboard shortcut, go to System Preferences >>>

Keyboard >>>

Text >>>

Click the + symbol to add a new shortcut, then, in the Replace field, type the text you want to activate the emoji, say, “hearti.”

In the With field, paste the emoji you want to appear using the control + command, then space bar.

You’re all set. Shortcuts created!

This is what it looks like in iMessage.

I love being able to quickly and efficiently use emojis on my computer. It makes my work sooo much easier!

Thanks for stopping be to learn how to use emojis on a Mac!