How to Do Emojis on Computer

Introduction

Emojis have become a staple of digital communication. They add personality and emotion to our text messages, emails, and social media posts, making conversations more engaging and fun. Yet, not everyone knows how to access these colorful icons, especially on their computer. This guide will cover everything you need to know about using emojis on various operating systems, web browsers, and popular applications.

how to do emojis on computer

What are Emojis?

Emojis are small icons or images used to express emotions, objects, or symbols in electronic messages. Originating in Japan, the term "emoji" comes from the Japanese words for "picture" (e) and "character" (moji). Unlike emoticons, which are created using keyboard characters, emojis are standalone icons that have become universally adopted in digital communication. They are standardized by the Unicode Consortium, ensuring that emojis appear consistently across different devices and platforms.

Using Emojis on Different Operating Systems

Emojis are universally loved, and luckily, they're easy to use on most operating systems. We'll guide you through accessing emojis on Windows and macOS.

Emojis on Windows

Using emojis on a Windows computer is straightforward. Follow these steps:

  1. Press the Emoji Shortcut: Press the Windows key + period (.) or the Windows key + semicolon (;). An emoji keyboard will pop up.
  2. Select Your Emoji: Browse through different categories or use the search bar to find the perfect emoji.
  3. Insert Emoji: Click on the chosen emoji to insert it into your document, email, or chat.

Additionally, you can enable the touch keyboard on your taskbar for quick access:

  1. Right-click the Taskbar: Select "Show touch keyboard button".
  2. Open Touch Keyboard: Click the keyboard icon in the taskbar and then click the smiley face icon to access emojis.

Emojis on macOS

Mac users also have an easy way to access emojis:

  1. Press the Emoji Shortcut: Press Control + Command + Spacebar to open the emoji picker.
  2. Browse or Search: Scroll through the categories or type into the search bar to find the emoji you want.
  3. Insert Emoji: Click the emoji to add it to your text.

Alternatively, you can access emojis through the Touch Bar if you have a MacBook Pro:

  1. Open a Text Field: Start typing in any app that supports emojis.
  2. Use the Touch Bar: Tap the smiley face icon to bring up the emoji picker.

Using Emojis in Web Browsers

Web browsers also support emojis, making them accessible across various web-based platforms. Let's explore how to use emojis in Google Chrome and Firefox.

Emojis in Google Chrome

To use emojis in Google Chrome:

  1. Right-click: Right-click on the text field where you want to insert an emoji.
  2. Select Emoji: Click on "Emoji" from the context menu to open the emoji picker.
  3. Choose Emoji: Browse or search for the emoji you need and click to insert.

Emojis in Firefox

Firefox users can add emojis similarly:

  1. Right-click: Right-click the text field.
  2. Open Emoji Picker: Select "Emoji" from the context menu.
  3. Select Emoji: Browse the emoji picker to find and insert your desired emoji.

Emojis in Popular Applications

Different applications offer unique ways to incorporate emojis. Here’s how you can use emojis in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and social media platforms.

Emojis in Microsoft Office

To use emojis in Microsoft Office applications like Word or Outlook:

  1. Press Shortcut Keys: Press Windows key + period (.) to open the emoji picker.
  2. Choose Emoji: Select your desired emoji to insert it into your document or email.

Emojis in Google Workspace

Using emojis in Google Workspace, such as Docs or Gmail, is also straightforward:

  1. Open the Insert Menu: Click “Insert” from the menu.
  2. Select Emoji: Navigate to “Special Characters,” then select “Emoji.”
  3. Insert Emoji: Browse and click to insert the emoji into your text.

Emojis in Social Media Platforms

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have built-in emoji keyboards:

  1. Create a Post or Comment: Start typing your message.
  2. Open Emoji Picker: Click the emoji icon usually located in the text field area.
  3. Select Emoji: Choose and insert your desired emoji.

Tips and Tricks for Advanced Emoji Use

Emojis offer endless possibilities beyond basic usage. Here are some advanced tips:

Creating Custom Emojis

You can create custom emojis for personalized use:

  1. Use Emoji Maker Apps: Apps like Bitmoji allow you to create personalized emojis.
  2. Upload Custom Emojis: Platforms like Slack let you upload and use your custom emojis.

Combining Multiple Emojis

Combine multiple emojis to convey complex emotions or scenarios:

  1. Select and Combine: Pick two or more emojis that represent your message.
  2. Insert Together: Place them side by side in your text.

Using Emojis for Productivity

Emojis can also enhance productivity:

  1. Use Checklist Emojis: Use checkmark emojis (✔️) to mark tasks as completed.
  2. Highlight Important Points: Use star emojis (⭐) to emphasize key points in notes or emails.

Conclusion

Emojis bring a lively flair to digital communication, regardless of whether you're on a Windows PC, macOS, a web browser, or any popular application. By utilizing the step-by-step instructions and advanced tips provided, you can effortlessly integrate emojis into your digital conversations and documents. Unlock the full potential of emojis to make your messages more engaging and expressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to access emojis on a Windows computer?

Use the shortcut Windows key + period (.) or Windows key + semicolon (;) to open the emoji keyboard.

How do I add emojis in Microsoft Outlook?

Press Windows key + period (.) to bring up the emoji picker, then click to insert your chosen emoji.

Can I use emojis on a Linux computer?

Yes, Linux users can access emojis through their specific desktop environment's keyboard input options or by using the onboard virtual keyboard.