Emojis are the spice of life when it comes to digital communication. They often provide an extra layer of expression that words sometimes fail to convey. As such, they have become increasingly popular in modern-day communication, to the point where they are a must-have in everyday conversations. While emojis are available on most devices today, some people have found it tricky to find and use them on their Mac computers. In this article, we will take you through 12 easy steps on how to add emojis on Mac. By the end of it, you’ll be able to spice up your conversations with endless emoji options.
Steps:
Step 1: Open the Text Edit App
The first step to adding emojis on Mac is to open the Text Edit app. This app comes pre-installed on all MacOS devices, and it provides a simple and easy-to-use interface that helps you create and edit texts. Click on the Text Edit icon to open it, and then proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Go to the Edit Menu
Once you have opened the Text Edit app, go to the “Edit” menu at the top bar of your screen. Click on it, and a drop-down menu will appear.
Step 3: Click on “Emoji & Symbols”
In the dropdown menu, select “Emoji & Symbols” or simply press the shortcut key “Command + Control + Spacebar” to bring up the Emoji & Symbols window.
Step 4: Find the Emoji You Want
The Emoji & Symbols window will display all the available emojis that you can use. You can browse through the categories or use the search bar to find the specific emoji that you want to use.
Step 5: Double Click on the Emoji
Once you have found the emoji you would like to use, double click on it, and it will be added to your text.
Step 6: Use the Emoji Character Viewer
You can also use the Emoji Character Viewer by clicking on the viewer icon in the top-right corner of the Emoji & Symbols window. This tool allows you to browse and use emojis by category, making it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Step 7: Use the Keyboard Shortcut
If you frequently use emojis and prefer not to go through all the above steps, you can create a keyboard shortcut using the Text tab in the keyboard preferences. This way, you can easily access your favorite emojis by simply typing a specific combination of keys.
Step 8: Use the Touch Bar
If you have a Macbook with a Touch Bar, you can customize it to include the Emoji & Symbol option. Simply go to System Preferences and click on Keyboard. Select the “Customize Touch Bar” option and drag the “Emoji & Symbol” icon to the Touch Bar.
Step 9: Use the Character Viewer
The Character Viewer offers a wide range of emojis. It can be accessed by clicking on the Apple icon at the upper-left corner of your Mac’s screen and selecting “System Preferences.” Next, click on “Keyboard” and then “Keyboard Shortcuts.” Check the box next to “Show Input menu in menu bar,” and click on the Input menu. From here, select “Show Emoji & Symbols.”
Step 10: Use a Third-Party App
If you still can’t access emojis through the above methods, you can try using a third-party app like “Emoji Keyboard” to add emojis to your Mac. Simply download and install the app and follow the instructions provided.
Step 11: Use Unicode
If your other methods fail, you can always use Unicode to add emojis to your Mac. Simply navigate to the Unicode website and copy the emoji you would like to use. Next, paste the copied emoji into your text editor, and it will be automatically converted into the emoji.
Step 12: Try Apple Scripts
If you’re looking for an easier way to access emojis on your Mac, you can try using Apple scripts. Simply open the Script Editor app, and paste in the following code: “(*╯°□°)ノ” + (Text to be converted to emoji) + “ヘ( °o°)ノ～︵”. Save this script, and you’ll be able to add emojis by typing the shortcut keys “Command Shift E.”
Explanation:
Now that you have learned how to add emojis on Mac using the 12 simple steps, it is essential to understand why emojis are essential when communicating digitally. Emojis help to convey emotions and feelings in a way that words cannot. They assist in depicting sarcasm, humor, and other nuances that may be lost in a text message or email. Furthermore, using emojis in professional communication has been shown to build trust and form closer relationships between parties. A recent study found that emails with emojis are perceived as more positive and friendly, leading to a higher likelihood of a response from the recipient. Thus, with the advantages that come with using emojis, you should make an effort to integrate them into your messaging to enhance your digital communication.
Tips and Tricks:
Tip 1: Create Emoji Shortcuts
You can use the Text tab in the keyboard preferences to create shortcuts for your frequently used emojis. This way, you only need to type a specific combination of keys to access your favorite emojis.
Tip 2: Use Emoji Substitutions in Mail
Suppose you often use emojis in your emails. In that case, you can set Mail to automatically substitute certain words with the corresponding emoji. For example, you can set Mail to replace the word “smile” with the corresponding emoji, making it easier and faster to send emails using emojis.
Tip 3: Use the Emoji Popover in macOS
Macs now feature an emoji popover, which can be accessed using the Command + Control + Space keyboard shortcut. This tool allows you to view and use emojis easily and comfortably from any application.
Tip 4: Use the Emoji Decoding Tool
You can use the Emoji Decoding Tool to find the Unicode value of an emoji quickly. Simply copy and paste the emoji into the decoding tool, and it will return the Unicode value, which can then be easily inserted into any text field.
Tip 5: Save your Frequently Used Emojis
You can save your frequently used emojis in the Shortcuts tab in the keyboard preferences. This way, you only need to click the keys you have set for your frequently used emojis, and they will appear on the page.
Tip 6: Use Emoticons for Compatibility
If you’re communicating with someone using a device that does not support emojis, you can use emoticons instead. Emoticons are text-based alternatives to emojis, and they serve the same purpose. For example, “:-)” is an emoticon that represents a smiling face.
Tip 7: Use Universal Emojis
If you’re unsure whether or not the recipient on the other end will be able to open the specific emoji you’ve chosen, it’s best to go for a universal emoji like 😊, which can be accessed and displayed on most devices.
Tip 8: Use Emojis Sparingly in Professional Communication
While emojis can add personality and positivity to your emails, overusing them can come across as unprofessional or juvenile. When communicating in professional settings, it’s best to use them sparingly and only when appropriate.
Tip 9: Use Emojis to Strengthen Relationships
Using emojis can help build relationships between parties by adding that extra layer to your communication. By using emojis, you show a personal touch that can strengthen relationships between coworkers or business partners.
Tip 10: Use Emojis Mindfully
Finally, it’s important to be mindful of the context in which you are using emojis. They can be misinterpreted if used inappropriately or sent at the wrong time. Always ensure you are using them in the right context and at the right time to avoid any miscommunication.
In conclusion, adding emojis on Mac is an easy process that you should try today. With the tips and steps outlined in this article, you should have no trouble finding and using your favorite emojis. Remember to keep an eye on context and always use emojis mindfully to avoid misunderstandings. Happy emoji-ing!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Adding Emojis on Mac
Advantages
1. Adds personality to your messages or documents.
2. Helps convey emotions or tone that words alone may not express.
3. Enhances visual appeal and breaks up long blocks of text.
4. Can save time by conveying a message with a single emoji rather than several words.
5. Can help create a sense of connection and rapport with the recipient.
6. There is a wide range of emojis available, allowing for greater expression and creativity.
7. Emojis are universal and cross-cultural, making them easily understood by anyone.
8. Using emojis can add an element of fun and lightheartedness to communication.
9. Emojis are particularly useful in social media posts or marketing materials where visuals are crucial.
10. Apple regularly updates and adds new emojis to its library, providing users with fresh options.
Disadvantages
1. Overusing emojis can detract from the impact of the message.
2. Can be perceived as unprofessional in certain contexts such as business communication.
3. May not always accurately convey the intended meaning or emotion, leading to miscommunication.
4. Not all devices or platforms display emojis consistently, leading to potential misinterpretation.
5. Some emojis may be interpreted differently across cultures and can be considered offensive or inappropriate.
6. Overuse or misuse of certain emojis, such as the eggplant or peach emoji, can be seen as suggestive or inappropriate.
7. Can be distracting or take away from the overall message being conveyed.
8. Not everyone may have access to the same emojis, leading to confusion or miscommunication.
9. Some people may not understand or be familiar with certain emojis, leading to the message being lost on them.
10. Using too many emojis in a single message or document can make it difficult to read and may come across as cluttered or unprofessional.
FAQ
1. What are emojis?
Emojis are digital icons or smileys that are used to express emotions and convey messages in a fun and visual way. They are commonly used in informal texting, social media, and messaging apps.
2. Why use emojis?
Emojis can add a fun and personal touch to your messages, making them more expressive and engaging. They can also help convey feelings and emotions that may be difficult to express in words.
3. Can I use emojis on my Mac?
Yes, you can use emojis on your Mac. Mac has built-in support for emojis and offers a variety of ways to add them to your text.
4. How do I access the Emoji keyboard on my Mac?
You can access the Emoji keyboard on your Mac by clicking on the smiley face icon in the menu bar, or by pressing the shortcut key combination: Control + Command + Spacebar.
5. How do I search for emojis on my Mac?
You can search for emojis on your Mac by typing keywords in the search bar at the top of the Emoji keyboard. This will filter the emoji selection based on your search term.
6. Can I customize the Emoji keyboard on my Mac?
Yes, you can customize the Emoji keyboard on your Mac by adding frequently used or favorite emojis to the “Favorites” section. To add an emoji to “Favorites,” simply click and hold on the emoji, then select “Add to Favorites.”
7. How do I insert emojis into my text on Mac?
To insert an emoji into your text on Mac, simply click on the desired emoji in the Emoji keyboard or type the corresponding keyboard shortcut.
8. What is the shortcut for the thumbs up emoji on Mac?
The shortcut for the thumbs up emoji on Mac is Command + Shift + L.
9. Can I use emojis in my email messages on Mac?
Yes, you can use emojis in your email messages on Mac. Simply open the Mail app, create a new message, and use the Emoji keyboard to add emojis to your text.
10. How do I use emojis in my social media posts on Mac?
To use emojis in your social media posts on Mac, simply open the social media app or website and use the Emoji keyboard to add emojis to your text. Alternatively, you can copy and paste emojis from the Emoji keyboard.
11. Can I create my own emojis on Mac?
While Mac does not offer a built-in feature to create custom emojis, you can use third-party apps or websites to create your own custom emojis and then use them on your Mac.
12. How do I turn off emojis on Mac?
To turn off emojis on Mac, go to the “Input Sources” section in your Mac’s “System Preferences,” select “Emoji & Symbols” from the list of input sources, and uncheck the option “Show Input menu in menu bar.” This will remove the Emoji keyboard icon from the menu bar and disable access to the Emoji keyboard.
13. Are emojis supported in all languages on Mac?
Yes, emojis are supported in all languages on Mac and can be added to text in any language.
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned how to add emojis on a Mac device. The process is simple and straightforward, and it can help you communicate your emotions and feelings in a more effective way. With the use of emojis, you can add fun and excitement to your messages and make them more engaging. So, don’t hesitate to try out these steps and start adding emojis to your conversations!
Closing
We hope this article has been helpful to you and that you were able to learn something new. Adding emojis to your messages can be a great way to express yourself and connect with others. So, whether you’re sending a text message, an email, or a social media post, don’t forget to add some fun and colorful emojis to spice things up. Thank you for reading, and we’ll see you next time!