How to Insert Check Mark in Word [For Students]

As a student, struggling to add check marks to your resumes or forms can be frustrating. Having faced similar challenges myself as a writer, I understand the importance of simplifying this process. In this guide, I'll share insights and methods to help you seamlessly insert check marks in Word, empowering you to create polished documents effortlessly.

Common Problems About Inserting Check Marks in Word

Students often need to add check marks or bullet points to their resumes and forms. These symbols help organize and highlight their skills, experiences, and qualifications. However, inserting check marks in Word can be surprisingly tricky, especially for new users or those working quickly. Here are some common problems users encounter:

• Difficulty Finding the Feature: Word offers several ways to format lists, and the option for check marks might not be immediately obvious. Menus can be extensive, and users might struggle to locate the specific symbol or formatting option.

• Confusion with Bullet Points: Bullet points are a more commonly used symbol, and users might accidentally choose them instead of check marks. This can lead to frustration and require additional steps to correct the formatting.

• Limited Keyboard Shortcut Awareness: While Word offers keyboard shortcuts for many features, the shortcut for check marks might not be widely known. Users unfamiliar with shortcuts might rely solely on the menu options, further slowing down the process.

• Incompatibility with Protected Documents: If a document is protected or has restrictions on formatting, users might be unable to insert check marks altogether. This can be particularly frustrating when working on pre-formatted templates or forms.

These challenges can make a simple task like adding check marks surprisingly time-consuming. In Part 2, I'll explore solutions to these problems and different ways to insert check marks in Word.

How to Insert Check Mark in Word

Now that we've explored the common problems users face when inserting check marks in Word, let's dive into the solutions! Here are two methods you can use.

Method 1: Using the Symbol Menu

This method offers more control over selecting the specific check mark symbol you want.

Step 1: Place Your Cursor: Position your cursor at the location in your document where you want the check mark to appear. You can place it before, after, or in between characters as needed.

Step 2: Click "Insert": Navigate to the top toolbar and click on the "Insert" tab located between "Home" and "Draw".

Step 3: Select "Symbol": Within the "Insert" tab, locate and click on the "Symbol" option. This will open a dropdown menu with various symbols to choose from.

Step 4: Choose the Check Mark: In the "Symbol" menu, look for the check mark symbol. It may be located under the "Symbols" section or within a subset of symbols. Click on the check mark symbol to insert it into your document.

Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcut (Windows Only)

This method is faster if you're familiar with keyboard shortcuts but is limited to Windows users.

Note: This method requires the Num Lock key to be turned on.

Step 1: Place your cursor: Move your cursor to the location where you want to insert the check mark.

Step 2: Hold Alt Key: Press and hold the "Alt" key on your keyboard.

Step 3: Enter Code: While holding Alt, use the number pad on your keyboard to type the code for the desired check mark symbol. Here are the common codes:

• Plain check mark (✓): Alt + 0252

• Boxed check mark (☑): Alt + 0254

Step 4: Release Keys: Once you enter the code, release both the "Alt" key and the number pad keys. The check mark will appear at your cursor location.

Step 5: Repeat: Use the same shortcut to add check marks before each skill.

By following these methods, you can easily insert check marks in your Word documents, enhancing the clarity and organization of your resume or any other document.

Bonus Tips: Insert Other Symbols in Word

While check marks are a handy addition to resumes, Word offers a vast library of symbols that can be useful for various purposes in student documents. Here's how you can leverage the Symbol menu to insert other symbols:

Sample Form:

Imagine a science project report where you need to include specific symbols for units like degrees (°C) or for mathematical equations (π).

Steps:

Step 1: Place your cursor: Move your cursor to the location where you want to insert the symbol. In our example, let's add a degree symbol (°C) next to a temperature value.

Step 2: Click "Insert": Locate the "Insert" tab on the top toolbar. Click on it.

Step 3: Click "Symbol": Within the "Insert" tab, find the "Symbol" button and click on it. This will open a menu with various symbols.

Step 4: Select "More Symbols": The initial menu might display a limited set of symbols. To access more options, click on "More Symbols" at the bottom of the window.

Step 5: Choose your symbol: A larger window with various symbols will appear. Use the "Font" dropdown menu to explore different symbol sets. For scientific symbols, "Arial Unicode MS" or "Symbol" fonts are good choices. Find the symbol you need (e.g., degree symbol °) and double-click it.

Step 6: Insert and Close: The symbol will now be inserted at your cursor location. Click "Close" to exit the Symbol window.

Applications for Students:

• Science Reports: Insert scientific units (°, Ω, µ), mathematical symbols (π, √, ∞), or weather symbols (☼, ☔, ❄).

• Math Assignments: Add mathematical operators (∑, ÷, ±) or geometric shapes (∆, □, ○).

• Foreign Language Courses: Include special characters like ñ (Spanish), ç (French), or ß (German).

• Art History Papers: Incorporate artistic symbols (©, ™, ®).

By utilizing the Symbol menu, students can enhance the professionalism and clarity of their reports, assignments, and other academic documents.

Use WPS AI to Polish Your Resumes or Forms

WPS AI offers invaluable assistance in refining your resumes and forms, ensuring they stand out and leave a lasting impression. With its advanced capabilities, WPS AI can refine grammar, syntax, and style, elevating the professionalism of your documents. Moreover, it aids in formatting and organizing resumes and forms to effectively showcase your skills and experiences.

• Spelling and Grammar Correction: WPS AI's spellcheck and grammar correction tool meticulously review your documents, eliminating errors and enhancing their credibility.

• Content Summary: WPS AI can condense lengthy sections of your resume or form into concise summaries, ensuring key information is easily accessible and impactful for recruiters or form processors.

• Language Translation: For those targeting a global audience, WPS AI facilitates seamless translation of documents into multiple languages, ensuring your message reaches and resonates with diverse readers.

With WPS AI, you can confidently present polished resumes and forms that effectively communicate your qualifications and professionalism.

Converting Your Resumes or Forms to PDF without losing Format

Once you've crafted the perfect resume or form, submitting it often requires converting it from a Word document (DOCX) to a PDF (Portable Document Format). Unfortunately, converting in Microsoft Word can sometimes cause formatting issues. Here's where WPS Office shines! It offers a seamless conversion process that preserves your document's layout and formatting.

Steps to Convert Word Doc to PDF in WPS Office:

Step 1: Open your document: Launch WPS Office Writer and open the resume or form you want to convert.

Step 2: Click "Export": Locate the "File" tab on the top menu bar. Click on it to reveal the file options.

Step 3: Choose "Export to PDF": Within the "File" menu, hover over "Export" to display additional options. Select "Export to PDF" from the submenu.

Step 4: Save and Customize (Optional): A "Save As" window will appear. Choose the destination folder where you want to save the converted PDF. You can also rename the file if desired. Additionally, WPS offers optional settings for advanced users, such as password protection or creating an accessible PDF. Click "Export" once you're satisfied with your selections.

Benefits of Converting to PDF:

• Preserves Formatting: Unlike Word conversions, WPS ensures your resume or form retains its intended layout and design.

• Universally Recognized: PDFs are a widely accepted format, ensuring your document can be opened and viewed on most devices without compatibility issues.

• Security Features: WPS offers optional password protection for added security if your resume contains sensitive information.

By following these simple steps, you can convert your Word documents to PDF in WPS Office with confidence, maintaining the professionalism and clarity you invested in your resume or form.

FAQs about Inserting Check Mark in Word   

Q1. What is the shortcut for tick symbols in Word?

There isn't a universal shortcut key for inserting a check mark (or tick symbol) in Word. However, there are two options:

• Windows Only: Hold the "Alt" key and type the code for the desired check mark symbol on the number pad (Num Lock must be on). Here are common codes:

• Plain check mark (✓): Alt + 0252

• Boxed check mark (☑): Alt + 0254

• All Systems: Use the Symbol menu. Refer to Part 2 of the guide for detailed steps.

Q2. How can I insert other symbols in Word?

You can insert various symbols in Word using the Symbol menu. Here's how:

Step 1: Place your cursor where you want the symbol.

Step 2: Go to the "Insert" tab.

Step 3: Click "Symbol."

Step 4: Select "More Symbols" if needed.

Step 5: Choose your symbol from the list or browse different fonts using the "Font" dropdown.

Step 6: Double-click the desired symbol to insert it.

Refer to Part 3 of the guide for a more detailed explanation with images and examples of using symbols in different contexts.

Q3. How can I tick a box in Word online?

Unfortunately, Word online (also known as Word Web App) doesn't currently offer a built-in feature to insert check boxes you can click to tick or untick. However, you can still achieve a similar effect by inserting a check mark symbol using the methods mentioned in Q1 and Q2.

Summary

In this comprehensive guide, I show you how to insert check marks in Word documents effectively, elevating the quality of your resumes and forms. With simple steps and bonus tips, you'll streamline the document editing process with ease. Emphasizing the power of WPS Office, I was highlighting how its features, like AI-powered assistance and seamless PDF conversion, enhance document creation and presentation. By leveraging WPS Office's capabilities, you can create professional documents effortlessly, showcasing your achievements and skills effectively.