Square brackets , those versatile symbols we use for citations, references, and notes, can seem like a typing mystery. But fear not! This comprehensive guide reveals how to type square brackets on any device: Windows PC , Mac , iPhone , and Android . You’ll learn standard methods, keyboard shortcuts, and the fastest tricks to save time. Whether you’re a writer, a student, or just a tech enthusiast, mastering square brackets will be a breeze.
Square Brackets on Windows PC
Typing on a Windows PC? Here’s how to easily create square brackets :
Standard Method with Italian Keyboard
Your keyboard has a special key: Alt Gr (bottom right, near the spacebar). Use it like this:
- Open square bracket ([):
- Press and hold the Alt Gr key.
- Press the button with the [ symbol.
- Release both keys.
- Closing square bracket (]):
- Press and hold the Alt Gr key.
- Press the key with the ] symbol.
- Release both keys.
ASCII Code Method
If you prefer, you can use ASCII codes (secret numbers for symbols):
- Open square bracket ([):
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type 91 on the numeric keypad (to the right of the keyboard).
- Release the Alt key.
- Closing square bracket (]):
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type 93 on the numeric keypad.
- Release the Alt key.
Remember: The numeric keypad must be active (Num Lock on).
Square Bracket on Mac
![How to Type Square Brackets [ ]: A Guide for PC, Mac, and Smartphone - Summary Infographic](https://blog.tuttosemplice.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/infographic-how-to-type-square-brackets-a-guide-for-pc-mac-and-smartphone-20260511234734.avif)
Typing square brackets on a Mac is simple; it only changes depending on your keyboard:
Italian Keyboard
If you are using the Italian keyboard, you will need the Alt key (also called Option ):
- Open square bracket ([):
- Press and hold the Alt key.
- Press the 5 key.
- Release both keys.
- Closing square bracket (]):
- Press and hold the Alt key.
- Press the 6 key.
- Release both keys.
American Keyboard
With the American keyboard, it’s even easier:
- The square brackets [ and ] are already on the keyboard, near the P key.
- Just press them directly, no other buttons needed!
Square Brackets on Smartphone
You can also type square brackets on your phone. Here’s how:
Square Brackets on iPhone
On the iPhone, the square brackets are hidden behind the round brackets:
- Open the keyboard.
- Go to numbers (123).
- Press and hold the round bracket key ( ).
- Scroll and choose the square bracket you need: [ or ] .
Square Brackets on Android
On Android, it depends on your keyboard. Usually, square brackets are in the symbols:
- Open the keyboard.
- Look for the symbols key (it looks like ?123 or ~[<).
- Long-press a symbol that looks like a bracket (e.g., < or { ).
- Scroll and find the square brackets : [ and ] .
If you can’t find them, look for a key with multiple symbols (e.g., =<).
Tip: If you often use square brackets, download a different keyboard. Some have dedicated keys for symbols!
Extra Tips and Tricks
Want to type square brackets even faster? Try these tricks:
Copy and Paste
Are you in a hurry? Copy the square brackets from here: [ ]
- Select the square brackets.
- Copy (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C).
- Paste (Ctrl+V or Cmd+V) where you need it.
Custom Keyboards
If you frequently use square brackets, customize your keyboard!
- On your smartphone, search for alternative keyboard apps. Many have dedicated keys for symbols.
- On a PC, you can create custom shortcuts to insert square brackets with just a few keystrokes.
Summary Table: Square Brackets on All Devices
| Device | Italian Keyboard | American Keyboard | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows PC | Alt Gr + [ or ] | Alt + 91 or 93 (ASCII code) | |
| Mac | Alt (Option) + 5 or 6 | [e] (near the “P” key) | |
| iPhone | Press and hold the ( ) button. | Numeric keypad | |
| Android | Varies depending on the keyboard | Search in symbols or hold down a similar key |
Square Brackets in HTML
Square brackets are not only used for writing texts, but also for creating web pages! In HTML, the language used to build sites, square brackets have a special role. You cannot write them directly, but you have to use special codes:
- Open square bracket:
[or[ - Closing square bracket:
]or]
Example:
If you want to display square brackets on a web page, write the following in the HTML code:
HTML
[Questo testo apparirà tra parentesi quadre]
The result will be:
[This text will appear in square brackets]
Fun Facts About Square Brackets
Square brackets are more interesting than you think! Here are some fun facts:
- Linguistics: In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), square brackets indicate sounds. For example, [a] represents the sound of the “a” in “pane”.
- Mathematics: Square brackets have different meanings depending on the context. They can indicate numerical intervals, matrices, or specific operations.
- Pop Culture: Square brackets often appear in comics to indicate characters’ thoughts. You’ve also seen them in the movie “The Matrix”!
Troubleshooting
Sometimes, square brackets can cause some problems. Here are some solutions:
- Keys not working:
- Check if you have activated the “Num Lock” key (for the numeric keypad).
- Restart your computer or phone.
- Try a different keyboard.
- Square brackets not displayed correctly:
- Make sure the font you are using supports square brackets.
- If you are creating a web page, check the HTML code.
- International or custom keyboards:
- Search online for specific instructions for your keyboard layout.
Now you’re a square bracket expert! Share this guide with your friends on social media and help them master these useful symbols too.
- Square brackets on Windows with an Italian keyboard
On the Italian keyboard, hold down the Alt Gr key located to the right of the spacebar. At the same time, press the [ key to open the parenthesis or the ] key to close it.
- Alternative Windows method with ASCII codes
If the Alt Gr key does not work, hold down Alt and type 91 on the numeric keypad for [ or 93 for ]. Remember to activate the numeric keypad (Num Lock) before proceeding.
- How to type square brackets on a Mac
If you are using a Mac with an Italian layout, hold down the Alt (or Option) key. Press the number 5 for the open square bracket [ and the number 6 for the close square bracket ].
- How to type square brackets on iPhone and iPad
Open the keyboard and tap the “123” key. Hold your finger on the round bracket symbol ( ). A pop-up menu will appear where you can select the desired square bracket.
- How to type square brackets on Android
Access the symbols menu (usually ?123). Look for the button with the brackets or long-press on a similar symbol. If you don’t find them right away, scroll to the second page of special characters.
- HTML codes for square brackets
To insert these symbols into the code of a web page, use the specific HTML entities. Write [ for the opening bracket and ] for the closing bracket to display them correctly.
In Brief (TL;DR)
Square brackets are versatile symbols that can be used on PCs, Macs, and smartphones with different key combinations or ASCII codes.
On Windows PCs, use Alt Gr + [ or ], or Alt + 91 or 93. On Mac, use Alt (Option) + 5 or 6 (Italian keyboard) or the dedicated keys (American keyboard).
On smartphones, look for them in the symbol keyboard or use the hidden options.
![List: How to Type Square Brackets [ ]: A Guide for PC, Mac, and Smartphone](https://blog.tuttosemplice.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pinterest-list-how-to-type-square-brackets-a-guide-for-pc-mac-and-smartphone-20260511234557.avif)
Conclusions
Square brackets are no longer a secret!
You’ve learned how to use them on PC , Mac , and smartphones . With the right keys or secret codes, you can type them anywhere.
Try the methods you prefer: special keys, shortcuts, or copy-paste. If you use them often, customize your keyboard!
Now you also know how to use them in HTML and some more interesting facts. Having problems? Check the FAQs.
With a little practice, square brackets will be as easy as ABC!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you encounter problems with the main key on your Windows keyboard, you can use the alternative combination based on the ASCII code. Simply hold down the Alt key and type the number ninety-one on the numeric keypad to open the symbol, or the number ninety-three to close it. Always remember to check that the numeric keypad is properly activated.
On Apple computers with an Italian keyboard layout, the quickest and most effective method is to use the Option key, also known as Alt. Pressing it simultaneously with the number five will open the desired symbol, while combining it with the number six will close it. If you are using an American layout, you will find the dedicated keys directly next to the letter P.
On mobile devices, these graphic elements are often hidden to optimize screen space. On an iPhone, you need to access the numeric section and long-press the round bracket key to make the corresponding variants appear. On Android phones, the procedure is very similar, but you will have to look inside the menu dedicated to special symbols.
To correctly display these textual elements within a website’s source code, it is essential to use the appropriate HTML entities. Specifically, you need to type the sequence consisting of an ampersand, a hash, ninety-one, and a semicolon for the opening phase. For the closing phase, you will use the same sequence, replacing the final number with ninety-three.
The problem of not displaying correctly almost always depends on the type of font used in the document, which may not support these specific special characters. We recommend selecting a different font to see if the problem is resolved immediately. Also, if you are programming a web page, check that you have typed the correct formatting entities.
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