The ballot X ✗ is the plain text cross used to mark something wrong or rejected. Type 2717 then Alt+X in Word. It pairs with the check mark ✓ at U+2713. The red emoji cross at U+274C is a separate character that renders in colour.
01 All shortcuts at a glance
| Platform | Shortcut | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (any app) | Win+. or Win+; emoji/symbol picker, or Character Map (Win+R → charmap) |
|
| Mac | Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer, search "Ballot X" |
|
| Word / Outlook | Type 2717, then press Alt+X |
|
| Linux (IBus) | Ctrl+Shift+U, then 2717, then Enter |
|
| HTML / CSS | ✗ · \2717 (CSS) |
02 Step by step, per platform
A real, followable procedure for every platform, not a thin restatement of the shortcut.
Windows
- Open Character Map: Win+R, type charmap, press Enter.
- Search or scroll for Ballot X (U+2717).
- Select it, click Copy, then paste where you need it.
Mac
- Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
- Type "Ballot X" in the search field.
- Double-click the result to insert it.
Microsoft Word
- Type 2717.
- Press Alt+X immediately after, it converts the hex code to ✗.
03 Characters in this set
04 Troubleshooting & confusables
| Looks like it | But it's actually | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| ❌ (U+274C) | Cross mark, usually shown as a red emoji | For a coloured emoji cross that ignores the surrounding text colour. |
| ✕ (U+2715) | Multiplication X, a dingbat | Commonly used as a close button in interfaces, where it reads as dismiss. |
| × (U+00D7) | Multiplication sign | A maths operator. It is smaller and centred on the maths axis. |
05 FAQ
What is the Unicode code point for the ballot X?
It is U+2717, decimal 10007. A heavier version exists at U+2718 and the red emoji cross is separate at U+274C.
Which cross should I pair with a tick?
Use ✗ at U+2717 with ✓ at U+2713, or the heavy pair ✘ and ✔. Keeping both marks at the same weight makes a comparison table read evenly.
Is a cross accessible as a "no" marker?
Not on its own. Screen readers announce it inconsistently, so add visually hidden text or an aria-label giving the actual meaning.
What is the difference from the multiplication sign?
The multiplication sign at U+00D7 is a maths operator sized for equations. The ballot X is a dingbat drawn at symbol size for marking a box.
How do I get a red cross without the emoji?
Use U+2717 and set the colour in CSS, which gives full control. The emoji at U+274C cannot be recoloured on most platforms.