The pilcrow ¶ is Alt+0182 on Windows and Option+7 on a Mac. It marks the start of a paragraph and cites a numbered one in legal text. In Word it also appears as the formatting mark for a paragraph break, toggled with Ctrl+Shift+8.
01 All shortcuts at a glance
| Platform | Shortcut | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (Alt code) | Hold Alt, type 0182 on the numpad |
|
| Windows (any app) | Win+. or Win+; emoji/symbol picker, or Character Map (Win+R → charmap) |
|
| Mac | Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer, search "Pilcrow Sign" |
|
| Word / Outlook | Type 00B6, then press Alt+X |
|
| Linux (IBus) | Ctrl+Shift+U, then 00b6, then Enter |
|
| HTML / CSS | ¶ · \00b6 (CSS) |
02 Step by step, per platform
A real, followable procedure for every platform, not a thin restatement of the shortcut.
Windows
- Make sure Num Lock is on.
- Hold Alt and type 0182 on the numeric keypad.
- Release Alt, ¶ appears.
Mac
- Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
- Type "Pilcrow Sign" in the search field.
- Double-click the result to insert it.
Microsoft Word
- Type 00B6.
- 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+00A7) | Section sign | Use § for a numbered section of a statute and ¶ for a numbered paragraph. |
| P written backwards | The same character | The shape came from a reversed P for the Latin paragraphus. It is one character, U+00B6. |
| ¶ everywhere in Word | Formatting marks are switched on | Press Ctrl+Shift+8 to hide them. They do not print and are not part of your text. |
05 FAQ
What is the Unicode code point for the pilcrow?
It is U+00B6, decimal 182. Alt+0182 types it on Windows.
Why does Word show ¶ at the end of every line?
Formatting marks are turned on, and each pilcrow marks a paragraph break. Press Ctrl+Shift+8 to hide them. They never print.
Why is it called a pilcrow?
The name is a worn-down form of the Greek paragraphos by way of Old French. Medieval scribes drew it in red to mark a new thought before paragraph indents existed.
When do I use ¶ instead of §?
Use ¶ for a numbered paragraph, which is common in court filings and depositions. Use § for a numbered section of a statute or contract.
What does ¶¶ mean?
It is the plural, covering a range of paragraphs, as in ¶¶ 3 to 7. This mirrors the doubled section sign.