The hashtag symbol is well-known among Twitter users, but typing it on a Mac can be tricky. Some Mac keyboards, especially older models, lack a dedicated hashtag key. However, don’t worry—this symbol, traditionally known as a pound sign in the US before Twitter popularized it, is still accessible with the right key combinations. In this guide, we’ll demonstrate how to type a hashtag on both US and UK Mac keyboards, though these methods might become obsolete if Apple introduces a dynamic keyboard in the future.
How to type a hashtag on Mac
Typing a hashtag (#) on a Mac depends on the type of keyboard you have, such as a US Mac keyboard or a UK Mac keyboard.
1. US: Press Shift + 3
On a US Mac keyboard, the hashtag is a secondary option on the 3 key. To type it, simply hold down the Shift key and press 3. On a UK Mac keyboard, pressing Shift and 3 would produce a £ symbol instead. 
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2. UK: Press Option + 3
For UK Mac keyboard users, the keypress is a bit different. The hashtag is a third option and may not always be printed on the keyboard (it started appearing on newer models). To type a hashtag, hold down the Option key (which may be labeled Alt on some keyboards) and press 3. 
3. Create a custom shortcut
If typing a hashtag symbol the conventional way doesn’t work for you, you can copy it from the internet or social media. However, a better solution is to create a custom shortcut:
- Go to System Preferences ➙ Keyboard
- Switch to the Text tab
- Click the plus icon (+)
- In the Replace column, type in your preferred shortcut
- In the With column, paste the hash symbol (#)
Now, whenever you type your shortcut in any app, it will be replaced with a hashtag. Unlike regular keyboard shortcuts, you don’t have to hold down all the keys at once—just type them sequentially.
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FAQ’s
Why can’t I find a hashtag key on my Mac keyboard? Some Mac keyboards, especially older models, do not have a dedicated hashtag key. The hashtag symbol can still be typed using specific key combinations depending on whether you have a US or UK keyboard. How do I type a hashtag on a US Mac keyboard? On a US Mac keyboard, the hashtag symbol is a secondary option on the 3 key. To type it, hold down the Shift key and press 3. How do I type a hashtag on a UK Mac keyboard? On a UK Mac keyboard, the hashtag is a third option and may not always be printed on the keyboard. To type it, hold down the Option key (which may be labeled Alt on some keyboards) and press 3. What should I do if the conventional way of typing a hashtag doesn’t work on my Mac? If the conventional method doesn’t work, you can copy the hashtag symbol from the internet or social media. Alternatively, you can create a custom shortcut to type a hashtag easily. Will these methods become obsolete if Apple introduces a dynamic keyboard? If Apple introduces a dynamic keyboard, the methods for typing a hashtag might change or become obsolete. However, until then, these key combinations and custom shortcuts will work for typing a hashtag on a Mac.
Conclusion
Typing a hashtag on a Mac can be confusing, especially with different key combinations required for US and UK keyboards. However, by understanding the correct keypresses—Shift + 3 for US keyboards and Option + 3 for UK keyboards—you can easily access this essential symbol. If these methods don’t work for you, creating a custom shortcut offers a convenient alternative. With these tips, you can navigate any Mac keyboard to type hashtags effortlessly, ensuring your social media posts are always on point.
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