Making an interrogation mark, also known as a question mark, on a Mac is very simple. The interrogation mark can be found on the Mac keyboard layout and accessed through a keyboard shortcut. In this article, we will cover where to find the interrogation mark key, what the keyboard shortcut is, how to change keyboard layouts, and some tips for easily accessing the interrogation mark on a Mac.
Where Is the Interrogation Mark Key on a Mac Keyboard?
The interrogation mark key is located on the same key as the forward slash key (/), which is on the bottom row of keys to the right of the letter L key. The forward slash key is the main key, while the interrogation mark is accessed using the Shift key.
Here are the exact locations of the interrogation mark key on different Mac keyboards:
- On an Apple MacBook Pro keyboard, it is on the bottom row next to the right Shift key.
- On an Apple Magic Keyboard, it is on the bottom row next to the right Shift key.
- On an older Apple Wireless Keyboard, it is two keys to the right of the L key on the bottom row.
So on any Mac keyboard layout, look for the forward slash key next to the L key, then use the Shift key with it to type an interrogation mark.
What Is the Keyboard Shortcut for an Interrogation Mark on a Mac?
The keyboard shortcut to type an interrogation mark on a Mac is Shift + /. Here are the steps:
- Locate the forward slash (/) key next to the L key on the bottom row of the keyboard.
- Hold down the Shift key.
- While holding Shift, press the forward slash key.
This will type an interrogation mark character (?). You can let go of the Shift key after pressing the forward slash key.
This Shift + / keyboard shortcut works on any Mac keyboard and is the fastest way to type the interrogation mark symbol. With some practice, you can use the shortcut key combination quickly without looking at the keyboard.
How to Change the Keyboard Layout on a Mac
In some countries and languages, the keyboard layout is different, with the interrogation mark in a different location. For example, on a French keyboard, the interrogation mark requires pressing Alt + W. On a German keyboard layout, the interrogation mark is under the ß key.
If you are using a non-U.S. English keyboard layout, you can switch to the U.S. keyboard to access the interrogation mark key more easily.
Here are the steps to change the keyboard layout on a Mac:
- Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources.
- Click the + button to add a keyboard layout.
- Select U.S. from the drop down menu.
- Close System Preferences.
Now your Mac has the U.S. keyboard enabled. To switch between keyboard layouts, click the input source menu in the top right corner of the menu bar and select the U.S. keyboard. Now you can use the Shift + / shortcut to type the interrogation mark.
Tips for Easily Accessing the Interrogation Mark on a Mac
Here are some tips to help you quickly access and use the interrogation mark symbol on your Mac:
- Practice using the Shift + / keyboard shortcut until it becomes muscle memory.
- Stick a small sticker on the forward slash key as a reminder.
- If you use a non-U.S. keyboard, switch to the U.S. layout when you need to type an interrogation mark.
- Add the Character Viewer to the menu bar by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources. Then you can quickly access special characters.
- Use Text Replacement/Text Expansion to auto-replace a shorthand with an interrogation mark.
Typing Interrogation Marks on a Mac in Different Programs
The methods for typing an interrogation mark are the same across all programs and applications on a Mac. Whether you are typing in Pages, Word, Outlook, Chrome or any other app, use the Shift + / shortcut or Character Viewer to insert the symbol.
Here are some examples of typing an interrogation mark in popular Mac programs and apps:
Microsoft Word
- Place the cursor where you want the interrogation mark to be inserted.
- Press Shift + / keys together.
- The interrogation mark appears in Word.
Apple Pages
- Put the text cursor where you want the mark to go.
- Hit the Shift and forward slash keys.
- The interrogation mark will be placed in Pages.
Google Chrome Browser
- Click inside the text field to type.
- Hold Shift and press the / key.
- The interrogation mark will display in the text field.
Apple Mail
- In the email body, put the cursor where you want the mark.
- Use the Shift + / shortcut key combination.
- The interrogation mark will show up in the email.
So whether you are typing a document, email, web form or chat message, the same Mac keyboard methods can be used to create the interrogation mark symbol.
Troubleshooting Interrogation Marks on a Mac
If you are having issues getting an interrogation mark to appear using the standard methods, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Make sure the keyboard layout is U.S. English or another language where interrogation marks are typed with Shift + /.
- Try quitting and relaunching the app to reset any keyboard issues.
- If the shortcut does not work, go to System Preferences > Keyboard to reset the shortcut keys.
- Check that the forward slash / key works normally without Shift held down.
- Inspect the keyboard for any stuck keys or physical damage.
- If an external keyboard is connected, try the interrogation mark on the built-in keyboard.
Additionally, check for any third party software that could be intercepting keystrokes and preventing the interrogation mark from appearing correctly.
If troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, contact Apple support for further help.
Alternative Ways to Type an Interrogation Mark on a Mac
If the standard Shift + / shortcut does not work for some reason, there are a few alternative ways to type an interrogation mark on a Mac.
Character Viewer
The Character Viewer allows you to browse for and insert any symbol, including the interrogation mark. To access it:
- Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources and enable the Character Viewer.
- Click the input source menu in the menu bar and select Show Character Viewer.
- Browse for the interrogation mark symbol and double click to insert it.
Text Replacement
You can set up text replacement or text expansion to automatically replace an abbreviation with a symbol. For example, set up “??” to be replaced by the interrogation mark symbol.
Copy and Paste
Find an interrogation mark symbol somewhere else such as a web page, copy it, then paste it into your document.
On-Screen/Virtual Keyboard
Pull up the on-screen keyboard, locate the interrogation mark key, and tap it.
So in summary, the primary way to type an interrogation mark on a Mac is Shift + /. But if that does not work for any reason, there are a few handy alternative methods as well.
How to Type Interrogation Marks on Other Operating Systems
The methods for typing an interrogation mark symbol vary across operating systems due to different keyboard layouts.
Windows
On a standard Windows PC keyboard, the interrogation mark is typed by holding down the Shift key and pressing the forward slash key, just like on a Mac.
The keyboard shortcut is: Shift + /
Chromebook
On a Chromebook, hold down the Search key, which is where the Caps Lock key normally is, then press the forward slash key:
The keyboard shortcut is: Search + /
Linux
For the most common US English keyboard layout on Linux, use Shift + /, the same as Windows and Mac.
The shortcut is: Shift + /
However, keyboard layouts can vary on Linux. Consult your specific Linux distribution’s documentation for the interrogation mark key position.
iOS
On an iPhone or iPad iOS keyboard, tap and hold the period key until the extra punctuation menu pops up, then slide to and select the interrogation mark.
Android
On an Android smartphone or tablet keyboard, tap and hold the period key until more symbols appear, then select the interrogation mark.
So in summary, the Shift + forward slash shortcut works universally on Mac, Windows and common Linux keyboards. Mobile platforms like iOS and Android require accessing it via the period key’s extended symbols.
Interrogation Marks in Other Languages
Here is how to type an interrogation mark in some other major languages using a keyboard configured for that language:
Spanish
Spanish keyboards have an inverted question mark ¿ and standard ? question mark. To type ¿, use Alt Gr + /. To type ?, use Shift + / like normal.
French
On a French keyboard, type Alt Gr + W for ¿ and Shift + è for ?.
German
A German keyboard has the ? under the ß key. Press Shift + ß to access it.
Italian
On an Italian keyboard, the ? is typed with Shift + è.
Russian
For a Russian keyboard layout, the ? is under the Latin letter key. Press Shift + / to generate it.
So in other languages, the interrogation mark key position shifts around but is accessible. Refer to the localization specific to your non-English system configuration.
Special Interrogation Marks
There are some additional special variations of the interrogation mark punctuation symbol:
Upside Down Interrogation Mark ¿
The upside down question mark ¿ is used to begin interrogative sentences in Spanish. On a Spanish keyboard use Alt Gr + / to type it. It can also be inserted through the Character Viewer on macOS.
Double Interrogation Mark ‽
The interrobang ‽ combines an interrogation point and exclamation point together. It indicates a rhetorical question conveying excitement or surprise. Insert it through the Character Viewer.
Armenian Question Mark ՞
This inverted Armenian question mark ՞ is used in the Armenian language. Enable the Armenian keyboard to access it with Shift + ;
There are a few other special variations like integral and mirrored question marks used in mathematics and logic syntax.
Conclusion
Typing an interrogation mark on a Mac is easy using the Shift + / keyboard shortcut. This works across all applications. If you are using a non-U.S. keyboard, switch to the U.S. layout to access the forward slash key. The Character Viewer provides a graphical interface for inserting the symbol into documents and texts.
Knowing how to quickly produce interrogation marks on a Mac or Windows PC saves time and effort while writing documents or coding. With the Shift + / shortcut committed to memory, you’ll always be ready to type a question or query!