Emoji Copy and Paste

Why does an emoji look different depending on the device?

An emoji can look different depending on the device because each platform uses its own fonts and illustrations to render Unicode emoji characters and sequences.

The Unicode character or sequence remains identical when copied between different devices, but its visual appearance can change depending on the platform. Apple, Google, Microsoft, Samsung and other vendors each use their own designs to represent emojis.

For example, ❤️ corresponds to the same Unicode sequence on iPhone, Android, Windows and Mac, but each platform may render it with a slightly different graphic. The Unicode character is therefore distinct from its visual appearance.

Are emoji characters free to use?

Yes, Unicode characters can be used without requesting permission from the Unicode Consortium, including copying, pasting and using them in texts, messages, documents or applications.

However, it is important to distinguish between the Unicode character and the emoji illustration. The colourful images used by Apple, Google, Microsoft, Samsung and other vendors may be protected by the rights of their owners. Being able to use a Unicode character does not mean that a vendor graphic image can be freely reproduced as an image.

How do you copy and paste an emoji on Android?

On Android, tap an emoji on this page to copy it, then long-press in the text field and select "Paste". You can also use your device emoji keyboard. With Gboard, the emoji icon in the toolbar gives access to all available emojis.

How do you copy and paste an emoji in Outlook or Gmail?

To use an emoji in an email, copy the emoji from this page and paste it directly into the body of your message. Gmail and modern versions of Outlook support full-colour emoji display. In some older versions of Outlook, the emoji appearance may vary depending on the font used and the recipient device or software.