You can type the infinity symbol in Mac OS using a simple keyboard shortcut. On Mac devices, you can access special characters using the Alt key.
Infinity symbol in Mac OS: This is the shortcut
The infinity symbol can be quickly typed using a shortcut on your iMac or MacBook.
- To insert the infinity symbol (∞), press the [alt] + [,] keys simultaneously.
- On some newer devices, the [alt] key is also called “option” and is located between [control] and [command].
- To type the infinity symbol on your iPhone, simply type “infinity” in the text field. The symbol should then appear in the suggestions. If it doesn’t, open the emoji keyboard and navigate to the mathematical symbols. It is located next to the plus sign.
What the infinity symbol stands for
The infinity symbol (∞), also known as the lemniscate, primarily symbolizes the idea of infinity, eternity, and boundlessness. It stands for something that has no end, such as infinite time, infinite love, friendship, or a never-ending cycle in life and nature.
- The symbol was originally introduced in the 17th century by mathematician John Wallis, but its roots go back to ancient cultures and spiritual traditions.
- Common contexts of use are in mathematics to represent infinite sets or sets without end, and in physics to symbolize infinite distances or quantities.
- In jewelry and fashion, the infinity symbol is a symbol of eternity, continuity, infinite love, or friendship. In a spiritual context, it stands for the unity of opposites, life energy, and continuous personal development.
- In friendship and love, it is an expression of fidelity, loyalty, and unbreakable bonds. In the fields of meditation and yoga, the symbol visualizes energy flow, mindfulness, and inner harmony.
- The symbol is thus a powerful, multifunctional symbol that has a profound meaning in scientific as well as personal and spiritual fields.
Why you should use text replacements
Text replacements under System Settings → Keyboard → Text can be used to automatically insert special characters or longer texts using short abbreviations. You enter a defined abbreviation, which is then automatically converted into the desired special character or phrase. Examples:
- (c) automatically becomes © (copyright symbol)
- (r) automatically becomes ® (registered trademark)
- (x) automatically becomes × (times symbol)
- These text replacements are applied system-wide, synchronized to other Apple devices via iCloud, and save a lot of time when typing, as you don’t have to manually search for special character tables or keyboard shortcuts. They work after entering the abbreviation and a space, special character, or line break.
Typical problems and solutions
There are sometimes problems with the Alt key and different keyboard layouts on Mac OS. The following measures cover the most common practical problems and offer simple solutions or workarounds for Alt key jamming or keyboard layout problems on Mac OS.
- Stuck Alt key or unwanted special characters: If only special characters appear when you hold down the Alt key on your Mac, this may be because the Alt key is “stuck” or malfunctioning. In the System Preferences under “Keyboard,” you can set the function of the Option key (Alt key) to “No Action” under “Special Keys.” This disables the Alt key, and you can insert special characters via the ‘Edit’ > “Special Characters” menu.
- Different keyboard layouts and incorrect assignments: Incorrect assignment of keys such as Alt + L, which should normally write the @ sign, can be caused by a changed keyboard layout. For example, if Alt + L suddenly no longer types @, it is often because the keyboard layout has been changed to “German Standard” or another layout. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Input Sources and select the correct layout (e.g., “German – QWERTZ”).
- Keyboard mouse function affects keys: If several keys are not working, the “keyboard mouse” may be activated (under Accessibility), causing the keyboard to act as a mouse replacement. Solution: In System Preferences > Accessibility > Mouse & Trackpad, disable “Keyboard Mouse” and remove the “Press Option key 5 times” option to prevent accidental activation.
- Software and settings check: Sometimes apps or shortcuts block certain key combinations. Check whether new programs or extensions are reassigning keys. Restart your computer, as many keyboard problems are only temporary and can be resolved this way.
- Physical repair for stuck keys: If mechanical keys are stuck (e.g., butterfly keyboard), Apple recommends carefully cleaning the keyboard with compressed air or performing mechanical repairs (replacing the key mechanism). Carefully removing the key for cleaning can help, but requires caution.
