Punctuation

How to type Non-breaking space ( )

Copy the character, or use the shortcut that matches your keyboard and app.

Windows

Hold Alt and type 0160 on the numeric keypad.

Mac

Option + Space

Microsoft Word

Ctrl + Shift + Space

Google Docs

Insert → Special characters → non-breaking space

How to insert it

Copy

Click the keycap, then paste with Ctrl+V or Cmd+V.

Alt code

Num Lock on, hold Alt, type 0160, release Alt.

Code

Use the Unicode, HTML, CSS, or JS value below in documents and stylesheets.

Unicode
U+00A0
HTML decimal
 
HTML hex
 
CSS
\00A0
JavaScript
\u{00A0}
Alt code
Alt + 0160

Related

About the Non-breaking space

The Non-breaking space ( , U+00A0) the non-breaking space — a space that keeps two words on the same line, essential in typesetting and web layout.

These live in the gap between the hyphen on your keyboard and proper typography. Word processors often auto-convert them, but in plain-text fields — code, forms, chats — you need the real character.

If you type   regularly, stop copying it. On Windows, hold Alt and type 0160 on the numeric keypad. On a Mac, press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer and find it instantly. In Word, type a0 and press Alt+X. The full code list is in the reference table below.

In Unicode it lives in the Latin-1 Supplement block, so it behaves the same everywhere Unicode is supported — which today means virtually every device, app, and browser. Related symbols: En dash, Em dash, Ellipsis.

Non-breaking space quick reference

Symbol 
NameNon-breaking space
UnicodeU+00A0
Alt codeAlt + 0160
HTML decimal 
HTML hex 
HTML entity 
CSS\00A0
JavaScript\u00A0
URL encoded%C2%A0

Compatibility: Displays correctly on iPhone, Android, Windows and Mac.

How to type   on your phone

iPhone / iPad

iPhones have no Alt codes. The fastest way is to copy the symbol above and paste it where you need it. To reuse it often, save it as a text replacement: go to Settings → General → Keyboard → Text Replacement, tap +, paste the symbol into Phrase and give it a Shortcut.

Android

On Gboard, tap ?123 then =\< to open the symbols keyboard — many symbols hide under a long-press on related keys. Otherwise just copy the symbol above and paste it; it works in every app.