You've got yourself a Mac or similar Apple product and have a keyboard to go along with it, but when you look down to start typing, you might be wondering where the # actually is. It's easy enough to find on a digital keyboard, like on your iPhone or iPad, with it just being with the rest of the symbols there, but finding it on a physical one is trickier. It's a pretty important character to have for social media, so unless you plan to copy and paste the symbol from another webpage, you'll want to be able to find it.
Apple likes to design its products in a unique, distinctive way, and it's no different with its keyboards. They have different layouts and keys than standard models, most notably featuring the command key that's pretty much seen nowhere else. But that doesn't mean the # is missing, it just has a different way of accessing it, and we're here to help you find out.
So where is it?
Some Apple keyboards have it so that you simply need to press the option key with the number three at the same time in order to get a # to appear. The option key usually rests where the alt key would on a standard keyboard. It's worth noting that not every keyboard may have this ability, and that some may not have the symbol noted on the key but the function still exists.
Is there another way?
You can set up custom keys in order to register a shortcut. By going to the system settings, you can access keyboard settings. From there, click on function keys, which will allow you to change what the F1 through F12 keys do. This way you can set it to a personal shortcut that you're more likely to remember. Plus, you can make it more comfortable to do so than with the regular # method.
Alternatively, you can bring up an on-screen keyboard. Also known as the accessibility keyboard, this is a digital keyboard that you just use your mouse for. As such, if your keyboard is missing the # function, you'll likely be able to replicate it here. It isn't super fast, but it is a handy option to have in the back of your mind.
Kyle Purves is a Tech Product Writer for What’s The Best, with an avid interest in all things gaming and tech.
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