Colon :

: (U+3A) is a standard Unicode character that you can copy and paste anywhere text is accepted. This page provides a concise reference with safe tips, internal links, and practical guidance so you can use it reliably across apps and platforms.

What it is and where it’s used: Colon is part of the Symbols family (block: Basic Latin). If you need styled or decorative alternatives, try our Fancy Text tool to generate compatible text that works in most modern interfaces.

History & usage: The colon is a punctuation mark named COLON. Its code point is U+003A, and it belongs to the Basic Latin block with the script set as Common. The colon helps structure text and convey tone. It can signal a pause, lead into an explanation, or introduce a list, depending on how it is used. In practice, the same symbol may carry different meaning in different settings. This variation reflects style and locale, not just the symbol itself. Writers choose to place a colon where an idea needs a clear bridge to what follows. The colon serves as a guide, helping readers predict what comes next. Because usage patterns change with style and locale, editors and authors agree on local rules for spacing and alignment. When seen in text, the colon invites careful reading and clarifies relationships between clauses. The colon’s role is functional and flexible, and it is part of everyday writing in many contexts. In summary, the colon structures text and conveys tone, with conventions that vary by style and locale.

Copy and input: the quickest method is to copy the character here. You can also insert it by its codepoint U+3A in many development tools or editors. Some operating systems provide a character viewer or input palette that lets you search by name or code and insert the glyph into documents.

Display and fallback: if you see an empty box (tofu) or a placeholder rectangle, the active font might not include this codepoint. Switching to a font with broader Unicode coverage or using a fallback font usually fixes the issue. On the web, ensure the page’s font stack includes a general‑purpose fallback.

Related references: browse the Categories for similar characters. When choosing a symbol, prefer the official codepoint for semantic clarity and better compatibility with search, copy, and accessibility tooling.

See our category page for related symbols.