[ Open Square Bracket
Also called: left bracket, box bracket. Square brackets add words that were not in the original quote, and in coding they make lists.
How to type [
Press the [ key with your right pinky. No Shift needed.
Meaning and fun facts
Writers put [sic] in brackets to show a mistake was in the original. In coding, [1, 2, 3] is a list.
Common uses
- Notes inside quotes
- Lists in code: [1, 2, 3]
- Math groups inside parentheses
Fun example: scores = [10, 20, 30]
Typing tip
Square brackets need no Shift: [ and ] are right next to P. Curly braces { } are on the same keys with Shift, so it is easy to mix them up.
[ at a glance
| Keyboard (Windows, Mac, Chromebook) | [ |
|---|---|
| Phone or tablet | On an iPhone, tap 123 and then #+= to see it. On Android (Gboard), tap ?123 and then =\< if it is not on the first page. |
| Windows Alt code | Alt + 91 (hold Alt, type the number on the number pad) |
| Unicode | U+005B |
| HTML code | [ |
Quick practice drill
Type the examples below. The keyboard shows which finger and Shift key to use.
Want more? Practice this reach in Lesson 12: Pinky Power: Q and P, or warm up with typing practice and Falling Words.
Related symbols
See all symbols in Keyboard Characters and Meanings.
FAQ
What is the [ symbol called?
[ is called the open square bracket. It is also called left bracket, box bracket.
How do you type open square bracket on a keyboard?
Press the [ key with your right pinky. No Shift needed.
What does [ mean?
Square brackets add words that were not in the original quote, and in coding they make lists.