Copy, type, and use

Underscore Symbol (_)

The underscore symbol is _. _ is U+005F LOW LINE, commonly called underscore. It is used in identifiers, filenames, blanks, and plain-text conventions where spaces may be unavailable or disallowed.

Character
_
Unicode
U+005F

Underscore Symbol Copy and Paste

Select Copy to place _ on the clipboard. Paste with Ctrl+V on Windows, Command+V on Mac, or the Paste command on mobile.

Copy the underscore symbol One click copies the exact Unicode character.
  1. 1
    Copy

    Press the button to copy _.

  2. 2
    Place the cursor

    Open the message, document, form, or profile where you need it.

  3. 3
    Paste

    Use Ctrl+V, Command+V, or the mobile Paste command.

Plain textEditorial writingIdentifiers and syntaxFile and path names

What Is the Underscore Symbol?

_ is U+005F LOW LINE, commonly called underscore. It is used in identifiers, filenames, blanks, and plain-text conventions where spaces may be unavailable or disallowed.

Plain text

Editorial writing

Identifiers and syntax

File and path names

Underscore Symbol Variants and Related Forms

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How to Type the Underscore Symbol

Choose your device or app to insert the underscore symbol without copying it from another page.

Underscore Symbol on Windows

Use the key that produces _ on the active keyboard layout.

Underscore Symbol on Mac

Use the key that produces _ on the active keyboard layout.

Underscore Symbol on iPhone and iPad

Use the Copy button to copy _, then paste it into the target app. Save a text-replacement shortcut only if the exact sequence is preserved.

Underscore Symbol on Android

Use the Copy button to copy _, then paste it into the target app. Keyboard and emoji menus vary by device.

Underscore Symbol on Chromebook

Copy _ from this page and press Ctrl+V. A supported character picker may also be available.

Underscore Symbol on Microsoft Word

Paste _ into Word. For a single BMP character, Word can also convert its hexadecimal code with Alt+X.

Underscore Symbol on Google Docs

Paste _ into Google Docs, or use Insert > Special characters and search by the Unicode name or page title.

Underscore Symbol Unicode and HTML Codes

Use these values when you need the underscore symbol in HTML, CSS, source code, or a character reference.

Unicode U+005F
Unicode name LOW LINE
HTML decimal _
HTML hex _
CSS escape 5F

How to Use and Format the Underscore Symbol

Format _ according to its role as underscore notation. _ is U+005F LOW LINE, commonly called underscore. It is used in identifiers, filenames, blanks, and plain-text conventions where spaces may be unavailable or disallowed. For the underscore symbol, do not choose a character only because it looks similar to another glyph; verify U+005F and keep the complete sequence together.

This page covers the ASCII underscore character, not underline styling applied through document formatting. For web content containing the underscore symbol, literal UTF-8 text is preferred when the font supports it; complete decimal or hexadecimal references are also valid. When the underscore symbol conveys an action, category, identity, hazard, measurement, or other essential information, pair it with readable text and an accessible name rather than relying on shape alone.

  • Follow the identifier rules of the target system.

  • Use CSS or document formatting for visual underlining.

  • Preserve underscores in filenames, URLs, and code.

  • Use the exact encoded form U+005F for underscore symbol content.

  • Use UTF-8 text or complete numeric character references when publishing _ on the web.

  • Test _ in the target font, application, and screen-reader workflow.

  • Keep a visible text label near _ when readers may not recognize the glyph.

Underscore Symbol Examples

  • file_name.txt
  • user_id
  • first_name
  • snake_case_identifier
  • Blank field: ______
  • Unicode sequence for Underscore Symbol: U+005F
  • HTML decimal: _
  • HTML hexadecimal: _
  • CSS escapes: 5F
  • Accessible text label: Underscore Symbol

Common Underscore Symbol Mistakes

  • Calling underline formatting an underscore character.
  • Adding spaces inside an identifier where the syntax forbids them.
  • Using repeated underscores as semantic HTML structure.
  • Assuming a leading underscore has the same meaning in every programming language.
  • Replacing the underscore symbol with a lookalike without checking the code point or sequence.
  • Assuming the underscore symbol has exactly the same glyph in every font and operating system.
  • Converting the underscore symbol to an image when selectable and searchable text is required.
  • Using _ as the only accessible name of an interactive control.

More About the Underscore Symbol

Within this entry, Underscore Symbol refers to _. The verification value is U+005F LOW LINE, which remains authoritative across rendering differences. This page notes Calling underline formatting an underscore character and Adding spaces inside an identifier where the syntax forbids them; circle, plus, flower remain separate lookup entries. Representative material includes “file_name.txt”; “user_id”; “first_name”. It is intended for Plain text, Editorial writing, Identifiers and syntax, where nearby words or operands make the meaning recoverable. Web serialization should retain _ without visual substitution, including _ and _. The approved formatting approach includes Follow the identifier rules of the target system. It also includes Use CSS or document formatting for visual underlining. Preserve searchability and selection unless an image is essential. Review the title, examples, and local explanation before approving Underscore Symbol. That answer belongs to Underscore Symbol and should not be copied into an unrelated entry. The underscore symbol is _. _ is U+005F LOW LINE, commonly called underscore. It is used in identifiers, filenames, blanks, and plain-text conventions where spaces may be unavailable or disallowed. For Underscore Symbol, _ is encoded as U+005F, and its Unicode name is LOW LINE. Common uses for _ include Plain text, Editorial writing, Identifiers and syntax, File and path names. Add a readable label when Underscore Symbol could be misunderstood. Sample uses of Underscore Symbol include file_name.txt; user_id; first_name; snake_case_identifier. Preserve the full character or sequence when copying between apps. Avoid these common Underscore Symbol problems: Calling underline formatting an underscore character; Adding spaces inside an identifier where the syntax forbids them; Using repeated underscores as semantic HTML structure. Before final export of Underscore Symbol, Follow the identifier rules of the target system; Use CSS or document formatting for visual underlining; Preserve underscores in filenames, URLs, and code. Underscore Symbol on Windows: Use the key that produces _ on the active keyboard layout. Underscore Symbol on Mac: Use the key that produces _ on the active keyboard layout. Underscore Symbol on iPhone: Use the Copy button to copy _, then paste it into the target app. Save a text-replacement shortcut only if the exact sequence is preserved.

Underscore Symbol FAQ

What is the underscore symbol?

_ is U+005F LOW LINE, commonly called underscore. It is used in identifiers, filenames, blanks, and plain-text conventions where spaces may be unavailable or disallowed.

What is the Unicode for _?

The encoded form is U+005F: LOW LINE.

How do I type _?

Windows: Use the key that produces _ on the active keyboard layout. Mac: Use the key that produces _ on the active keyboard layout.

Is underscore the same as underline?

No. _ is a character; underline is a text style.

Why is its Unicode name LOW LINE?

LOW LINE is the stable Unicode character name for U+005F.