How Do I Insert a Circled P Sound Recording Copyright Symbol in Text?

A capital P in a circle is the copyright symbol used for sound recordings, just as the circled C copyright symbol and circled R registered trademark symbols are used to indicate that a work is protected by copyright or registered trademark laws. The P in the symbol stands for phonogram, which is a sound recording.

The mark protects a specific sound recording, not the primary work behind it or even a different rendition by the same artist. The sound recording copyright symbol isn't mapped in every font, so you must find a font that includes the symbol or create your own.

Using the Character Map to Find the Sound Recording Copyright Symbol

Using the Windows 10 Character Map, you can see which fonts have the sound recording copyright symbol, which is Unicode+2117. To go to the Character Map in Windows 10, click Start > All apps > Windows Accessories > Character Map. In Advanced View, search for Unicode+2117 or select Letterlike Symbols. The sound recording copyright symbol (if present) is grouped with the copyright and registered trademark symbols.

In previous versions of Windows, locate the Character Map by pressing Win-R. Type charmap.exe, and press Enter.

In macOS:

1. Open System Preferences > Keyboard.

2. Check the option that reads Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar.

3. Click the Keyboard icon in the main menu bar and select Show Emoji & Symbols from the drop-down menu.

4. Select Letterlike Symbols.

5. The sound recording copyright symbol (if present) appears with the copyright and registered trademark symbols.

Creating a Sound Recording Copyright Symbol

Can't find a font you like with the symbol? Create a circled P symbol in a graphics program and insert the graphic in your document. Alternatively, create the circled P symbol in a graphics program and insert it in a never-used position within an existing font, which requires font-editing software.