How to Type ľ (L with caron) on LaTeX

Published May 25, 2026, 2 min read

Need ľ on LaTeX for a name, an address or a word in another language? You do not have to copy it from a website every time. The fastest method is \v{l}, and there are a few backups below for when that one is not available.

ľ on LaTeX: \v{l}

Ľ on LaTeX: \v{L}

Or copy it:

Method 1: LaTeX command

Write \v{l} in text mode. Load \usepackage[T1]{fontenc} for correct hyphenation and copy-paste from the PDF.

Method 2: Type the character directly

Since 2018 pdfLaTeX reads UTF-8 by default, so you can paste ľ into your source. On Overleaf, set the compiler in Menu → Compiler.

Method 3: In math mode

For a variable with this accent, use $\check{l}$ . Math accents are for symbols, so use the text command for words.

How to type the capital Ľ

The uppercase form works the same way with Shift added where a letter is typed.

LaTeX command

Write \v{L} in text mode. Load \usepackage[T1]{fontenc} for correct hyphenation and copy-paste from the PDF.

Type the character directly

Since 2018 pdfLaTeX reads UTF-8 by default, so you can paste Ľ into your source. On Overleaf, set the compiler in Menu → Compiler.

About the letter ľ

ľ is Unicode U+013E, named LATIN SMALL LETTER L WITH CARON. It is used in Slovak. A small v above a letter, called háček in Czech and kvačica in Croatian. It softens consonants (č, š, ž, ř) and marks the third tone in Pinyin (ǎ, ǐ). See the ľ character page for every code and shortcut.

Troubleshooting

Accents on i and j need the dotless forms \i and \j in old LaTeX; modern LaTeX handles this automatically.
If the letter is missing in the PDF, the font lacks it. Switch to XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX with a broader font.
Wrap commands in braces when the next character is a letter: \'{e}x, not \'ex.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut for ľ on LaTeX?

\v{l}.

Can I just copy and paste ľ?

Yes. Click the copy button above, then paste with Ctrl+V on Windows and Chromebook, Cmd+V on a Mac, or touch and hold and choose Paste on a phone.

What is the Unicode code for ľ?

U+013E. In HTML it is ľ.

Related guides

All accent shortcuts for LaTeX