How to Type ł (L with stroke) on Google Docs

Published May 24, 2026, 2 min read

The letter ł does not have its own key on an English keyboard, but Google Docs still makes it easy to type. Use Insert → Special characters, or pick one of the other methods in this guide. ł appears in Polish.

ł on Google Docs: Insert → Special characters

Ł on Google Docs: Insert → Special characters

Or copy it:

Method 1: Special characters menu

Click Insert → Special characters.
Type "l with stroke" or the code 0142 in the search box, or draw the letter in the box.
Click ł to insert it.

Method 2: Use your computer's shortcut

Docs accepts whatever your operating system types. On Windows use the Win+. symbols panel; on a Mac use Unicode Hex Input (hold Option and type 0142); on a Chromebook press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 0142 and press Space.

Method 3: Automatic substitution

Go to Tools → Preferences → Substitutions.
Add a shortcut such as lll in the left column and paste ł in the right.
Click OK. Typing the shortcut and a space now inserts ł.

How to type the capital Ł

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

Special characters menu

Click Insert → Special characters.
Type "capital l with stroke" or the code 0141 in the search box, or draw the letter in the box.
Click Ł to insert it.

Use your computer's shortcut

Docs accepts whatever your operating system types. On Windows use the Win+. symbols panel; on a Mac use Unicode Hex Input (hold Option and type 0141); on a Chromebook press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 0141 and press Space.

About the letter ł

ł is Unicode U+0142, named LATIN SMALL LETTER L WITH STROKE. It is used in Polish. A line through the letter itself. Examples are ø (Danish, Norwegian), ł (Polish), đ (Vietnamese, Croatian) and ħ (Maltese). See the ł character page for every code and shortcut.

Troubleshooting

Docs substitutions only work in Docs, not in Sheets or Slides.
If drawing in Special characters gives the wrong match, search by name instead.
Keyboard shortcuts from your computer still work in Docs, so use whichever you know.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut for ł on Google Docs?

Insert → Special characters.

Can I just copy and paste ł?

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 ł?

U+0142. In HTML it is ł.

Related guides

All accent shortcuts for Google Docs