How to Type ž (Z with caron) on Microsoft Word

Published July 21, 2026, 2 min read

Typing ž (z with caron) on Microsoft Word takes a few seconds once you know the trick. The short answer is 017E then Alt+X. Read on for step-by-step instructions, the uppercase Ž and what to do when a method does not work.

ž on Microsoft Word: 017E then Alt+X

Ž on Microsoft Word: 017D then Alt+X

Or copy it:

Method 1: Alt+X Unicode trick

Type 017E where you want the letter.
Press Alt+X. Word turns the code into ž.

Press Alt+X again to turn it back into the code. On a Mac, Word uses the macOS methods instead.

Method 2: Insert Symbol

Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
Set "from" to Unicode (hex) and type 017E in Character code.
Click Insert. You can also assign a shortcut key here.

Method 3: Alt code

With Num Lock on, hold Alt and type 0158 on the number pad.

How to type the capital Ž

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

Alt+X Unicode trick

Type 017D where you want the letter.
Press Alt+X. Word turns the code into Ž.

Press Alt+X again to turn it back into the code. On a Mac, Word uses the macOS methods instead.

Insert Symbol

Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
Set "from" to Unicode (hex) and type 017D in Character code.
Click Insert. You can also assign a shortcut key here.

About the letter ž

ž is Unicode U+017E, named LATIN SMALL LETTER Z WITH CARON. It is used in Czech, Slovak, Finnish, Croatian, Slovenian, Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian. 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 ž character page for every code and shortcut.

Troubleshooting

Ctrl accent shortcuts are in Word for Windows. Word for Mac uses the macOS Option shortcuts.
If Alt+X converts the wrong text, select just the code first, then press Alt+X.
Change the font if the letter shows as an empty box; Calibri, Arial and Times New Roman cover common accents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut for ž on Microsoft Word?

017E then Alt+X.

Can I just copy and paste ž?

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 ž?

U+017E. In HTML it is ž.

Related guides

All accent shortcuts for Microsoft Word