Pilcrow Sign

ASCII Code: 182•Category: symbols

The pilcrow sign (¶) is a typographical symbol used to represent paragraphs, indicate paragraph breaks, and mark text divisions in editing, proofreading, and document formatting contexts.

Technical Details

ASCII Code: 182
HTML Entity: ¶
Hexadecimal: 0xB6
Binary: 10110110
Octal: 266

Usage & Examples

Programming

char symbol = '¶'; // ASCII 182

HTML/Web

¶ or ¶

Common Uses

pilcrowparagraphtypographyeditingformatting

How to Type This Character

Windows

Alt Code:

Hold Alt and type182 on numeric keypad

Character Map:

Search "Character Map" in Start menu

Mac

Character Viewer:

Press Ctrl +Cmd +Space

Copy & Paste:

Easiest method - copy from this page!

💡 Pro tip: The fastest way is to bookmark this page or copy the character from our ASCII library!

Related Characters

About the Pilcrow Sign

Editorial Function

Essential in professional editing and proofreading for marking paragraph breaks, text restructuring, and manuscript revision. Editors use ¶ to indicate where new paragraphs should begin, helping writers organize content and improve text flow and readability.

Word Processing

Critical in modern word processors and text editors for displaying invisible paragraph marks and formatting symbols. The pilcrow reveals document structure, enabling precise control over spacing, indentation, and paragraph formatting in professional document preparation.

Typographical Tradition

Represents centuries of manuscript and printing tradition where paragraph divisions needed clear visual markers. The symbol bridges ancient scribal practices with modern digital typography, maintaining consistent text organization principles.

Legal Referencing

Used in legal documents and formal writing to reference specific paragraphs within contracts, statutes, and official documents. Legal professionals employ ¶ for precise citation and cross-referencing in complex legal texts.

History of the Pilcrow Sign

Medieval Period

Manuscript Origins

Medieval scribes developed the pilcrow from the Latin word 'paragraphus,' initially using elaborate decorative marks to indicate new sections or thoughts in handwritten manuscripts and religious texts.

1400s-1500s

Printing Press Adaptation

Early printers simplified the ornate pilcrow design into the modern ¶ symbol, making it practical for metal type while preserving its function as a paragraph marker in printed books.

1800s-1900s

Editorial Standardization

Publishing houses and newspapers standardized pilcrow usage for manuscript editing and typesetting instructions, establishing professional proofreading conventions still used today.

1980s

Word Processing Integration

Early word processors like WordPerfect and Microsoft Word incorporated the pilcrow as a formatting symbol, allowing users to visualize paragraph breaks and document structure.

1990s-Present

Digital Publishing

Desktop publishing software and modern text editors continue using the pilcrow for professional document formatting, maintaining its relevance in digital typography and content creation.

Cultural Impact

The pilcrow represents the evolution of written communication from medieval manuscripts to modern digital documents, embodying humanity's continuous effort to organize and structure written knowledge.

Usage Examples

Document Editing

Example

Insert ¶ here to start new paragraph, Move ¶ to improve flow

Editorial markup and manuscript revision instructions

Word Processing

Example

Show/Hide ¶ marks, Format ¶ spacing and indentation

Revealing paragraph formatting in document software

Legal Citations

Example

Contract § 5, ¶ 3; Statute ¶ 12(a); Agreement ¶ 4.2

Precise paragraph referencing in legal documents

Typography Instruction

Example

Set ¶ indent to 0.5", Apply ¶ style 'Body Text'

Professional typesetting and layout specifications