Footnotes and notes
* is the classic marker for footnotes, caveats, and quick note labels when the text needs a visible callout without a full bullet icon.
*
Asterisk
U+002A
*
People copy the * asterisk when they need a reliable text sign for footnotes, emphasis, wildcard-style notes without leaving keyboard-friendly formatting.
Footnotes, emphasis, wildcards, and note markers.
Where people actually use this symbol
Wildcards and edits
* also matters in search patterns, markdown-like emphasis, and quick correction notes where the exact character carries technical meaning.
Where it works better than emoji
* is usually better than emoji when the goal is clean text structure, predictable alignment, and a lighter visual footprint. Emoji win on emotion; symbols win on control and clarity.
Alternative symbols to compare
@
ASCII symbols
U+0040
Email addresses, @mentions, and social handles.
#
ASCII symbols
U+0023
Hashtags, topic labels, and compact numbering.
$
ASCII symbols
U+0024
Prices, budgets, and finance copy.
%
ASCII symbols
U+0025
Percentages, discounts, ratios, and sale copy.
&
ASCII symbols
U+0026
Brand names, pairings, and title styling.
+
ASCII symbols
U+002B
Additions, feature lists, math, and positive markers.
Related emoji
📑
objects
bookmark tabs
books & paper
Bookmark tabs on pages, useful for sections, references, organized reading, and keeping track of important parts in a document.
bookmarkmarkmarker
📝
objects
memo
writing
A memo with pencil, useful for writing things down, making lists, taking notes, or capturing an idea before it disappears.
communicationmedianotes
📌
objects
pushpin
office supplies
A pushpin, useful for marking something important, holding notes in place, or flagging information that should stay visible.
collagepin
Symbol details
- Category
- ASCII Symbols
- Unicode
- U+002A
- HTML
- *
- ASCII
- Yes