Maltese Cross ✠

✠ (U+2720) is a standard Unicode character that you can copy and paste anywhere text is accepted. This page provides a concise reference with safe tips, internal links, and practical guidance so you can use it reliably across apps and platforms.

What it is and where it’s used: Maltese Cross is part of the Symbols family (block: Dingbats). If you need styled or decorative alternatives, try our Fancy Text tool to generate compatible text that works in most modern interfaces.

History & usage: The MALTESE CROSS, shown as a small star-like cross, is a character in the Dingbats block. Its code point is U+2720. In everyday use, this symbol often appears in interfaces as a close or delete control. It can also signal an incorrect state, depending on the context. Designers place it on buttons or icons to indicate removal, dismissal, or error feedback. The cross is widely recognized across digital platforms and can convey action without text. When users see it, they expect a quick, decisive result. In some apps, the same symbol can indicate a cancellation or stopping a process. Its simple geometry helps it read clearly at small sizes. The symbol does not carry a fixed meaning on its own and relies on surrounding cues to clarify its role. In history and usage, it has become a compact, universal icon for ending or rejecting a choice. When used consistently, it supports fast user decisions and reduces the need for extra labels. Strong visual contrast helps it stand out in busy screens.

Copy and input: the quickest method is to copy the character here. You can also insert it by its codepoint U+2720 in many development tools or editors. Some operating systems provide a character viewer or input palette that lets you search by name or code and insert the glyph into documents.

Display and fallback: if you see an empty box (tofu) or a placeholder rectangle, the active font might not include this codepoint. Switching to a font with broader Unicode coverage or using a fallback font usually fixes the issue. On the web, ensure the page’s font stack includes a general‑purpose fallback.

Related references: browse the Categories for similar characters. When choosing a symbol, prefer the official codepoint for semantic clarity and better compatibility with search, copy, and accessibility tooling.

See our category page for related symbols.