A square where you expected a letter often means the app could not find a glyph to draw. The app may still have the original character. If a field rejects the paste, removes characters, or changes them when you save, check that field’s rules as a separate step.
Compare one short sample in two places
- Copy
Hi ʰᶦ ₂into a plain notes app where you can see the difference between the regular and small characters. - Paste the same text into your intended field. Check the preview and, if available, the saved version. A bio and a chat message can behave differently in the same app.
- If it fails only in one app or on one device, use a style that works there or switch to ordinary text. Ask the intended reader to check if their display matters.
Use the symptom to choose a fix
- Boxes or uneven sizes: try a shorter phrase, a different style, or native formatting if you control the editor.
- Ordinary letters mixed into styled text: check “Characters kept” under the generator result. A letter outside the mapping stays unchanged on purpose.
- Text disappears or cannot be saved: try a plain version in the exact field. For Discord chat, use native subtext if you only need a smaller line.
Copying successfully only confirms what reached your clipboard. Keep instructions, names people need to find, and links in ordinary text. If you control the document, choose formatting that lets the font draw ordinary letters in the intended style; see Unicode’s guidance on presentation forms.
Find the right compatibility fix