How to Insert a Vertical Line in a LinkedIn Headline

Adding a vertical line to your LinkedIn headline is one of the quickest, simplest ways to make your profile look more professional and easier to read. This small but mighty symbol transforms your headline from a jumbled string of titles into a clear, organized statement of who you are and what you do. This guide will show you exactly how to insert the vertical line and provide you with actionable formulas to build a headline that gets noticed.

Why the Vertical Line is a LinkedIn Power Move

You have 220 characters for your LinkedIn headline. That's premium real estate to capture the attention of recruiters, potential clients, and industry peers. Just listing titles or skills can look messy. The vertical line, also known as a pipe or bar, acts as a clean separator, bringing order to your professional identity. It's more than just a character, it's a strategic design element.

Here's what it accomplishes:

• Boosts Readability: Human brains love patterns and organization. Separators make your headline scannable. A visitor can instantly grasp your various roles, skills, or value propositions without getting lost in a wall of text.
• Organizes Information: Are you a Founder, a Speaker, and an Advisor? The vertical line allows you to present each facet of your career with equal weight, creating a streamlined professional narrative. Think of it as creating distinct "chapters" in your headline.
• Looks Professional: A well-structured headline communicates professionalism and attention to detail. It shows you understand personal branding and have put thought into your presentation, which can make a big difference in how you're perceived.
• Maximizes Keyword Value: By separating distinct keywords or phrases, you help both humans and LinkedIn's search algorithm understand your areas of expertise. `Content Strategist | SEO Expert | Brand Storyteller` is much clearer than `Content Strategist SEO Expert Brand Storyteller`.

How to Add the Vertical Line: The Easy Copy &, Paste Method

The most straightforward way to add a vertical line to your LinkedIn headline is to simply copy it and paste it right into your profile. No need to hunt it down on your keyboard.

Here is the vertical bar symbol - just highlight it and copy:

|

Ready to update your headline? Follow these simple steps.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Navigate to Your Profile: Log in to LinkedIn and click on your profile picture in the top left or the "Me" icon in the main navigation bar, then select "View Profile."
2. Open the Edit Intro Section: Right below your profile header image (the wide banner), you'll see a pencil icon (✏️). Click this to edit your intro card, which includes your name, headline, location, and more.
3. Locate the Headline Field: A pop-up window titled "Edit intro" will appear. The "Headline" field is near the top, right under your name.
4. Paste the Vertical Line: Click into the headline field and place your cursor where you'd like to insert the separator. Now, paste the vertical line you copied earlier (Ctrl + V on Windows, Cmd + V on Mac).
5. Add Spaces: For the best visual presentation, always put a single space before and after the vertical line. For example, use `Marketing Manager | Content Creator`, not `Marketing Manager|Content Creator`. This small detail makes a huge difference in readability.
6. Save Your Changes: Once you're happy with your new headline, scroll down and click the "Save" button. Your profile will update instantly with its cleaner, more professional look.

Keyboard Shortcuts: The Power User Method

If you prefer using your keyboard, here's how to type the vertical line symbol directly without needing to copy and paste it. The method depends on your operating system.

For Windows Users: The "Alt Code" Method

Most Windows keyboards don't have a dedicated key for the vertical line. Instead, you'll use what's called an "Alt code." It's simple, but it requires a keyboard with a numeric keypad (the block of number keys on the right side).

1. Make sure your Num Lock is on.
2. Press and hold the Alt key.
3. While holding Alt, type 124 on the numeric keypad.
4. Release the Alt key. The | symbol will appear.

For Mac Users: The Simple Shift Shortcut

Mac users have it a bit easier. The vertical bar shares a key with the backslash symbol (\), typically located above the "Return" or "Enter" key.

• Press and hold the Shift key.
• Press the backslash (\) key. The | symbol will appear.

Proven Headline Formulas Using Vertical Lines

Knowing how to add the symbol is only half the battle. Knowing what to write is where the magic happens. A great headline clearly communicates your value. Here are four proven formulas that use the vertical line to structure a compelling professional headline.

1. The Classic: Keep It Clean and Simple

This is the go-to format for professionals who want to clearly state their role and company. It's direct, easily understood, and perfect for anyone whose company brand is strong and recognizable.

Formula: `Your Role | Company Name`

Examples:

• `Senior Software Engineer | Google`
• `Head of Product | Miro`
• `Lead Graphic Designer | Notion`

2. The Keyword Specialist: Optimize for Search

This formula is ideal for consultants, freelancers, and job seekers who want to be found for specific skills. It packs your headline with relevant keywords that recruiters and potential clients are searching for.

Formula: `Primary Role | Keyword 1 | Keyword 2 | Keyword 3`

Examples:

• `Digital Marketing Manager | SEO | PPC | Content Strategy | Google Ads Certified`
• `Full-Stack Developer | JavaScript | React | Node.js | GraphQL Specialist`
• `B2B Content Writer | SaaS | Fintech | Cybersecurity`

3. The Multi-Hyphenate: Showcase Your Diverse Talents

If you wear multiple hats (common for entrepreneurs and creatives), this formula presents all facets of your professional identity cleanly. It shows your range without creating confusion.

Formula: `Role 1 | Role 2 | Role 3 | Defining Credential`

Examples:

• `Founder | Startup Advisor | Podcast Host`
• `Physician | Published Author | Keynote Speaker`
• `UX Designer | Content Creator | Founder of [Your Side Project]`

4. The Value Proposition: Focus on the "How" and "Why"

This is arguably the most powerful formula. Instead of just saying what you are, you explain who you help and what outcome you provide. It's client-centric and transforms your headline into a mini sales pitch.

Formula: `Helping [Audience] Achieve [Result] | [Your Title/Role]`

Examples:

• `Helping SaaS Startups Scale with Paid Acquisition | Performance Marketing Lead`
• `I Help Coaches &, Consultants Build Brands on LinkedIn | Social Media Strategist`
• `Transforming ideas into user-friendly products | Senior UX/UI Designer`

Smart Alternatives to the Vertical Line

While the vertical line is the classic standard for a reason, it's not your only option. Depending on your industry and personal brand, another symbol might be a better fit. Here are a few popular alternatives. Simply copy and paste them into your headline just like the vertical bar.

• Em Dash ( – ): The em dash creates a strong, connected pause. It feels a bit more literary and is great for linking a role to a value proposition. Example: `Content Strategist – Turning Complex Topics into Clear Narratives`
• Bullet Point (• or ·): The bullet point is excellent for listing skills or specialties in a way that feels like a quick-hit list. It's modern and clean. Example: `Social Media Manager • Content Creation • Community Management`
• Star (★ or ☆): Stars are more playful and work well in creative fields or for personal brands that want to stand out with a bit of personality. Use them sparingly. Example: `Brand Designer ★ Helping Bold Companies Shine`

Final Thoughts

Optimizing your LinkedIn headline with a vertical line is a small change that delivers a significant impact. It enhances readability, reinforces your professional brand, and helps you organize your skills and value proposition with absolute clarity. It's one of the easiest wins you can secure for your professional presence online.

Polishing your personal profile is just one piece of building a strong presence on platforms like LinkedIn. When you're ready to scale your content strategy, managing what to post and when can become its own challenge. At Postbase, we built a tool to bring that same clarity you just added to your headline to your entire content calendar. Our visual planner helps you see everything at a glance and schedule your posts reliably, so you can focus on creating great content, not fighting with clunky software.