want to insert emoticon into mail, but after bringing up the characters using edit key, I can make the emoticon appear in the e-mail

>System Preferences>Keyboard>>Keyboard ( √ show keyboard, Emoji, & Symbols Viewers in menu bar)

Now from the icon in the upper right menu bar top of your screen>Show Emoji & Symbols

double click the emoji you want inserted.

Hi!

I am having the same problem and can't use emoticons in my Mail.

I have a brand new Mac Book Air (OS X Yosemite 10.10.5) and Mail 8.2 (2104).

Although the emoticons palette appear (Edit> Emoji & Symbols) they do not appear on the e-mail, no matter if I double-click or not. Nothing happens.

I followed your instructions (clicking on "show symbols viewers in menu bar" - although there was not "emoji" on this option) but it didn't work.

I appreciate if you could help me.

Marisa

Mail > Preferences > Composing > Message Format > make sure Rich Text is the selected option.

marisaRJ16 wrote:

they do not appear on the e-mail, no matter if I double-click or not. Nothing happens.

Did you also try drag/drop?

Yes, I did, and yet it didn't work... The emoticons palette is open but the emoticons do not appear on the e-mail, it doesn't matter if I click once or double-click. Curiously, it worked previously, like a month ago, but now it doesn't.

Double-clicking of any emoji in the central part of the Emoji's and Characters panel will insert that Emoji in Apple Mail compose, providing Rich Text is enabled in Mail preferences. Double-clicking on the right-most, large Emoji will do nothing but frustrate you.

Thanks, Rysz, it really helped. Emoticons are ok now.

You welcome. Glad to have been of assistance.