How to Insert Emojis in OS X

Step-by-step instructions

1. Select "Edit" from the menu bar and select "Emoji & Symbols" (in OS 10.10.2 and earlier, this option was called "Special Characters"). You can also type Command, Control, and the space bar simultaneously as a shortcut.
2. The Character Viewer should now be open, you can insert an emoji from the simplified view with a single click and the emoji will appear where the cursor is in your document or browser.
3. If you want to enlarge the palette to display the whole library of special characters, select the icon in the top-right corner. When you find the emoji from the different categories, double-click the emoji and it will appear where the cursor is in your document or browser.