Use the Hidden Emoji Keyboard
Sometimes, you just want to add an emoji to a message. On iOS devices, this is simple enough. But you can actually add emoji characters basically anywhere in macOS using a hidden emoji “palette,” accessible via keyboard shortcut.
Just make sure your cursor is placed in a text input field — most places where you can type text will work. Then, press Command + Control + Space. Magically, a built-in emoji keyboard will pop up. Just click the emoji character you want to palce it where your cursor is.