How to type arrows (→ ← ↑ ↓) on your keyboard

Arrows are handy symbols for showing direction or order in documents, presentations and messages. Whether you are writing step-by-step instructions or building a navigation element, arrows make your text easier to follow. In this article you'll learn how to type all four arrows (→ ← ↑ ↓) on any device.

Looking for reliable web hosting for your project? See Theory7's web hosting with excellent support.

Typing arrows on Windows

On Windows you can type arrows with Alt codes on the numeric keypad:

All arrows with Alt codes

How do you use Alt codes?

1. Make sure Num Lock is on
2. Hold down the Alt key
3. Type the code on the numeric keypad (not the number keys at the top)
4. Release the Alt key

Unicode Alt codes (alternative)

You can also use the full Unicode codes:

• → Right arrow: Alt + 8594 or Alt + 26
• ← Left arrow: Alt + 8592 or Alt + 27
• ↑ Up arrow: Alt + 8593 or Alt + 24
• ↓ Down arrow: Alt + 8595 or Alt + 25

With Character Map

1. Open the Start menu and search for "Character Map"
2. Find the arrows in the list of symbols
3. Select the arrow you want and click "Copy"

Typing arrows on Mac

On a Mac you use the Character Viewer:

With the Character Viewer

1. Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer
2. Type "arrow" in the search field
3. Double-click the arrow you want to insert it

Available arrows

• → Right arrow
• ← Left arrow
• ↑ Up arrow
• ↓ Down arrow
• ⇒ Double right arrow
• ⇐ Double left arrow

With text replacement

1. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text
2. Add a replacement, for example:
   • Replace "->" with "→"
   • Replace "<-" with "←"

Typing arrows on Linux

Method 1: Unicode input

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + U
2. Type the Unicode code:
   • 2192 for → (right arrow)
   • 2190 for ← (left arrow)
   • 2191 for ↑ (up arrow)
   • 2193 for ↓ (down arrow)
3. Press Enter or Space

Method 2: Compose key

With a configured Compose key:

• Compose + - + > = →
• Compose + < + - = ←

Typing arrows on iPhone and iPad

With the emoji keyboard

1. Open the keyboard
2. Tap the emoji icon (smiley)
3. Go to the Symbols category
4. Scroll to the arrows section

With text replacement

1. Go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement
2. Add:
   • Phrase: → | Shortcut: ->
   • Phrase: ← | Shortcut: <-
   • Phrase: ↑ | Shortcut: ^|
   • Phrase: ↓ | Shortcut: |v

Copy and paste

You can copy the arrows here: → ← ↑ ↓

Typing arrows on Android

With the symbols menu

1. Open the keyboard
2. Tap ?123 or the symbols icon
3. Tap =< for more symbols
4. Find the arrows in the list

With Gboard

1. Tap the emoji icon
2. Go to the Symbols category
3. Select the arrow you want

With voice input

Say "right arrow"; some keyboards recognize this.

Typing arrows in Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Microsoft Word: AutoCorrect

Word can create arrows automatically:

• Type --> for →
• Type <-- for ←
• Type ==> for ⇒

With the Symbol menu

1. Go to Insert > Symbol > More Symbols
2. Select Wingdings or Symbol as the font
3. Find the arrow you want and click Insert

Microsoft Excel

1. Use Alt + 26 for → (numeric keypad)
2. Or go to Insert > Symbol
3. Select the "Arrows" subset for all options

Microsoft PowerPoint

1. Go to Insert > Symbol
2. Choose the Wingdings or Wingdings 3 font for various arrow styles
3. Or use shapes via Insert > Shapes > Arrows

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why don't Alt codes work on my laptop?

Laptops often have no separate numeric keypad. Turn on the Fn key and use the numbers printed on the letter keys (usually J, K, L, U, I, O = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

What other arrow symbols are there?

There are many variants: ⇒ ⇐ ⇑ ⇓ (double arrows), ↔ ↕ (bidirectional arrows), ➜ ➔ ➙ (heavy arrows), and ◄ ► ▲ ▼ (triangular arrows).

Can I use arrows in emails?

Yes, but check that the recipient sees the character correctly. The basic arrows (→ ← ↑ ↓) are supported by almost every system.

Shortcut overview