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Arrow Symbols Alt Codes & Keyboard Shortcuts (↑ ↓ → ← ↔) — Type Arrows Easily

Arrows are some of the most-used symbols in documents. People use them for:

  • Directions (left/right/up/down)
  • Steps and workflows (“Do this → then do that”)
  • Math and logic (⇒, ⇔)
  • Diagrams and notes (curved arrows, loop arrows, long arrows)

The problem is: arrows don’t have dedicated keys on most keyboards, so you need a shortcut, Alt code, or a quick insert/copy method.

This guide is a full reference for typing arrow symbols on:

  • Windows
  • Mac
  • Microsoft Word / Excel / PowerPoint
  • Google Docs
  • Chromebook
  • Phone (iPhone/Android)

You’ll also learn why some arrow alt codes work only in Word, and what to do if you don’t have a numeric keypad.

Table of Contents

Quick Copy & Paste (Fastest Option)

If you just need arrows immediately, copy any of these:

  • Basic arrows: ← ↑ → ↓
  • Left–right: ↔
  • Up–down: ↕
  • Double arrows: ⇐ ⇑ ⇒ ⇓ ⇔
  • Long arrows: ⟵ ⟶ ⟷
  • Heavy emoji arrows: ⬅ ⬆ ➡ ⬇

Arrow Symbols (Click to Copy) + Windows & Mac Shortcuts

Click any arrow to copy it. Each card shows the Windows Alt code and the Mac Option shortcut. Use the filter to find an arrow by name.

All arrows
Note: Some “Alt + 8594” codes can be Word/Office-only on certain Windows PCs. If an Alt code doesn’t work in your browser, try Word, or use Windows + . → Symbols, or just copy/paste.

First: Which Arrow Method Should You Use?

Different methods work best in different situations. Here’s how to choose quickly:

If you’re on a Mac

Use Option shortcuts (they’re fast and work in most apps).

If you’re on Windows with a full keyboard (has a numpad)

Use Alt codes (fast once you know them).

If you’re on a Windows laptop with no numpad

Use:

  • Insert Symbol (Word/PowerPoint/Excel)
  • Windows Emoji/Symbol panel
  • Copy & paste
  • Or enable a hidden laptop numpad (explained below)

If you need arrows inside Word a lot

Use AutoCorrect or Alt+X (Word’s Unicode method) to type any arrow quickly.

The Most Popular Arrow Shortcuts (Quick List)

These are the arrows most beginners search for:

On Mac (works in most apps)

  • Left arrow ←: Option + 2190
  • Up arrow ↑: Option + 2191
  • Right arrow →: Option + 2192
  • Down arrow ↓: Option + 2193
  • Left–right ↔: Option + 2194

(You’ll learn what those numbers mean in the Mac section.)

On Windows (works when you have a numeric keypad)

  • ↨ = Alt+ 23
  • ↑ = Alt + 24
  • ↓ = Alt + 25
  • → = Alt + 26
  • ← = Alt + 27
  • ↔ = Alt + 29

Because Windows has multiple “arrow sets” (text arrows vs emoji arrows vs math arrows), there isn’t just one single universal code for every arrow. Don’t worry — this guide makes it simple.

How to Type Arrows on Windows (Alt Codes)

Windows uses Alt codes to type symbols. The key thing beginners miss is:

Alt codes usually require the numeric keypad

That’s the number pad on the right side of full-size keyboards.

Steps: Windows Alt code method (the correct way)

  1. Click where you want the arrow.
  2. Turn Num Lock ON.
  3. Hold the Alt key.
  4. Type the code using the numeric keypad.
  5. Release Alt to insert the arrow.

Note: You can locate the arrow symbols alt codes from the copy tool at the top of this page.

Why some Windows arrow Alt codes “only work in Word”

There are two common kinds of “Alt-based” arrow typing on Windows:

  1. Classic Alt codes
  • Often work in many places (Word, Excel, browsers, etc.) if the character exists in that code page.
  1. Unicode decimal Alt codes (often shown like Alt + 8594)
  • These are frequently Word-only (or Office-only) depending on the system/app.
    That’s why you’ll see people complain: “It works in Word but not in Chrome.”

Windows Laptop: What If You Don’t Have a Numeric Keypad?

This is the #1 reason arrow alt codes fail.

Option 1: Use the Windows Emoji/Symbol panel (easy)

  1. Press Windows key + . (dot)
  2. Go to Symbols
  3. Look for arrow symbols and click to insert

This is great for basic arrows and many common symbols.

Option 2: Use Word’s Insert Symbol (best for documents)

If you’re typing arrows in Word:

  1. Go to Insert
  2. Click Symbol
  3. Choose the arrow you want

This works even if you have no numpad.

Option 3: Turn on your laptop’s hidden numeric keypad (sometimes works)

Some Windows laptops have a hidden numpad inside the letter keys. On those laptops:

  • Try Fn + NmLk (or similar)

If your keyboard doesn’t have those markings, skip this and use one of the options above.

How to Type Arrows on Mac (Option Shortcuts)

On Mac, you can type many arrows using Option + a Unicode value.

What that means (simple explanation)

Many symbols (including arrows) have a “Unicode number” like:

  • Left arrow ← is U+2190
  • Right arrow → is U+2192

On Mac, a common method is:

  • Option + 2192 → →

Popular Mac arrow shortcuts

Try these first:

  • ← Left arrow: Option + 2190
  • ↑ Up arrow: Option + 2191
  • → Right arrow: Option + 2192
  • ↓ Down arrow: Option + 2193
  • ↔ Left–right arrow: Option + 2194
  • ↕ Up–down arrow: Option + 2195
  • ↖ ↗ ↘ ↙ Diagonal arrows: Option + 2196–2199
  • ⇐ ⇑ ⇒ ⇓ ⇔ Double arrows: Option + 21D0–21D4
  • ⟵ ⟶ ⟷ Long arrows: Option + 27F5–27F7

Where Mac shortcuts work

These typically work in:

  • Word, Pages, Google Docs, Notes, email, browsers, PowerPoint

If one doesn’t work in a specific app, use copy/paste or the app’s Insert Symbol feature.

How to Type Arrows in Microsoft Word

Word gives you the most options, which is why it’s the easiest place to type any arrow.

Method 1: Use your OS shortcut (fastest)

  • Mac: Option shortcuts
  • Windows: Alt codes (if you have a numpad)

Method 2: Insert Symbol (best for beginners)

This is reliable and doesn’t require memorizing anything.

  1. Go to Insert
  2. Click Symbol
  3. Choose More Symbols
  4. Find your arrow and click Insert

Tip: Word often remembers recently used symbols, so it becomes faster over time.

Method 3: Word’s “Alt + X” Unicode trick (powerful)

This is one of the best Word-only methods.

How it works:

  1. Type the Unicode value (without “U+”)
  2. Press Alt + X
  3. Word converts it into the symbol

Examples:

  • Type 2192 then press Alt + X → →
  • Type 2190 then Alt + X → ←
  • Type 21D2 then Alt + X → ⇒
  • Type 27F6 then Alt + X → ⟶

If you type arrows often, this is worth learning.

Method 4: AutoCorrect (best long-term)

If you frequently type arrows like → in writing:

  1. Go to File > Options > Proofing (Windows)
    or Word > Preferences > AutoCorrect (Mac)
  2. Add a replacement like:
    • Replace: ->
    • With: →

Now every time you type -> and press space, Word can convert it to →.

How to Type Arrows in Excel

Excel supports arrows, but the “best method” depends on your setup.

Method 1: Copy & paste (fastest)

Copy arrows from this article or your widget and paste into the cell.

Method 2: Insert Symbol (reliable)

  1. Go to Insert
  2. Click Symbol
  3. Choose the arrow and insert

Method 3: Windows Alt codes (only if you have a numpad)

Use the Windows Alt method described earlier.

Tip: If you’re using arrows for “trend” style visuals, Excel also has built-in arrow icons (Conditional Formatting), but that’s different from typing arrow characters.

How to Type Arrows in Google Docs

Google Docs is web-based, so some Windows Alt codes may not behave the same for everyone.

Method 1: Insert Special Characters (most reliable)

  1. Click Insert
  2. Click Special characters
  3. Search arrow
  4. Click the arrow you want

Method 2: Mac Option shortcuts

On Mac, many arrow shortcuts work directly in Google Docs.

Method 3: Copy & paste

Copy from this page or your arrow widget.

Arrow Types You’ll See (So You Pick the Right One)

A big reason people struggle is that “arrow” can mean different styles. Here are the main categories:

1) Basic text arrows (most common)

  • ← ↑ → ↓ ↔ ↕

Best for: normal writing, directions, simple diagrams.

2) Double arrows (often used in math/logic)

  • ⇐ ⇑ ⇒ ⇓ ⇔

Best for: math, logic, “implies”, “equivalent”.

3) Long arrows (nice for headings/diagrams)

  • ⟵ ⟶ ⟷

Best for: clean-looking diagrams and flows.

4) Heavy / emoji-style arrows

  • ⬅ ⬆ ➡ ⬇

Best for: big, bold arrows in notes and visual content.

5) Curved and looping arrows

  • ↩ ↪ ↺ ↻ ➰

Best for: “return”, “undo/redo”, loop/repeat.

Troubleshooting: Common Arrow Shortcut Problems

“My Alt code isn’t working”

Check these:

  • Num Lock is ON
  • You are using the numeric keypad, not the top number row
  • You are holding Alt while typing the numbers

If you’re on a laptop with no numpad:

  • use Insert Symbol, Windows symbol panel, or copy/paste.

“It works in Word but not in my browser”

That’s normal for many arrow codes that are effectively Word/Office Unicode shortcuts.

Fix: Use

  • Google Docs special characters
  • Copy/paste
  • Windows symbol panel

“The arrow looks different in another app”

Different fonts render arrows differently.
Fix:

  • Try a common font like Arial/Calibri in Office
  • Or copy the arrow and keep the same font style

Unicode + HTML Codes (For Bloggers / Developers)

If you need codes for websites, apps, or HTML:

Basic arrow Unicode values

  • Left arrow ←: U+2190
  • Up arrow ↑: U+2191
  • Right arrow →: U+2192
  • Down arrow ↓: U+2193
  • Left–right ↔: U+2194
  • Up–down ↕: U+2195

Example HTML formats

Most arrows can be written as:

  • HTML decimal: → (example for →)
  • HTML hex: → (example for →)

If you want, I can generate a clean, WordPress-safe “Technical Details” section that won’t get converted into symbols unintentionally (using inline code styling instead of big tables).

FAQ

What is the Alt code for the right arrow (→)?

It depends on which right arrow style you want (text arrow vs emoji arrow vs long arrow). If you tell me the exact arrow you want (or paste it), I’ll give you the best Windows + Mac shortcuts for that exact symbol.

Why are there so many arrow symbols?

Because arrows are used in different fields (writing, design, math, logic), and Unicode includes many variations: thin, bold, long, double, curved, diagonal, etc.

What’s the easiest way to type arrows across all devices?

For most people:

  • Widget click-to-copy + Insert Symbol/Special Characters is the simplest and most reliable.