How to Create Arrow Symbols on Any Keyboard
Master arrow symbol shortcuts across Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone for easier typing and navigation
Create Arrow Symbols on Windows
There are two main ways to make arrows on a Windows keyboard:
1. Use Alt Codes (with Number Pad)
Make sure Num Lock is enabled, then hold Alt and enter one of the codes below:
- ↑ Up Arrow: Alt + 24
- ↓ Down Arrow: Alt + 25
- → Right Arrow: Alt + 26
- ← Left Arrow: Alt + 27
Release the Alt key to insert the arrow. These work in most text fields and can be copied/pasted like regular characters.
2. Use the Character Map (No Number Pad Needed)
- Open Character Map from the Start menu or search bar.
- Enable Advanced View, then type “arrow” into the search box.
- Select your desired arrow symbol, then click Copy.
- Paste it into your document using Ctrl + V.
Insert Arrows on a Mac
While there’s no Alt code equivalent on Mac, you can use the Character Viewer:
- Press Command + Control + Space or go to Edit > Emoji & Symbols.
- Select Arrows from the sidebar.
- Browse options like ↑, ↓, →, ←, ⇨, ↔, and more.
- Double-click or drag the arrow into your document.
💡 Tip: Add arrows to Favorites in the viewer for quick access next time.
Make Arrows on Android Devices
Android keyboards offer built-in support for arrows via symbol menus:
- Tap ?123 to open the numeric keyboard.
- Tap =/< to access more symbols.
- Press and hold the caret (^) key.
- A mini-toolbar will pop up with ↑, ↓, ←, →.
- Slide your finger to the arrow you want and release.
Insert Arrows on iPhone
You can easily type arrows using the emoji keyboard or simple symbols:
Option 1: Emoji Keyboard
- Tap the Emoji or Globe icon.
- Use the search bar to enter “arrow.”
- Select from a wide range: ⬆️ ⬇️ ⬅️ ➡️ ↔️ ↕️ ➰ etc.
Option 2: Text-Based Arrows
- → Right Arrow:
-- > - ← Left Arrow:
< --
These are great for plain-text formats or when emojis aren’t supported.
FAQ
Q: How do I type accent marks on a keyboard?
- Windows: Use Alt codes with Num Lock enabled.
- Mac: Long-press the key to access accent options.
- Mobile: Long-press a letter and slide to the accented version.
Q: What’s the little up arrow (caret) on my keyboard?
- It’s the ^ symbol, located above the 6 key on standard keyboards.
- Press Shift + 6 to type it.
Q: Why aren’t my arrow keys working?
- You may have Scroll Lock (ScrLk) turned on.
- Disable it using the ScrLk key or on-screen keyboard.
Final Tip
For hard-to-find arrows—like curved arrows (↩), double arrows (⇄), or diagonal arrows (↘)—use the emoji search on mobile or the Character Viewer on Mac and Windows.
