How to create arrow symbols on any keyboard

This article explains how to create arrows using the keyboard on Windows PC, Mac, Android, and iPhone.

Create arrows in Windows

You can create arrows using keyboard shortcuts on Windows, but you'll need the numeric keypad or the NumLock key.

The NumLock key is usually located in the upper right corner of the keyboard or attached to the Fn key depending on your keyboard.

1. In the document where you want the arrow, hold down the Alt key and type one of the following number combinations based on the desired arrow:

1. Up arrow: 24
2. Down arrow: 25
3. Right arrow: 26
4. Left arrow: 27

2. Release the Alt key after entering the number and you will see the arrow in your document.

3. The arrow can be copied and pasted as normal text into any document that accepts text.

Using Character Map

If you don't have a numeric keypad or NumLock key, you can insert arrow symbols using Character Map on Windows .

1. Open Character Map using Start > Windows Accessories , the Search box , or Cortana .

2. Once the tool opens, find the up, down, right, or left arrow you want to use.

To speed up the process, you can check the Advanced view box at the bottom, type "arrow" in the Search for box , and click Search .

3. When you see the arrow you want to use, select it and click Select . This will move the arrow to the Characters to copy box .

4. Select Copy .

5. Go to your document, place the cursor in the desired location and press Ctrl + V to paste.

Create arrows on Mac

Unlike Windows, Macs don't provide keyboard shortcuts for creating arrows. However, you can use the Character Viewer to insert arrows into your documents, notes, or emails.

1. To open the Character Viewer, go to Edit > Emoji & Symbols in the menu bar or use the keyboard shortcut Command + Control + Space .

2. When the Character Viewer opens, select Arrows on the left.

You will then see a large collection of arrows on the right, arranged by direction, including right, left, up, down, two-way arrows, and other options.

3. Select the arrow you want to use, then drag it into the document or double-click to place it in the document where the cursor is located.

Create arrows on Android

If you are typing on an Android device and need arrows, the keyboard can easily fulfill this need.

1. With your document open, place the cursor where you want the arrow and press the ?123 key to open the numeric keypad

2. Next, press the =/< key to display more symbols.

3. Press and hold the caret key in the second row.

4. You will see a small toolbar appear above the caret key with left, up, down, and right arrows. Slide your finger to the arrow you want and release.

Create arrows on iPhone

On iPhone, you can use the emoji keyboard to insert arrows.

1. Tap the Emoji button in the lower left corner of the keyboard or the globe key and select Emoji .

2. In the search field at the top of the emoji keyboard, type "arrow".

3. You will then see directional arrows inside the squares. These include up, down, left, right, and many other options like double, circle, and diagonal.

Click to insert the arrow you want into your document.

Tip : If you just want the right or left arrow, you can use the numeric keypad on your iPhone. For the right arrow, type two hyphens with a greater than symbol, or for the left arrow, type two hyphens with a less than symbol.

David Pac

Update 14 June 2025