How to Type Left Arrow (←) on Any Device
Instant one-click copy, complete keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac, Microsoft Word Alt+X conversion, mobile keypad methods, and developer code entities.
Left Arrow
One-click clipboard copy, complete keyboard shortcuts, and developer codes below.
Quick Reference Matrix
Instant shortcuts for every operating system and office application.
| Platform | Shortcut / Method | Action |
|---|---|---|
WinWindows | Alt + 27 | |
macOSMac | Control + Command + Space, then search | |
WordMicrosoft Word | 2190, Alt+X (type code, press Alt+X) | |
DocsGoogle Docs | Type <- to auto-convert to ← | |
WebHTML Entity | ← | |
HexUnicode Codepoint | U+2190 | |
iOSiPhone & iPad | Type <- or copy from picker | |
PhoneAndroid | Tap ?123, then =\<, then tap ← | |
LinuxLinux | Ctrl+Shift+U, 2190 |
How to Type Left Arrow on Windows
Compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10, and earlier editions
Method 1: Numeric Keypad Alt Code
- Verify that Num Lock is enabled on your keyboard (a status light usually indicates this).
- Press and hold the Alt key (either left or right Alt).
- While holding Alt, type the code 27 on the separate numeric keypad on the right.
- Release the Alt key. The character ← will appear immediately.
Method 2: Windows Emoji & Symbol Panel
Press Windows + . (period) or Windows + ; (semicolon) to open the native Windows Symbol Palette. Select the Symbols tab (the omega icon Ω), then click ← to insert it into any application.
Method 3: On Laptops Without a Number Pad
If your laptop lacks a dedicated physical numeric keypad, turn on the virtual numeric keypad by pressing Fn + NumLk, or open the On-Screen Keyboard by typing osk in the Windows search bar. Alternatively, click the Copy ← button at the top of this guide.
How to Type Left Arrow on Mac (macOS)
Tested on macOS Sequoia 15, Sonoma 14, and Ventura 13
Method 1: Direct Keyboard Shortcut
While macOS does not bind a default single keystroke for this character, you can use the macOS Character Viewer detailed below or copy ← from this page.
Method 2: macOS Character Viewer (Emoji & Symbols)
- Press Control + Command + Space in any text field to invoke the Character Viewer.
- Type "Left Arrow" or the hex code
U+2190in the top search bar. - Double-click the ← symbol to insert it at your cursor position.
In Microsoft Word & Google Docs
Document formatting and special character tools
Microsoft Word: The Alt+X Hex Shortcut
Word supports instant hexadecimal Unicode conversion:
- Type the hexadecimal code
2190into your Word document. - Immediately press Alt + X without adding a space.
- Word will automatically convert
2190into ←.
Google Docs: Special Characters Palette
In Google Docs, go to Insert → Special characters. In the search box on the right, type "Left Arrow", or draw the symbol in the sketch box. Clicking the symbol inserts it into your document.
On iPhone, iPad & Android
Touchscreen keyboard tips and text replacement
iOS (iPhone & iPad)
Type <- or copy from picker. For accented letters or numbers, press and hold the base key on your virtual keyboard until the flyout menu appears, then slide your thumb onto ←.
Android (Gboard & Samsung Keyboard)
Tap ?123, then =\<, then tap ←. You can also add ← to your personal keyboard dictionary under Settings → System → Languages & input → Personal dictionary.
For Developers: HTML, CSS & Code Snippets
Unicode codepoints, entities, and programming escapes
←←content: "\2190";"\u{2190}""\u2190"U+2190About Left Arrow (←)
History, typographic usage standards, and Unicode block
The left arrow (←, U+2190) indicates backwards navigation, returns, and undo actions. On Windows number pads, Alt+27 types it directly, and Word converts 2190 with Alt+X.
In standard typography and document styling, symbols and accents should adhere to standard spacing guidelines. When typing numbers or equations, avoid confusing lookalike characters (such as confusing the letter "x" with the true multiplication operator "×", or using a degree symbol "°" in place of a superscript zero "⁰").
Official Unicode Reference:
Registered as LEFTWARDS ARROW at codepoint U+2190 within the Unicode Standard. Consult the official Unicode Arrows specification chart (PDF via unicode.org).
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about typing and formatting Left Arrow
What is the fastest way to copy Left Arrow (←)?
Use the copy button at the top of this page. It places ← on your clipboard so you can paste it anywhere with Ctrl + V on Windows or Cmd + V on Mac.
What is the Windows Alt code for ←?
Hold Alt and type 27 on the numeric keypad with Num Lock on. The row of numbers above the letters will not work — it has to be the keypad.
How do I type ← on a Mac?
Press Control + Command + Space to open Character Viewer, search for "Left Arrow", and double-click ←.
How do I type ← in Microsoft Word?
Type 2190, Alt+X in Word — enter the code, then press Alt + X and Word converts it into ←.
Why does ← not appear when I press the keys?
The usual causes are Num Lock being off for Alt codes, a keyboard layout that does not match the shortcut you are using, or an app that intercepts the key combination. Try the copy button first to confirm the character itself displays correctly on your system.
How do I write ← in HTML or CSS?
In HTML use ←, or paste ← directly into a UTF-8 page. In CSS content values use \2190.
Is ← also called a left arrow?
Yes. Left Arrow is known by several names, including left arrow, arrow left, back arrow. Its official Unicode name is LEFTWARDS ARROW at U+2190.
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Last verified Sep 9, 2026 by Dr. Julian Vance · Tested on Windows 11 24H2 & macOS 15.1 · Editorial Methodology