The arrow left and right symbol (↔) is widely used in navigation, equivalence notation, and bidirectional movements in text and code. Whether you’re working in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Excel, or coding in a text editor, knowing how to insert this symbol quickly is useful.
This guide will show you the fastest ways to type the ↔ symbol on Windows, Mac, and Linux, including Alt codes, Unicode inputs, and other shortcuts.
How to Type the Arrow Left and Right Symbol (↔) on Windows
Windows users can insert the ↔ symbol using Alt codes, Character Map, or Copy-Paste.
Method 1: Using the Alt Code
To type the arrow left and right symbol on Windows:
- Enable Num Lock (if your keyboard has a numeric keypad).
- Hold the Alt key.
- Type Alt + 29 (↔) or Alt + 8596 (↔) on the numeric keypad.
- Release Alt, and the symbol appears.
📌 Tip: If your keyboard doesn’t have a numeric keypad, activate the on-screen keyboard (Win + Ctrl + O) to access one.
Method 2: Using Character Map
- Press Win + R, type charmap, and hit Enter.
- Search for arrow and locate ↔.
- Click Select → Copy, then paste it into your document.
Method 3: Copy and Paste
Simply copy the ↔ symbol below and paste it anywhere:
🔗 ↔ Copy Here → ↔
Typing the Arrow Left and Right Symbol on Mac
Mac users can insert ↔ using Character Viewer or Unicode shortcuts.
Method 1: Using Character Viewer
- Press Control + Command + Space to open Character Viewer.
- Type “arrow” in the search bar.
- Select the ↔ symbol and insert it.
Method 2: Using Unicode Input
If you’re in an app that supports Unicode:
- Hold Option and type 2194 (↔).
- Release Option, and the symbol appears.
Typing the Arrow Left and Right Symbol on Linux (Ubuntu & Other Distros)
Linux users can use Unicode input or the Compose Key to type ↔.
Method 1: Unicode Input
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U.
- Type 2194 (the Unicode for ↔).
- Press Enter, and the symbol appears.
Method 2: Using the Compose Key
If your system has the Compose Key enabled, use this sequence:
- Compose Key → U → 2 1 9 4 → ↔
📌 Tip: If the Compose Key is not enabled, go to Keyboard Settings → Enable Compose Key.
Typing the Arrow Left and Right Symbol in Word, Google Docs, and Browsers
You can use arrow symbols in:
✅ Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
✅ Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
✅ LibreOffice Writer, Calc, Impress
✅ Web Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Brave, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia)
Microsoft Word Method
- Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
- Choose Arrows from the subset.
- Select ↔ and click Insert.
Google Docs Method
- Click Insert → Special Characters.
- Type “arrow” in the search box.
- Select ↔ and insert it.
FAQs About the Arrow Left and Right Symbol (↔)
What is the Alt code for the arrow left and right symbol?
Use Alt + 29 or Alt + 8596 to type ↔ on Windows.
How do I type the ↔ symbol on Mac?
Use Character Viewer (Control + Command + Space) or Option + 2194.
How do I insert ↔ in Google Docs?
Use Insert → Special Characters → Search “arrow” → Select ↔.
Can I use the arrow left and right symbol in Excel?
Yes, use Alt codes, Insert → Symbol, or Unicode shortcuts.
How do I type ↔ on Linux?
Use Ctrl + Shift + U + 2194 or the Compose Key method.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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