The arrow right and left symbol (↔) is commonly used to indicate bidirectional movement, equivalence, and navigation in various applications. Whether you’re writing in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Excel, or coding, knowing how to quickly insert this symbol is useful.
This guide will show you the easiest ways to type the ↔ symbol on Windows, Mac, and Linux, including Alt codes, Unicode shortcuts, and other quick methods.
How to Type the Arrow Right and Left Symbol (↔) on Windows
Windows users can insert the ↔ symbol using Alt codes, Character Map, or simple Copy-Paste.
Method 1: Use the Alt Code
To type the arrow right and left symbol on Windows:
- Enable Num Lock (if you have a numeric keypad).
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type Alt + 29 (↔) or Alt + 8596 (↔) on the numeric keypad.
- Release Alt, and the symbol appears.
📌 Tip: If your laptop doesn’t have a numeric keypad, enable the on-screen keyboard (Win + Ctrl + O
) to access one.
Method 2: Use Character Map
- Press Win + R, type charmap, and hit Enter.
- Search for arrow and find ↔.
- Click Select → Copy, then paste it anywhere.
Method 3: Copy and Paste
You can simply copy the ↔ symbol below and paste it into your document:
🔗 ↔ Copy Here → ↔
Typing the Arrow Right and Left Symbol on Mac
Mac users can type ↔ using the 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 using an application that supports Unicode:
- Hold Option and type 2194 (↔).
- Release Option, and the symbol appears.
Typing the Arrow Right and Left 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 Right and Left 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 Right and Left Symbol (↔)
What is the Alt code for the arrow right and left 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 right and left 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/
Advertisment