The Left Arrow (←) symbol is commonly used for navigation, direction, and indicating movement in documents and web pages. But how can you quickly type it on different operating systems?
In this guide, you’ll learn the fastest ways to type the ← Left Arrow symbol using Alt codes, Unicode, and special character insertion methods on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Left Arrow Alt Code on Windows
Windows users can type the ← Left Arrow symbol using Alt codes on a numeric keypad.
How to Use Alt Codes on Windows
- Turn on Num Lock (if your keyboard has a numeric keypad).
- Hold down the Alt key.
- Type the numeric code on the numeric keypad.
- Release the Alt key, and the ← symbol will appear.
Alt Code for Left Arrow (←) on Windows
| Symbol | Alt Code |
|---|---|
| ← (Left Arrow) | Alt + 27 |
📌 Tip: If you don’t have a numeric keypad, use the Character Map:
- Press
Win + R, typecharmap, and hit Enter. - Search for Left Arrow (←) and copy it.
Typing Left Arrow (←) on Mac
Mac users can insert the ← Left Arrow symbol using the Character Viewer or Unicode input.
Method 1: Character Viewer
- Press Control + Command + Space to open the Character Viewer.
- Type “left arrow” in the search bar.
- Click the ← symbol to insert it.
Method 2: Unicode Shortcut
For Unicode-supported applications:
- Hold Option + 2190, then release.
- The ← symbol will appear.
Typing Left Arrow (←) on Linux (Ubuntu & Others)
Linux users can use Unicode input or the Compose Key to insert the left arrow.
Method 1: Unicode Input
- Press Ctrl + Shift + U.
- Type 2190 and press Enter.
- The ← symbol will appear.
Method 2: Using the Compose Key
If your system has the Compose Key enabled, use this sequence:
- Press Compose + l + a (short for “left arrow”).
- The ← symbol will appear.
📌 Tip: Enable the Compose Key in Keyboard Settings if it’s not active.
Using the Left Arrow (←) in Word, Google Docs, and Browsers
You can insert the ← symbol in:
✅ Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
✅ Google Docs, Sheets, Slides
✅ LibreOffice Writer, Calc, Impress
✅ Web Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, Brave, Opera, DuckDuckGo, Ecosia)
How to Insert Left Arrow in Microsoft Word
- Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
- Select Arrows in the subset menu.
- Click ← and select Insert.
Google Docs Method
- Click Insert → Special Characters.
- Type “arrow” in the search box.
- Select ← and insert it.
FAQs About Left Arrow Alt Code
What is the Alt code for the left arrow symbol?
The Alt code for ← is Alt + 27 on Windows.
How do I type a left arrow on a Mac?
Use Control + Command + Space → Search “Left Arrow” → Insert or Option + 2190.
How do I insert the left arrow in Google Docs?
Use Insert → Special Characters → Search “arrow” → Select ←.
Can I type the left arrow in Excel and Word?
Yes, use Alt codes (Windows), Mac shortcuts, or Insert → Symbol.
How do I type the left arrow on Linux?
Use Unicode (Ctrl + Shift + U + 2190) or the Compose Key.
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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