4 Ways to Insert an Arrow in Word Document

Quick Tips

• Using Shapes Tool: Insert > Shapes > Choose an arrow and click and drag in your doc.
• Using Symbols: Insert > Symbol > More Symbols > Find and select the arrow symbol you need.
• Using Equations: Insert > Equation > use Accent to find and insert arrow symbols.

Method 1: How to Add Arrows in Word Using Shapes

On PC or Mac

Step 1: Open the Word document where you want to add an arrow.

Step 2: Insert the image or text in the document.

Step 3: Now, click on the Insert option in the top menu and go to Shapes.

Step 4: Select the simple arrow from the Line section. If you want a solid arrow, select the preferred arrow style from Block Arrows.

Once you select the desired arrow style, a pointer icon will replace your mouse pointer.

Step 5: Now, hold the mouse button and draw an arrow on the desired area or picture in the document. Release the mouse button to finish the arrow.

Pro Tip: To draw straight arrows or at a certain angle, hold the Shift button while drawing the arrow.

On Mobile

Step 1: Launch the Word app and open the document where you want to add an arrow.

Step 2: Tap on the Pencil (Edit) icon at the top to edit the Word document.

Step 3: Tap on the small up arrow at the bottom-right corner.

Step 4: Tap on Home and select Insert.

Step 5: Go to Shapes and select the preferred arrow to add it to your document.

Once done, if you want, you can use the tools at the bottom to customize the arrow color and style. Or, touch and hold the arrow and drag it to change its position.

Method 2: How to Insert an Arrow Symbol in Word

Step 1: In your Word document, click on the Insert tab in the top bar.

Step 2: Click on the Symbol present on the right side, followed by More symbols.

Step 3: The Symbol window will show up. Select Wingdings from the Font drop-down box.

Scroll down in the Wingdings symbol section, and you will find different arrow symbols.

Step 4: Select the one that you want to use and press the Insert button. Or, double-click on the arrow symbol to add an arrow to your Word document.

Method 3: How to Make an Arrow Symbol in Word Using Code

If you want to insert an arrow symbol regularly in your Word document, you can add it by entering its code. That way, you don’t need to repeat the steps mentioned above again and again.

Note: Ensure the Number pad is enabled on your keyboard for this method. If you don’t have a number pad on the keyboard, use the on-screen keyboard.

Step 1: In your Word document, click on the Insert tab in the top bar.

Step 2: Click on the Symbol present on the right side, followed by More symbols.

Step 3: The Symbol window will show up. Select Wingdings from the Font drop-down box.

Step 4: Find the arrow that you want to use and note down its character code and also whether the character is Symbol (Hex) or Symbol (Decimal). If it’s Hex, it’s a Unicode symbol, and if it’s Decimal, that’s an ASCII.

Step 5: Close the Symbol window and place the cursor where you want to insert the arrow symbol.

Step 6: Now, to convert the character code into the relevant symbol, which in our case is an arrow, you need to press the combination of appropriate buttons.

For a Unicode symbol, type the code that you noted in Step 4 and press Alt + X. For the ASCII symbol, hold down the ALT button and type the code from Step 4.

Tip: Learn how to insert special characters in Google Docs

Method 4: Type an Arrow in Word Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Another way to create an arrow in Word is by using keyboard shortcuts. Basically, you need to type some signs like hyphens, equal to, less than, etc., to make an arrow.

Here’s the list of arrows that you can make using keyboard shortcuts:

• Type two hyphens followed by a More than sign to make a right arrow (–>).
• Type a Less than sign followed by two hyphens to make a left arrow ( <– ).
• Type a Less than sign followed by one Equal sign and a More than sign to insert a double arrow (<=>).
• Type two Equal to signs followed by more than (greater than) sign to insert a bold right arrow (==>).
• Type a Less than sign followed by two equal to signs to insert a bold left arrow (<==).

Pro Tip: To type the symbols, instead of converting them to an arrow, press the Backspace button on the keyboard.

If the keyboard shortcuts are difficult to remember, you can edit and create your custom arrow shortcuts. Go to File > Options > Proofing > Autocorrect on a Windows computer. Or, Word > Preferences > AutoCorrect on Mac. Find the arrow symbol, select it, and replace the shortcut.