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Symbols · Guide

How to Type the Arrow Left (←)

Updated 17 Aug 2026 · by SKK · 3 platforms covered
1-minute answer

To type ←: Word: 2190 then Alt+X · Mac Character Viewer · HTML ←. Click the key above to copy it now.

01 All shortcuts at a glance

PlatformShortcut
Windows (any app) Win+. or Win+; emoji/symbol picker, or Character Map (Win+Rcharmap)
Mac Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer, search "Leftwards Arrow"
Word / Outlook Type 2190, then press Alt+X
Linux (IBus) Ctrl+Shift+U, then 2190, then Enter
HTML / CSS · \2190 (CSS)

02 Step by step, per platform

A real, followable procedure for every platform — not a thin restatement of the shortcut.

Windows

  1. Open Character Map: Win+R, type charmap, press Enter.
  2. Search or scroll for Leftwards Arrow (U+2190).
  3. Select it, click Copy, then paste where you need it.

Mac

  1. Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
  2. Type "Leftwards Arrow" in the search field.
  3. Double-click the result to insert it.

Microsoft Word

  1. Type 2190.
  2. Press Alt+X immediately after — it converts the hex code to .

03 Characters in this set

04 Troubleshooting & confusables

Looks like itBut it's actuallyWhen to use
Leftwards Double Arrow (U+21D0) Different character, different meaning \xe2\x80\x94 check before copying.

05 FAQ

What is the Unicode code point for Leftwards Arrow?

Leftwards Arrow is U+2190. In HTML that's <code>←</code> or <code>←</code>.

Why doesn't Leftwards Arrow have a classic Windows Alt code?

Alt codes only cover the legacy 256-character Windows-1252 codepage. Leftwards Arrow is outside that range, so use Character Map, the Word Alt+X method, or copy it from this page instead.

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