The downwards arrow ↓ is the plain text arrow. Type 2193 then Alt+X in Word. It marks a decrease in reporting, a download in interface labels, and convergence downward in mathematics. The coloured emoji version is a different character at U+2B07.
01 All shortcuts at a glance
| Platform | Shortcut | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows (any app) | Win+. or Win+; emoji/symbol picker, or Character Map (Win+R → charmap) |
|
| Mac | Control+Command+Space to open Character Viewer, search "Downwards Arrow" |
|
| Word / Outlook | Type 2193, then press Alt+X |
|
| Linux (IBus) | Ctrl+Shift+U, then 2193, then Enter |
|
| HTML / CSS | ↓ · \2193 (CSS) |
02 Step by step, per platform
A real, followable procedure for every platform, not a thin restatement of the shortcut.
Windows
- Open Character Map: Win+R, type charmap, press Enter.
- Search or scroll for Downwards Arrow (U+2193).
- Select it, click Copy, then paste where you need it.
Mac
- Press Control+Command+Space to open the Character Viewer.
- Type "Downwards Arrow" in the search field.
- Double-click the result to insert it.
Microsoft Word
- Type 2193.
- Press Alt+X immediately after, it converts the hex code to ↓.
03 Characters in this set
04 Troubleshooting & confusables
| Looks like it | But it's actually | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| ⬇ (U+2B07) | Downwards black arrow, usually shown as an emoji | For a coloured arrow that renders differently on each platform. |
| ⇓ (U+21D3) | Downwards double arrow | In mathematics for a distinct convergence relation, not a plain direction. |
| v as a letter | The Latin letter v | Never. It has no stem and will not read out as an arrow. |
05 FAQ
What is the Unicode code point for the down arrow?
It is U+2193, decimal 8595. There is no Windows Alt code for it.
Is it the standard download icon?
A down arrow is the usual convention, often drawn into a tray. Interfaces normally use an icon font or an SVG rather than this character, since the plain glyph is small.
What does it mean in a financial table?
A fall against the previous period. Always pair it with a label or a sign, since an arrow alone is not accessible to screen reader users.
How do I get the coloured version?
Use U+2B07, the emoji arrow, or add the variation selector U+FE0F after it to force emoji presentation where a platform supports both forms.
How do I type it on a Mac?
Open the Character Viewer with Control+Command+Space and search for "downwards arrow". There is no default key combination for it.