Left Arrow Symbol Copy and Paste (← ⇐ ⬅ ◀)
Left arrow
Unicode U+2190 · HTML ← · Alt code Alt+27
Tap any symbol to copy it. Each tap also adds it to the box above, so you can copy several together.
Codes for every symbol on this page (Unicode, HTML, emoji version)
| Symbol | Name | Unicode | HTML | Emoji version | Windows Alt code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ← | Left arrow | U+2190 | ← | - | Alt+27 |
| ⇐ | Double left (implied by) | U+21D0 | ⇐ | - | - |
| ⟵ | Long left arrow | U+27F5 | ⟵ | - | - |
| ⟸ | Long double left | U+27F8 | ⟸ | - | - |
| ⬅ | Black left arrow | U+2B05 | ⬅ | 1.0 | - |
| ◀ | Back triangle | U+25C0 | ◀ | 1.0 | - |
| ◄ | Left pointer | U+25C4 | ◄ | - | Alt+17 |
| ↩ | Return (hook) | U+21A9 | ↩ | 1.0 | - |
| ⇦ | White left arrow | U+21E6 | ⇦ | - | - |
The left arrow symbol ← points backwards. It usually means back, return, came from, or "put this value here". You see it on back buttons, in computer science notes and in diagrams that show where something came from.
Copy the plain ← or one of its styles from the grid. The sections below explain where each style fits, how ⇐ is used in maths, and how to type a left arrow without searching for it each time.
Where the Left Arrow Symbol Is Used
- Back and previous: "← Back to results" on a website, or ◀ on a music player to go to the previous song.
- Pseudocode and algorithms: in many textbooks,
x ← 5means "store 5 in x". It is a way to write assignment without confusing it with the = of maths. Example:total ← total + marks. - Source in diagrams: "Delhi ← Agra" can show a train coming from Agra.
- Return: ↩ is used for reply or undo, and Mac menus show it for the Return key.
- Notes: "← see the box on the left" in study material.
Double Left Arrow ⇐ and Other Styles
In logic, ⇐ means "is implied by". So "x² = 4 ⇐ x = 2" says that x = 2 is enough to make x² equal 4. It is the same idea as ⇒ read from the other side. The long form ⟸ means the same thing and is used when the statements on each side are long.
| Symbol | Style | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| ← | Thin | Notes, pseudocode, menus |
| ⟵ | Long thin | Equations, flow charts |
| ⇐ ⟸ | Double | "Is implied by" in maths |
| ⬅ | Heavy black | Buttons, social posts |
| ◀ ◄ | Triangle pointer | Previous, menu bullets |
| ⇦ | White (outline) | Diagrams, signs |
| ↩ | Hook | Return, reply, undo |
How to Type the Left Arrow Symbol
- Alt code on Windows: with Num Lock on, hold Alt and press 2 then 7 on the number pad. Release Alt to see ←. For the pointer ◄, use Alt+17.
- Word: type
2190and press Alt+X. With AutoCorrect,<--followed by a space also becomes ←, and<==becomes ⇐. - Excel: enter
=UNICHAR(8592)in a cell. - Mac: no Option key shortcut exists; open Character Viewer with Control+Command+Space and search "leftwards".
- Phone: the emoji panel has ⬅️ under "left arrow". For the thin ←, copy it here.
These low Alt codes come from the old DOS table and can behave differently in some programs. Our Alt codes page explains this in detail.
Common Mistakes with ←
- Writing <- in a printed answer. It is fine when typing code, but in a written algorithm a real ← is clearer.
- Pressing the arrow key. The ← key on the keyboard moves the cursor; it never types the symbol.
- Mixing ⇐ and ←. In maths, ⇐ has a logical meaning, so do not use it as a decorative back arrow.
- Using a picture. Text arrows load faster and match your font; keep the PNG download for design apps only.
For arrows in other directions, see the right arrow symbol, up arrow symbol and down arrow symbol pages, or browse all styles on the arrow symbols page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Alt code for the left arrow?
Alt+27 types ← when you use the numeric keypad with Num Lock on. In Word you can also type 2190 and press Alt+X.
What does x ← 5 mean?
In pseudocode, it means the value 5 is stored in the variable x. The arrow shows the value moving into the name on its left.
What does ⇐ mean in maths?
It means "is implied by". The statement on the right is enough to make the statement on the left true.
How do I get a back arrow on my phone?
Search "left arrow" in the emoji panel to find ⬅️, or tap ← or ◀ in the grid on this page to copy it.