Leftwards Arrow Symbol
The ← leftwards arrow (U+2190) indicates movement or navigation toward the left.
U+2190
The ← symbol is the Unicode LEFTWARDS ARROW (U+2190). It’s commonly used to show direction, navigation, or “go back” actions in text and interfaces. You can copy it directly or use its HTML and CSS escapes.
Leftwards Arrow Symbol Meaning
The ← leftwards arrow (U+2190) is a directional symbol pointing to the left. In everyday writing, it can indicate reversing direction, returning to a previous screen, or moving toward a left-side option. In user interfaces and documentation, it often labels Back, Previous, or Navigate Left controls. In layouts, it may also help clarify reading flow or the side a control affects (for example, “move item left”). Because the glyph is compact and widely supported in modern fonts, it’s useful for both plain text and UI labels where a clear direction cue is needed.
Common uses
- •Labeling a “Back” or “Previous” action in menus and buttons
- •Indicating movement or direction toward the left in instructions
- •Creating simple left-to-right or left-aligned navigation hints in text
- •Marking changes like “swap left” or “move item left” in tools
- •Formatting diagrams, comments, and status notes that reference leftward flow
Examples
← Leftwards Arrow Symbol (U+2190)
- ←Press ← to go back to the previous page.
- ←Move the marker ← to align it with the left edge.
- ←Use the arrow keys: ← for previous, → for next.
- ←The item will shift ← when you click “Left”.
- ←Choose ← if you want to return to the earlier step.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2190 | |
| HTML Entity | ← | |
| HTML Code | ← | |
| CSS | \2190 | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 8592 | |
| Decimal | 8592 |
How to type Leftwards Arrow Symbol (←)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 8592 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2190 then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2190. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2190, then press Enter or Space.
Anywhere
Copy ← with the button above and paste it wherever you need it — this works on every device and in every app, with no keyboard shortcut to remember.
FAQ
What does the Leftwards Arrow symbol mean?
The ← leftwards arrow (U+2190) is a directional symbol pointing to the left. In everyday writing, it can indicate reversing direction, returning to a previous screen, or moving toward a left-side option. In user interfaces and documentation, it often labels Back, Previous, or Navigate Left controls. In layouts, it may also help clarify reading flow or the side a control affects (for example, “move item left”). Because the glyph is compact and widely supported in modern fonts, it’s useful for both plain text and UI labels where a clear direction cue is needed.
What is the Unicode code point for ←?
The LEFTWARDS ARROW symbol is U+2190.
How do I copy the symbol in HTML?
Use the HTML entity ←.
How do I write it in CSS or JavaScript?
CSS escape: \\2190. JavaScript escape: \\u{2190}.
When should I use ← instead of text like “left”?
Use ← when you want a compact, clear visual direction cue for navigation, instructions, or UI labels—especially in buttons, hints, and diagrams.