White Left Pointing Index Symbol
☜ is a white left-pointing index symbol used to indicate moving left or pointing to something on the left.
U+261C
☜, called the White Left Pointing Index, visually signals direction to the left. It’s handy in UI hints, instructions, and text that needs a clear leftward cue.
White Left Pointing Index Symbol Meaning
The symbol ☜ (Unicode U+261C) is a “white left pointing index,” showing a pointing hand aimed to the left. In everyday writing, it’s commonly used to suggest “go left,” “turn left,” or “look to the left,” often in navigation cues or step-by-step instructions. Designers also use it as a lightweight visual marker to highlight left-side options, previous items, or backward actions (like “back” or “previous”). Because it’s typically unambiguous in direction, it can improve clarity in short labels, buttons, and social media posts.
Common uses
- •Directional hints in instructions (e.g., “move left” or “turn left”)
- •UI labels for previous items or back navigation (leftward/backward action cue)
- •Emphasis for left-side content in layouts (e.g., “see the left chart/column”)
- •Callouts in diagrams and infographics to indicate a left reference point
- •Social media captions to guide readers toward the left image or option
Examples
☜ White Left Pointing Index
- ☜☜ Go left to reach the entrance.
- ☜Select “Previous” ☜ to go back one step.
- ☜For the first option, check the text ☜ on the left.
- ☜Move ☜ until the marker aligns with your position.
- ☜Tip: The details are on the left ☜.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+261C | |
| HTML Entity | ☜ | |
| HTML Code | ☜ | |
| CSS | \261C | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 9756 | |
| Decimal | 9756 |
How to type White Left Pointing Index Symbol (☜)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 9756 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 261C then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 261C. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 261c, 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 is the Unicode name of ☜?
The Unicode name is “WHITE LEFT POINTING INDEX.”
What does ☜ usually mean in text?
It commonly indicates a left direction—like “go left” or “look to the left.”
How can I copy ☜ for my website or app?
You can copy the character directly (☜) or use the HTML entity (☜) and CSS/JS escapes (CSS: \\261C, JS: \\u{261C}).
Will ☜ work across platforms?
Most modern fonts support it, but appearance can vary slightly depending on the font and rendering system.