Symbol For Backspace Symbol
The ␈ symbol (U+2408) represents the backspace control character in a visible, copyable form.
U+2408
␈ is the Unicode “Symbol for Backspace” (U+2408). It helps you display the backspace concept clearly in plain text, documentation, and interfaces.
Symbol For Backspace Symbol Meaning
The symbol “␈” is named “SYMBOL FOR BACKSPACE” and maps to Unicode code point U+2408. It’s a technical character used to show the idea of a backspace/delete action as a visible glyph. Unlike the ASCII backspace control (a non-printing character), this Unicode symbol is meant for display and communication—such as in user help text, keyboard shortcut explanations, or instructional materials. Developers may use it when describing editor behavior or key handling, while designers and writers can place it in UI mockups or documentation to make the meaning unambiguous.
Common uses
- •Labeling a key in documentation or keyboard shortcut guides
- •Showing a backspace action in plain-text tutorials and help articles
- •Annotating UI screenshots or prototypes for accessibility and clarity
- •Describing text editing behavior in developer comments and API docs
- •Including a visible “backspace” indicator in forms and user onboarding text
Examples
␈ Symbol for Backspace (U+2408)
- ␈Press ␈ to delete the previous character.
- ␈In this editor, ␈ removes one character at a time.
- ␈Use ␈ to correct a typo without clearing the whole line.
- ␈Shortcut list: ␈ Backspace, Enter to submit.
- ␈If nothing happens, check whether ␈ is disabled for this field.
Variations
Ready to copy
Technical codes
| Unicode | U+2408 | |
| HTML Entity | ␈ | |
| HTML Code | ␈ | |
| CSS | \2408 | |
| Alt Code | Alt + 9224 | |
| Decimal | 9224 |
How to type Symbol For Backspace Symbol (␈)
On Windows
Hold Alt and type 9224 on the numeric keypad. In Word, type 2408 then press Alt + X.
On Mac
Switch to the Unicode Hex Input keyboard, then hold Option and type 2408. Or press Control + Command + Space and search.
On Linux
Press Control + Shift + U, type 2408, 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 Symbol For Backspace symbol mean?
The symbol “␈” is named “SYMBOL FOR BACKSPACE” and maps to Unicode code point U+2408. It’s a technical character used to show the idea of a backspace/delete action as a visible glyph. Unlike the ASCII backspace control (a non-printing character), this Unicode symbol is meant for display and communication—such as in user help text, keyboard shortcut explanations, or instructional materials. Developers may use it when describing editor behavior or key handling, while designers and writers can place it in UI mockups or documentation to make the meaning unambiguous.
What is ␈ (U+2408)?
␈ is the Unicode “Symbol for Backspace” (code point U+2408), used to display the backspace action as a visible character.
How do I copy the symbol ␈?
Copy the character directly from this page. Many tools let you paste it into text fields, documents, and design software that supports Unicode.
What are the available HTML, CSS, and JavaScript escapes?
HTML entity: ␈ • CSS escape: \\2408 • JavaScript escape: \\u{2408}.
Is ␈ the same as the actual backspace control character?
No. ␈ is a visible Unicode symbol representing backspace, while the backspace control character is typically non-printing. ␈ is mainly for display and clarity.