How to insert an arrow in Word
The easiest arrow in Word is AutoCorrect: type --> and Word replaces it with →. Type <-- for ←, ==> for ⇒ and <=> for ⇔. You can also hold Alt and type 26 on the keypad for →.
Quick answer
Type --> for →, <-- for ←, ==> for ⇒. Or Alt + 26 (→), 27 (←), 24 (↑), 25 (↓).
Step by step
Type two hyphens and a greater-than sign
Type --> exactly, with no spaces between the characters.
Keep typing
Word swaps the three characters for → the moment the replacement triggers. Press Ctrl + Z straight away if you wanted the hyphens.
Use the other patterns
<-- gives ←, ==> gives ⇒, <== gives ⇐ and <=> gives ⇔.
Up and down arrows
AutoCorrect only covers left, right and double arrows. For vertical ones, hold Alt and use the keypad: Alt + 24 for ↑ and Alt + 25 for ↓. These short codes come from the original IBM PC character set and still work in Word. Alternatively type the Unicode value and press Alt + X: 2191 for ↑, 2193 for ↓, 2194 for ↔.
Decorative arrows
Heavier arrows such as ➜, ➤ and ➔ are Unicode dingbats. Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols, pick Segoe UI Symbol and the subset Dingbats, or type the code and press Alt + X (279C for ➜). The arrow symbols collection shows every style with its name, which makes finding the code much faster.
Arrow characters vs arrow shapes
Insert → Shapes → Block Arrows draws an arrow graphic you can stretch, rotate and colour. Shapes are ideal for pointing at part of a screenshot or building a flowchart, but they float over the text and do not move with it. An arrow character sits inside the sentence, reflows with it and can be copied as text. For “Step 1 → Step 2” in body text, use the character.
Pick the right arrow
→ means “leads to” or “becomes”. ⇒ is the logical “implies”. In maths, ↦ means “maps to”. Using the conventional symbol keeps technical writing readable, and the right arrow → page covers its codes for HTML and CSS. If the arrow needs to be accessible in a web page exported from Word, write the meaning in words too. For more Word techniques see how to insert symbols in Word.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop Word turning --> into an arrow?
Press Ctrl + Z right after it changes, or delete the --> entry in File → Options → Proofing → AutoCorrect Options.
What is the alt code for a right arrow in Word?
Alt + 26 on the numeric keypad. You can also type 2192 and press Alt + X.
How do I type an arrow in Word for Mac?
The AutoCorrect patterns (--> and ==>) work on Mac too. Otherwise use Insert → Advanced Symbol or Control + Command + Space and search “arrow”.