How to Insert an Arrow in Microsoft Word

Whether you are building a flowchart, creating a diagram, or just trying to draw attention to a specific paragraph in a report, arrows are an essential visual tool. Microsoft Word provides several different ways to create arrows, depending on whether you need a tiny text symbol or a massive, colorful block graphic.

Method 1: The AutoFormat Shortcut (Text Arrows)

If you are typing a standard paragraph and just want to quickly insert a small arrow symbol (like this: →) without taking your hands off the keyboard, Word’s AutoFormat feature will do it for you instantly.

• Right-pointing arrow: Type two hyphens and a greater-than sign (-->). Word will instantly convert it.
• Left-pointing arrow: Type a less-than sign and two hyphens (<--).
• Thick right arrow: Type two equal signs and a greater-than sign (==>). Word will convert it into a thick arrow (⇒).
• Thick left arrow: Type a less-than sign and two equal signs (<==).

Because these are text symbols, you can highlight them and change their font size or color exactly like normal text.

Method 2: Drawing Line Arrows

If you want a larger arrow that you can freely rotate and position anywhere on the page (for example, pointing from a text box to a photograph), you need to use the Shapes tool.

1. Click the Insert tab at the top of the ribbon.
2. In the Illustrations group, click on Shapes.
3. Under the “Lines” section of the drop-down menu, click the icon that looks like a straight line with an arrowhead.
4. Your mouse cursor will turn into a crosshair (+).
5. Click and hold your left mouse button where you want the arrow to start, then drag the mouse to where you want the arrow to point.
6. Release the mouse button.

Pro Tip: If you hold down the Shift key while dragging your mouse, Word will force the arrow to be perfectly straight (horizontal, vertical, or exactly 45 degrees).

Method 3: Drawing Block Arrows

Line arrows are thin. If you want a thick, bold “Block Arrow” that you can fill with color and text, you return to the same Shapes menu.

1. Click Insert > Shapes.
2. Scroll down past the Lines section to the Block Arrows section.
3. Here you will find dozens of complex shapes: curved arrows, split arrows, circular arrows, and 3D arrows.
4. Click the one you want, then click and drag on your page to draw it.

Once you draw a Block Arrow, you can click on it and use the Shape Format tab at the top of the screen to change the “Shape Fill” (the inside color) and the “Shape Outline” (the border color). You can even right-click a Block Arrow and select “Add Text” to type words directly inside the arrow itself.