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How to insert Reaction Arrows in Word: 4 Methods

How to insert reaction arrows in Word: 4 Methods

Ms Word has a feature to insert 112 arrows. Of these, we often used eight reaction arrows. This blog covers 4 different ways to insert these arrows in Ms Word. At the end, we summarize all the shortcut.

Four methods to insert reaction arrows in Word

Four methods to insert reaction arrows in Ms Word includes Math Autocorrect (similar to LaTeX and fastest & easiest to remember), Insert > Equations, Alt X code and Alt codes.

Method 1: Insert > Symbols

It is the most common method used to insert symbols including arrows. Steps to enter arrows in Word:

  • Navigate to Insert Tab > Symbols and click on More Symbols.. to open Symbol window
  • Select “Arrows” in Subset. (Note: Font can be anything)
  • Search for required arrow and double click to insert.
  • Click Cancel to close the Symbol Window
Locate Arrows in Ms Word Symbols
Arrows in Ms Word Symbols

Method 2: Math Autocorrect

Math Autocorrect feature of Ms Word is similar to LaTeX and is easy to remember and the fastest way to insert arrow. By default it works only in Equation Editor.

To type reaction arrows, type Math AutoCorrect shortcut and press space to get the desired symbol (arrow in this case).

The math Autocorrect Shortcut for Arrows are listed in table below. For the complete list of Math Autocorrect Shortcut visit here.

ArrowAutocorrect ShortcutArrowAutocorrect Shortcut
\rightarrow\downarrow
\lrhar\Rightarrow
\leftrightarrow Not Available
\uparrow\leftarrow
Math Auto-Correct Shortcut for Arrows

Method 3: Alt X code

Using this method, you type Alt x code for arrow for e.g. 2192 for right arrow (→) and press Alt + x immediately after it.

ArrowAlt x CodeArrowAlt x Code
21922193
21cb21d2
219421c5
21912190
Alt X code Reaction Arrows

Method 4: Alt Code

Hold down the Alt key and type Alt code (e.g. Alt Code for →: 26) to get an desired arrow. Alt codes are available only for selected arrow.

ArrowAlt Code
24
25
26
27
List of Alt Code for Arrows

Summary

We have discussed four different methods to insert arrows in Word viz. Math Autocorrect (similar to LaTeX and fastest & easiest to remember), Insert > Equations, Alt X code and Alt codes.

All the shortcut and codes discussed above are summarized in table below.

ArrowDescriptionAutocorrect ShortcutAlt X CodeAlt Code
Chemical Reaction Arrow (Right Arrow)\rightarrow219226
Equilibrium Arrow/ Reversible Arrow\lrhar21cb
Resonance Arrow\leftrightarrow2194
Gas (Up Arrow)\uparrow219124
Precipitate (Down Arrow)\downarrow219325
Retro Synthesis arrow\Rightarrow21d2
Reflux Reaction (Up Down Arrow)21c5
Left Arrow\leftarrow219027
Math Auto-Correct Shortcut for Arrows

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