Left Right Arrow with Stroke ↮

↮ (U+21AE) is a standard Unicode character that you can copy and paste anywhere text is accepted. This page provides a concise reference with safe tips, internal links, and practical guidance so you can use it reliably across apps and platforms.

What it is and where it’s used: Left Right Arrow with Stroke is part of the Symbols family (block: Arrows). If you need styled or decorative alternatives, try our Fancy Text tool to generate compatible text that works in most modern interfaces.

History & usage: The symbol LEFT RIGHT ARROW WITH STROKE belongs to the Arrows block in the Unicode set and is part of the Common script. Its codepoint is U+21AE. This character exists to show two directions at once, usually left and right, with a stroke that differentiates it from a plain arrow. In practical use, it helps users understand navigation and orientation in a document or interface. The ink of the stroke signals a distinct action or option beyond a simple left or right direction. Distinct signs like this support quick recognition and reduce ambiguity when space is limited. In text, designers place such an arrow where both directions are valid or where a choice is allowed between opposing paths. The provided usage note states that arrows commonly indicate direction and navigation cues in interfaces and documents. This aligns with how the symbol is typically applied: as a compact marker for parallel options or alternate routes. Overall, the LEFT RIGHT ARROW WITH STROKE serves as a clear, compact cue in digital and print layouts.

Copy and input: the quickest method is to copy the character here. You can also insert it by its codepoint U+21AE in many development tools or editors. Some operating systems provide a character viewer or input palette that lets you search by name or code and insert the glyph into documents.

Display and fallback: if you see an empty box (tofu) or a placeholder rectangle, the active font might not include this codepoint. Switching to a font with broader Unicode coverage or using a fallback font usually fixes the issue. On the web, ensure the page’s font stack includes a general‑purpose fallback.

Related references: browse the Categories for similar characters. When choosing a symbol, prefer the official codepoint for semantic clarity and better compatibility with search, copy, and accessibility tooling.

See our category page for related symbols.