How to Add an Arrow to a Word Document

If you're drawing charts, maps and diagrams, or scale models of equipment, you may need a quick way to insert or draw arrows. There are three different ways to add arrows to Word documents. They differ by type of arrow and the amount of creative control you are given in an arrow's development.

1. Open a new Word document. Check "View" on the Word Standard Toolbar. Select "Toolbars, Drawing," if it is not already selected. Click "OK." The "Drawing" toolbar will open near the bottom of the computer screen.

2. Click the arrow icon, then draw an arrow of any desired length on the drawing screen. Hold the mouse pointer over the arrow until the pointer turns into a 4-way arrow. Double-click the arrow to open the "Format Drawing Canvas" window.

3. Choose the arrow colour, style, and weight. Select the arrowhead "Begin style, End style," and "End size." Select "Size" to "Size and rotate" and "Scale" the arrow. Click "OK."

4. Open a new Word document. Check "View" on the Word Standard Toolbar. Select "Toolbars, Drawing," if it is not already selected. Click "OK." The "Drawing" toolbar will open near the bottom of the computer screen.

5. Click the "Line" icon on the Drawing Toolbar, then click the "Line Style" icon on the Drawing Toolbar. Select the line size and "Dash Style" on the toolbar.

6. Hold the mouse pointer over the arrow until the pointer turns into a 4-way arrow. Double-click the arrow to open the "Format Drawing Canvas" window. Choose the arrow colour, style, and weight. Choose the arrowhead "Begin style, End style," and "End size." Select "Size" to "Size and rotate" and "Scale" the arrow. Click "OK."

7. Open a new Word document. Check "Insert" on the Word Standard Toolbar. Select "Symbol."

8. In the open "Symbol" window, select a "Font." Scroll through the list until you find the arrow that fits your needs.

9. Check the desired arrow, then click "Insert." The arrow will appear in the document. Click "Close."

Warning

Wording and steps may vary slightly, depending on the edition of Microsoft Word used (the preceding steps were written using Word 2003 Professional Edition).