When editing documents in Word, sometimes we can insert some graphic symbols to make the content more intuitive and lively, like arrows with different shapes and directions. Since they can’t be typed directly like numbers and characters, here I’d like to introduce 3 common used ways to insert arrows in Word. Word templates also host a massive selection of paired resumes and cover letters, which were professionally created to help you score that perfect job. Microsoft Word templates are ready to use if you’re short on time and just need a fillable outline for a flyer, calendar, or brochure.
When editing documents in Word, sometimes we can insert some graphic symbols to make the content more intuitive and lively, like arrows with different shapes and directions. Since they can’t be typed directly like numbers and characters, here I’d like to introduce 3 common used ways to insert arrows in Word. The method 1 and method 2 can also be applied in Microsoft Excel. Let’s have a look.
Insert Arrow Shape
1. Open the Word (or Excel) document.
2. Switch to Insert tab, click Shape button to expand the drop-down menu.
2. There are many different types of arrows with different directions, you can choose any one you like.
3. Hold your mouse to draw a shape you selected, and drag its frame to adjust the size and direction of the arrow.
4. You can also change its color or effect in Format (Drawing Tools) tab.
Insert Arrow Symbol
1. Open the Word document (or Excel file).
2. Go to Insert tab, click Symbol button on the right of the ribbon and choose More Symbols… in the menu.
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2. Change the Font into Wingdings in the popping out Symbol window, scroll down till the end and you’ll find many different arrow symbols here. Select the one you want and hit Insert button to add it to your document.
Insert Arrow by Code
Alternatively, you can also insert different arrows in Word only by keyboard.
1. First you should make sure that your numeric keypad is enabled, otherwise, tap [Num Lock] to turn on it.
2. Press and hold [Alt] key while tapping corresponding numeric code. Then release the [Alt] key and the arrow will show in your document.
3. Here I collect a list of arrow code (all in Unicode 11), you can find the arrow you want and use its corresponding code.
For example, if you want to insert a right arrow ↓ in Word document, you just need to hold [Alt] key and enter 8594 on numeric keypad. Then release the [Alt] key, you will see the right arrow is successfully inserted.
Relevant Reading
How to overtype text in Word | 8 comments | Create New Account
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In the PC the OVR in the Word used to stand for overwrite, maybe that would help in your searchs.
I really, really don't know why 'overtype', shomething that was useful when the UI for word processors was command-line based, survived the coming of the GUI… In the Mac, Apple decided not to keep the Ins key, and Word was created for the Mac first…
I remember reading Rick Shaut's blog about how this was something added under consumer demand somewhere around Word 6… but I cannot find the post.
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Juan de Dios Santander Vela
Electronics Engineer
Astronomy Software Developer
Ph.D. Student
I remember reading Rick Shaut's blog about how this was something added under consumer demand somewhere around Word 6… but I cannot find the post.
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Juan de Dios Santander Vela
Electronics Engineer
Astronomy Software Developer
Ph.D. Student
Microsoft Word For Mac Free Download
All I can say is thankfully no Insert key does exist on the Mac... I can't count the number of times I have inadvertently activated this on my work PC (the key is extremely easy to accidentally press) and subsequently lost work before I've noticed.
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PB G4, 1.5 GHz, 1.5GB RAM, 128MB VRAM, 80 GB 5400rpm HD, SuperDrive, MacOS X 10.4.8
Visit www.thelandgallery.com for nature-inspired British Art
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PB G4, 1.5 GHz, 1.5GB RAM, 128MB VRAM, 80 GB 5400rpm HD, SuperDrive, MacOS X 10.4.8
Visit www.thelandgallery.com for nature-inspired British Art
![Insert Insert](/uploads/1/1/7/7/117717180/396364791.jpg)
Agreed. I can't remember the last time I intentionally wanted to turn on overwrite/insert mode.
i can't find that overtype button at the bottom of the window on word mac 2008. i think it may have been removed. furthermore, a search for 'overtype' in word's help files does not bring up anything but the option can be set under preferences -> edit -> overtype mode toggle.
i have no idea why this is not documented in the help files by careless Microsoft.
i have no idea why this is not documented in the help files by careless Microsoft.
Microsoft Office For Mac
'The OVR button in the status bar works with Mac 2004. However, it was was removed in Word 2008. Another option for Word 2008 is to click Customize Toolbars and Menus on the View menu. Click the Commands tab and select Overtype from the All Commands category. Then you can either add the OVR command to a toolbar or create a keyboard shortcut.'
from a getsatisfaction.com user
from a getsatisfaction.com user
The OVR button in the status bar works with Mac 2004. However, it was was removed in Word 2008. Another option for Word 2008 is to click Customize Toolbars and Menus on the View menu. Click the Commands tab and select Overtype from the All Commands category. Then you can either add the OVR command to a toolbar or create a keyboard shortcut.
How to overtype / overwrite text in Word (2008 & 2011)
Thank you for the tip above here. I rarely use Overtype but occasionally it's invaluable for completing basically assembled forms in word where form authors have relied (a little annoyingly, albeit well intended) on the use of underscores to block out a fillable area.
Just as an fyi, for Microsoft Word 2011 on a Mac, to use Overtype you have the same two options you had on Office 2008.
Option #1: Set in preferences (less useful, bit fiddly, but quick for a one off)
Word > Preferences > Edit > Overtype (toggle box)
Option #2.: Add a Custom Menu command for 'Overtype'
View > Toolbars > Customize Toolbars & Menus > (Click 'Commands' tab) > (Click 'All Commands' filter) > Overtype (drag either to menu or toolbar)
I put under 'Edit' menu. If you really want the toolbar button, with Word 2011 and the new 'Ribbon', it seems to only let you drag the custom toolbar entry to the toolbar at very top of the Word window.
Hope this helps - I was surprised at how tricky this was to find, too!
Just as an fyi, for Microsoft Word 2011 on a Mac, to use Overtype you have the same two options you had on Office 2008.
Option #1: Set in preferences (less useful, bit fiddly, but quick for a one off)
Word > Preferences > Edit > Overtype (toggle box)
Option #2.: Add a Custom Menu command for 'Overtype'
View > Toolbars > Customize Toolbars & Menus > (Click 'Commands' tab) > (Click 'All Commands' filter) > Overtype (drag either to menu or toolbar)
I put under 'Edit' menu. If you really want the toolbar button, with Word 2011 and the new 'Ribbon', it seems to only let you drag the custom toolbar entry to the toolbar at very top of the Word window.
Hope this helps - I was surprised at how tricky this was to find, too!