HTML Entity for Black Left Pointing Index (☚)
What You'll Learn
How to display Black Left Pointing Index (☚) in HTML and CSS. This character is U+261A in the Miscellaneous Symbols block (U+2600–U+26FF), approved in Unicode 1.1 (1993). Its Unicode name is BLACK LEFT POINTING INDEX—a manicule or “printer’s fist,” a solid black hand with an extended index finger pointing left.
There is no named HTML entity for U+261A. Use ☚ or ☚ in markup, or \261A in stylesheet content. The symbol suits navigation buttons, call-out markers, interactive UI, and editorial design. Always pair navigation glyphs with visible text or aria-label (for example “Back” or “Previous”).
⚡ Quick Reference — Black Left Pointing Index
U+261AMiscellaneous Symbols (U+2600–U+26FF)
☚Hexadecimal reference
☚Decimal reference
—None (use numeric refs)
Name Value
──────────── ──────────
Unicode U+261A
Hex code ☚
HTML code ☚
Named entity —
CSS code \261AComplete HTML Example
This example shows U+261A using hexadecimal and decimal character references, plus a CSS content escape on a pseudo-element:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
#point:after{
content: "\261A";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Black Left Pointing Index using Hexa Decimal: ☚</p>
<p>Black Left Pointing Index using HTML Code: ☚</p>
<p id="point">Black Left Pointing Index using CSS Entity: </p>
</body>
</html>🌐 Browser Support
U+261A is widely supported in modern browsers; hand glyph artwork varies by typeface:
👀 Live Preview
See the glyph at different sizes and beside the paired right-pointing index (font-dependent):
🧠 How It Works
Hexadecimal Code
☚ references code point U+261A using hex digits 261A after the #x prefix.
Decimal HTML Code
☚ is the decimal equivalent (9754) for the same Black Left Pointing Index character.
CSS Entity
\261A is the CSS escape for U+261A, used in the content property of ::before or ::after.
Same visual result
Hex, decimal, and CSS escapes all produce ☚. There is no named HTML entity for U+261A.
Use Cases
The Black Left Pointing Index (☚) is commonly used for:
Back buttons, previous page, left navigation, and directional controls.
Clickable buttons, carousel controls, and slider indicators.
Mobile app back gestures, toolbar icons, and menu indicators.
Drawing attention to important text, marginal notes, and typographic emphasis.
Decorative manicules, vintage typography, and editorial design.
Step indicators, “see also” pointers, and instructional call-outs.
Pair ☚ with text or aria-label (e.g. “Back”) for screen reader users.
💡 Best Practices
Do
- Use hex or decimal consistently—there is no named entity for U+261A
- Pair ☚ with ☛ (black right pointing index) for back/forward navigation
- Use for “back,” “previous,” or “go left” with proper
aria-label - Choose fonts that support the Miscellaneous Symbols block (U+2600–U+26FF)
- Use
\261Aonly inside CSScontent, not inside HTML text nodes - Add visible button text or
aria-labelon navigation controls
Don’t
- Confuse U+261A with U+261B (right index) or U+261C (white left index)
- Rely on ☚ alone to communicate meaning in critical UI
- Assume every font renders hand symbols crisply at small sizes
- Use the manicule as the only navigation or state cue without labels
- Mix CSS escapes into HTML text nodes (use numeric refs in markup)
Key Takeaways
Two numeric references render the same glyph
☚ ☚CSS content escape
\261AU+261A is a left-pointing index; pairs with Black Right Pointing Index U+261B
Miscellaneous Symbols block U+2600–U+26FF; no named HTML entity
Pair navigation glyphs with text or ARIA when meaning must be clear
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
☚ (hex), ☚ (decimal), or \261A in CSS content. There is no named entity; all valid methods render ☚.U+261A (hex 261A, decimal 9754). Miscellaneous Symbols (U+2600–U+26FF). Unicode name BLACK LEFT POINTING INDEX.\261A escape belongs in stylesheets (for example on pseudo-elements). Do not paste CSS escapes into HTML text nodes.☚, ☚, or \261A in CSS depending on whether you are authoring markup or styles.Explore More HTML Entities!
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