HTML Entity for Down Zigzag Arrow (↯)
What You'll Learn
How to display the Down Zigzag Arrow (↯) in HTML using hexadecimal, decimal, and CSS escape methods. This character is U+21AF (DOWNWARDS ZIGZAG ARROW) in the Arrows block (U+2190–U+21FF)—a downwards zigzag arrow suggesting flow, movement, or a lightning-like path, often used in flowcharts, diagrams, and UI design.
Render it with ↯, ↯, or CSS escape \21AF. There is no named HTML entity for this symbol. Compare ⇩ (down white, U+21E9) or ⇞ (up zigzag, U+21DE) when you need a different arrow style.
⚡ Quick Reference — Down Zigzag Arrow
U+21AFArrows block
↯Hexadecimal reference
↯Decimal reference
—Use numeric codes only
Name Value
──────────── ──────────
Unicode U+21AF
Hex code ↯
HTML code ↯
Named entity (none)
CSS code \21AF
Related U+21E9 = Down white arrow; U+21DE = Up zigzag arrowComplete HTML Example
This example demonstrates the Down Zigzag Arrow (↯) using hexadecimal code, decimal HTML code, and a CSS content escape:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
#point:after{
content: "\21AF";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Down Zigzag Arrow using Hexadecimal: ↯</p>
<p>Down Zigzag Arrow using HTML Code: ↯</p>
<p id="point">Down Zigzag Arrow using CSS Entity: </p>
</body>
</html>🌐 Browser Support
U+21AF is supported in modern browsers when rendered with a font that includes Arrows:
👀 Live Preview
See the Down Zigzag Arrow (↯) in flow and diagram contexts:
🧠 How It Works
Hexadecimal Code
↯ uses the Unicode hexadecimal value 21AF to display the Down Zigzag Arrow. The x prefix indicates hexadecimal format.
Decimal HTML Code
↯ uses the decimal Unicode value 8623 to display the same character.
CSS Entity
\21AF is used in CSS stylesheets, particularly in the content property of pseudo-elements like ::before and ::after.
Same visual result
All three methods produce: ↯. Unicode U+21AF. No named HTML entity—use numeric codes in markup. Serve HTML as UTF-8.
Use Cases
The Down Zigzag Arrow (↯) is commonly used in:
Show zigzag downward flow, transitions, or non-linear paths.
Suggest downward movement or step changes in UI and diagrams.
Indicate branching, zigzag paths, or lightning-like flow in charts.
Mark state changes or animated downward transitions in interfaces.
Explain non-straight downward steps in technical docs and specs.
Distinctive down-arrow styling in icon sets and design systems.
💡 Best Practices
Do
- Use
↯or↯consistently in markup - Add
aria-labelwhen the symbol means flow down, transition, or next step - Pair ↯ with a visible label or legend in diagrams
- Use
\21AFin CSS::before/::afterfor zigzag down-arrow icons - Serve pages with UTF-8 (
<meta charset="utf-8">)
Don’t
- Expect a named entity—none exists for U+21AF
- Confuse ↯ (zigzag down) with ⇞ (up zigzag) or ⇩ (down white arrow)
- Put CSS escape
\21AFin HTML text nodes - Rely on the symbol alone in accessibility-critical UIs
- Assume decorative fonts include all Arrows glyphs
Key Takeaways
Two HTML numeric references render ↯
↯ ↯For CSS stylesheets, use the escape in the content property
\21AFUnicode U+21AF — DOWNWARDS ZIGZAG ARROW
Arrows block (U+2190–U+21FF)
Three methods, one glyph — widely supported in modern browsers
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
↯ (hex), ↯ (decimal), or \21AF in CSS content. There is no named entity. All produce ↯.U+21AF (DOWNWARDS ZIGZAG ARROW). Arrows block (U+2190–U+21FF). Hex 21AF, decimal 8623. A downwards zigzag arrow, often used for flow or lightning-like movement.↯ or ↯) go in markup. The CSS escape \21AF is used in stylesheets, typically in the content property of pseudo-elements. Same visual result, different layers of the stack.↯ or ↯ in HTML.Explore More HTML Entities!
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