HTML Entity for Left Dashed Arrow (⇠)
What You'll Learn
How to display the Left Dashed Arrow (⇠) in HTML using hexadecimal, decimal, and CSS escape methods. This symbol is U+21E0 (LEFTWARDS DASHED ARROW) in the Arrows block (U+2190–U+21FF)—a left-pointing dashed arrow used in navigation, flow diagrams, back links, and directional indicators.
Render it with ⇠, ⇠, or CSS \21E0. There is no named HTML entity. Related: U+2190 (←, simple left arrow / ←), U+21E2 (⇢, right dashed arrow).
⚡ Quick Reference — Left Dashed Arrow
U+21E0Arrows block
⇠Hexadecimal reference
⇠Decimal reference
—Use numeric codes only
Name Value
──────────── ──────────
Unicode U+21E0
Hex code ⇠
HTML code ⇠
Named entity (none)
CSS code \21E0
Meaning Leftwards dashed arrow
Related U+2190 = left arrow (←)
U+21E2 = right dashed arrow (⇢)Complete HTML Example
A simple example showing the Left Dashed Arrow (⇠) using hexadecimal code, decimal HTML code, and a CSS content escape. There is no named HTML entity:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
#point:after{
content: "\21E0";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Symbol using Hexadecimal: ⇠</p>
<p>Symbol using HTML Code: ⇠</p>
<p id="point">Symbol using CSS Entity: </p>
</body>
</html>🌐 Browser Support
The Left Dashed Arrow (⇠) renders in modern browsers when the font includes Arrows block glyphs:
👀 Live Preview
See the Left Dashed Arrow (⇠) in navigation and diagram contexts:
🧠 How It Works
Hexadecimal Code
⇠ uses the Unicode hexadecimal value 21E0 to display the leftwards dashed arrow. The x prefix indicates hexadecimal format.
Decimal HTML Code
⇠ uses the decimal Unicode value 8672 to display the same character.
CSS Entity
\21E0 is used in CSS stylesheets in the content property of pseudo-elements like ::after for navigation and flow indicators.
Same visual result
All three methods produce ⇠. Unicode U+21E0 is in the Arrows block. Previous: Left Bracket.
Use Cases
The Left Dashed Arrow (⇠) is commonly used in:
Indicate “back” or “previous” in menus, breadcrumbs, and navigation UI.
Show direction or flow in diagrams, flowcharts, and process steps.
Point to previous step or “go back” in guides and wizards.
Decorative or functional left direction in buttons, labels, and icons.
Document “previous” or “left” in shortcut hints and key labels.
Previous slide or previous item controls in carousels and galleries.
💡 Best Practices
Do
- Use
⇠or⇠in HTML—no named entity exists - Pair ⇠ with text (“Previous”, “Back”) or
aria-labelfor accessibility - Use fonts that support the Arrows block (U+21E0)
- Set
<meta charset="utf-8"> - Keep one numeric style (hex or decimal) per project
- Distinguish ⇠ from ← when dashed vs solid arrow matters
Don’t
- Expect a named HTML entity for U+21E0
- Use CSS
\21E0inside HTML text nodes - Confuse ⇠ with ← (simple left arrow /
←) - Confuse ⇠ with ⇢ (rightwards dashed arrow)
- Rely on the symbol alone without context in critical navigation UI
Key Takeaways
Two HTML numeric references plus CSS for U+21E0
⇠ ⇠For CSS, use \21E0 in the content property
Unicode U+21E0 — LEFTWARDS DASHED ARROW
Arrows block (U+2190–U+21FF) — no named entity
Previous: Left Bracket ([) Next: Left Double Arrow
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
⇠ (hex), ⇠ (decimal), or \21E0 in CSS content. There is no named entity. All three methods render ⇠ correctly.U+21E0 (LEFTWARDS DASHED ARROW). Arrows block (U+2190–U+21FF). Hex 21E0, decimal 8672. A left-pointing dashed arrow.⇠ or ⇠) go in markup. The CSS escape \21E0 is used in stylesheets, typically on ::before or ::after. Both produce ⇠.⇠) or decimal (⇠) codes. That is standard for such symbols in HTML.Explore More HTML Entities!
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