Clockwise Open Circle Arrow ↻

↻ (U+21BB) is a standard Unicode character that you can copy and paste anywhere text is accepted. This page provides a concise reference with safe tips, internal links, and practical guidance so you can use it reliably across apps and platforms.

What it is and where it’s used: Clockwise Open Circle Arrow is part of the Symbols family (block: Arrows). If you need styled or decorative alternatives, try our Fancy Text tool to generate compatible text that works in most modern interfaces.

History & usage: The symbol CLOCKWISE OPEN CIRCLE ARROW, U+21BB, belongs to the Arrows block. It is shown as a circular arrow turning to the right. In many designs it signals movement, progress, or return to a previous step. The shape implies a continuous loop that can start and end at the same point. It helps users navigate interfaces and documents. The icon often marks actions like refresh, redo, or repeat, depending on the context. Its clear direction helps users scan pages quickly. When designers use it, they choose contrast and size so the arrow reads at a glance. The symbol is common in menus, toolbars, and hints for navigation. It is part of a broader set of arrows used to guide flow and interaction. Because it is simple, it adapts well to small screens and icons. In text, the name and the codepoint help keep references precise. Overall, the CLOCKWISE OPEN CIRCLE ARROW serves as a universal cue for movement and renewal in digital work.

Copy and input: the quickest method is to copy the character here. You can also insert it by its codepoint U+21BB in many development tools or editors. Some operating systems provide a character viewer or input palette that lets you search by name or code and insert the glyph into documents.

Display and fallback: if you see an empty box (tofu) or a placeholder rectangle, the active font might not include this codepoint. Switching to a font with broader Unicode coverage or using a fallback font usually fixes the issue. On the web, ensure the page’s font stack includes a general‑purpose fallback.

Related references: browse the Categories for similar characters. When choosing a symbol, prefer the official codepoint for semantic clarity and better compatibility with search, copy, and accessibility tooling.

See our category page for related symbols.