Arrows guide the audience’s eye. They show a process flow, point to part of a chart or screenshot, or connect ideas on a diagram. PowerPoint has line arrows, thick block arrows, connector arrows that stay attached to shapes, and arrow icons, and all of them can be styled and animated. This guide shows how to add each kind, draw perfectly straight arrows, change arrowheads and colors, and animate an arrow so it appears on cue.
Quick Answer
Go to Insert > Shapes and choose Line Arrow in the Lines section. Hold Shift and drag on the slide to draw a straight arrow. Use the Shape Format tab to change its color, thickness, and arrowhead style.
Types of Arrows in PowerPoint
| Type | Where to find it | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Line Arrow / Double Arrow | Insert > Shapes > Lines | Pointing and callouts |
| Elbow or Curved Arrow Connector | Insert > Shapes > Lines | Flowcharts where arrows should stay attached when boxes move |
| Block Arrows | Insert > Shapes > Block Arrows | Bold process steps, arrows with text inside |
| Arrow icons | Insert > Icons > search “arrow” | Modern, minimalist designs |
| SmartArt process | Insert > SmartArt > Process | Quick, consistent step diagrams |
Method 1: Draw a Line Arrow
- Go to the slide and click Insert > Shapes.
- Under Lines, click Line Arrow (or Line Arrow: Double).
- Click where the arrow should start and drag to where it should point. Hold Shift to keep it perfectly horizontal, vertical, or at 45 degrees.
- To adjust it, drag either end point. Hold Shift while dragging to keep the angle.
Method 2: Connector Arrows That Stick to Shapes
- Click Insert > Shapes > Elbow Arrow Connector or Curved Arrow Connector.
- Hover over the first shape until gray connection points appear, then drag from one point to a connection point on the second shape.
- Green or filled dots at both ends mean the connector is attached. Move either shape and the arrow follows.
Method 3: Block Arrows with Text
- Choose Insert > Shapes > Block Arrows and pick a style, such as Arrow: Right or Chevron.
- Drag to draw it. Use the yellow handles to change the arrowhead and shaft proportions.
- Click inside and type to add a label.
Customize the Arrow
- Select the arrow. The Shape Format tab appears.
- Click Shape Outline to change:
- Color: pick a theme color so it matches your design.
- Weight: 2 to 4.5 pt is visible on a projector.
- Dashes: dotted or dashed lines.
- Arrows: change arrowhead styles or add a head at both ends.
- For more options, right-click the arrow, choose Format Shape, and open Line. There you can set Begin/End Arrow type and size, cap type, and transparency.
After styling one arrow, right-click it and choose Set as Default Line to reuse the style on new lines.
Animate an Arrow
- Select the arrow and open the Animations tab.
- Choose Wipe. It draws the arrow as if it’s growing.
- Click Effect Options and set the direction to match the arrow, for example From Left for a right-pointing arrow.
- Set Start to On Click or After Previous, and adjust Duration.
Fly In works for block arrows, and Motion Paths > Lines can move an arrow across the slide.
Tips for Clean Diagrams
- Use Shape Format > Align to line up arrows and shapes, and Distribute for even spacing.
- Group related shapes and arrows (Ctrl + G) so they move together.
- Hold Ctrl and drag an arrow to duplicate it quickly.
- Keep arrow styles consistent across slides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a curved arrow?
Use Curved Arrow Connector, Arc (then add an arrowhead in Shape Outline > Arrows), or a curved Block Arrow.
How do I flip an arrow’s direction?
Select it and choose Shape Format > Rotate > Flip Horizontal, or swap the begin and end arrow types in Format Shape.
Does this work in PowerPoint 2013 and on a Mac?
Yes. The Shapes gallery and formatting tools are nearly identical in PowerPoint 2013 through Microsoft 365 and on Mac. Older versions call the tab Drawing Tools Format.
Summary
- Choose Insert > Shapes > Line Arrow and Shift-drag to draw.
- Use connectors for flowcharts and Block Arrows for labeled steps.
- Style with Shape Outline or Format Shape.
- Animate with Wipe in the arrow’s direction.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.