⃗
Unicode
U+20D7LaTeX
\vec{}HTML entity
HTML decimal
⃗MathML
<mo>⃗</mo>Semantic identity and intent
Characters to distinguish
- ⊕ — Exclusive Or
- ⋅ — Dot Operator
- × — Cross Product
Use ⃗ in the right format
Meaning and usage
A combining arrow placed above a letter to denote a vector.
LaTeX vector markup is more reliable than composing Unicode manually.
Pronunciation: combining vector arrow
Formula examples
\vec vHow to type Combining Vector Arrow
- Windows
- Open Character Map and search by name or Unicode U+20D7.
- macOS
- Open Character Viewer with Control–Command–Space and search by the symbol name.
- Microsoft Word
- In an equation, type \vec{} and press Space when Word supports the command.
- iPhone and iPad
- Copy and paste ⃗, or use a math/LaTeX app. The standard iOS keyboard may not expose every mathematical symbol.
- Android
- Copy and paste ⃗, or use a math keyboard or LaTeX editor. Keyboard layouts vary by device and app.
- Google Docs
- For plain text, paste ⃗ or use Insert → Special characters. For structured math, use the equation editor and verify \vec{}.
- Excel
- Paste ⃗ into a cell or use Insert → Symbol when available. Ordinary cells preserve the character but do not interpret LaTeX commands.
Common mistakes
- Do not substitute a visually similar Latin or differently styled character for ⃗; case and mathematical alphabet style can identify different quantities.
- For plain text, copy ⃗ as U+20D7; for structured equations, use \vec{} in math mode. A look-alike glyph or image can break search, accessibility, or parsing when the intended character is Combining Vector Arrow.
When to use ⃗
- Use ⃗ in plain text when a Unicode character is appropriate and the destination preserves U+20D7.
- Use \vec{} in an equation editor when mathematical spacing or structure matters.
- Define the local meaning when Combining Vector Arrow is used in linear algebra, math alphanumeric with a field-specific convention.
Look-alikes and related characters
- ⊕ — Exclusive Or
- ⋅ — Dot Operator
- × — Cross Product
Font and compatibility notes
Font coverage varies; verify the code point and destination rendering before publication.
Continue the workflow
From Combining Vector Arrow to a finished equation
- Copy the characterUse ⃗ in plain text when Unicode is accepted.
- Choose a structured formatUse
\vec{}for LaTeX or the MathML snippet for accessible web equations. - Edit or convertOpen the value in the editor or converter without retyping it.
Review and source notes
Quality tier: catalog
Last reviewed: 2026-07-23
Review method: Catalog review of character identity and notation mappings.
Verified against: Unicode Standard, Unicode mathematical notation guidance, and established LaTeX/MathML syntax.
Reference sources
- The Unicode StandardUnicode Consortium — Character identity, encoding, names, and conformance.
- Unicode Character Code ChartsUnicode Consortium — Code points and official character charts.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Combining Vector Arrow symbol mean?
A combining arrow placed above a letter to denote a vector.
What is the LaTeX command for ⃗?
Use \vec{} in a compatible math environment.
Can I copy ⃗ as Unicode?
Yes. Use the copy button above to copy the Unicode character directly.