Reaction arrow types
The Arrow tool (W) has forward (1), equilibrium (2), lies forward (3), lies backward (4), resonance (5), retro (6), curly (7), fishhook (8) and no reaction (9), plus dashed and plain.
Press W for the Arrow tool. The row above the toolbar shows every arrow; press its number to pick it, then drag on the canvas.
The arrows
| Key | Arrow | Means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | forward | The reaction goes from left to right |
| 2 | equilibrium | A reversible reaction, at equilibrium |
| 3 | lies forward | An equilibrium that favors the products |
| 4 | lies backward | An equilibrium that favors the starting materials |
| 5 | resonance | Two drawings of the same molecule, not a reaction |
| 6 | retro | Retrosynthesis: the target on the left is made from what is on the right |
| 7 | curly | A pair of electrons moving, in a mechanism |
| 8 | fishhook | A single electron moving, in a radical mechanism |
| 9 | no reaction | The reaction does not happen under these conditions |
| dashed | A step that is implied, or several steps in one | |
| plain | A line with no meaning of its own, for layout |
The picture shows each arrow once, top to bottom, in the order of the table.
Curly and fishhook arrows bend: drag from where the electrons start to where they go. See How to draw curved arrows for a mechanism.
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Last updated Nov 12, 2026
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