Arrow Icons PowerPoint: Complete Download & Usage Guide

Arrow icons appear in virtually every business presentation—process flows, timelines, decision trees, and navigation. But inconsistent arrow styles (mixing line arrows with block arrows with curved arrows) can make clear diagrams look chaotic.

This guide covers how to find and use arrow icons in PowerPoint: directional arrows for linear flows, circular arrows for cycles, chevrons for multi-step processes, and branching arrows for decision trees.

After building hundreds of process diagrams, we've identified which arrow types work for each use case—and the mistakes that undermine professional slides.

Why Arrow Icons Matter in Presentations#

Arrows appear in virtually every business presentation type:

• Process flows showing sequential steps
• Timelines indicating progression over time
• Decision trees mapping logic and outcomes
• Navigation guiding viewers through content
• Data flows tracking information movement
• Organizational changes showing transitions
• Strategic direction visualizing goals and paths

Unlike static icons (targets, gears, people), arrows are inherently dynamic. They communicate movement, direction, causation, and relationships. A poorly chosen arrow disrupts flow; the right arrow makes complex relationships instantly clear.

We learned this during a transformation roadmap presentation to a Fortune 500 board. The original arrows were all identical right-pointing triangles. The chairman stopped us: "This makes everything look equally important and simultaneous. What's actually driving what?" We rebuilt the diagram with varied arrow types—thick arrows for primary flows, thin arrows for dependencies, curved arrows for feedback loops. The same content, but suddenly the relationships were obvious.

Types of Arrow Icons for PowerPoint#

Directional Arrows#

Single-direction arrows are the most common and versatile:

Directional arrows work well for:

• Linear process flows (step 1 → step 2 → step 3)
• Timeline progression
• Reading order indicators
• Simple cause-and-effect relationships

Best practice: In Western presentations, right-pointing arrows signal forward movement. Using left-pointing arrows for progression creates subconscious friction. We've seen presenters inadvertently use left arrows in timelines—audiences read them as going backward in time.

Curved Arrows#

Curved arrows communicate non-linear relationships:

Curved arrows work well for:

• Feedback loops in processes
• Iterative development cycles
• Returns to previous steps
• Flows that navigate around other elements

What we've learned: Curved arrows are essential for complex process diagrams where straight arrows would cross each other. In a recent supply chain mapping project, we had 23 process connections. Straight arrows created a spaghetti diagram. Strategic curved arrows kept the visual clean and readable.

Circular and Cycle Arrows#

Circular arrows represent continuous or repeating processes:

Circular arrows work well for:

• Continuous improvement cycles (PDCA, DMAIC)
• Agile development sprints
• Recurring business processes
• Feedback loops and iteration
• Perpetual operations

Context matters: We once used a circular arrow for a linear transformation program. The client's reaction: "This makes it look like we're going in circles, not making progress." Circular arrows signal repetition—which is great for ongoing processes but wrong for one-time initiatives.

Chevrons and Multi-Step Arrows#

Chevrons create visual progression through connected steps:

Chevrons work well for:

• Stage-gate processes
• Maturity models and progression levels
• Funnel diagrams (leads → opportunities → sales)
• Multi-phase implementation plans
• Journey maps with clear stages

Design tip: Chevrons work best when you have 3-7 distinct stages. Fewer than three looks sparse; more than seven becomes cluttered. For our consulting methodology slides (5 phases), chevrons became the standard visual—they clearly communicate sequential progression.

Decision and Branching Arrows#

Decision arrows show multiple possible paths:

Branching arrows work well for:

• Decision trees and logic flows
• Scenario planning (base case, upside, downside)
• Risk pathways
• Customer journey decision points
• Strategic option evaluation

Navigation and UI Arrows#

Navigation arrows guide viewers through presentations:

Navigation arrows work well for:

• Interactive presentations
• Self-guided decks
• Clickable navigation in pitch decks
• Call-to-action slides
• Table of contents and wayfinding

Arrow Icons by Use Case#

Process Flow Diagrams#

Process flows are the most common use case for arrows. Here's how to choose the right ones:

Step-by-step approach for process flows:

1. Start with structure: Map the process logic before choosing arrows
2. Primary path first: Use the most prominent arrow style for the main flow
3. Secondary connections: Use thinner or lighter arrows for supporting flows
4. Decision points: Use branching arrows or different colors for alternate paths
5. Feedback loops: Add curved arrows for returns to previous steps
6. Consistent weight: Keep arrow thickness uniform within each flow type

We've built hundreds of process flows. The ones that work best use a clear visual hierarchy: thick arrows for primary flows, thin arrows for supporting connections, and curved arrows only where necessary to avoid crossings.

Timeline Diagrams#

Timelines use arrows to show progression over time:

Timeline best practices:

• Use a single continuous arrow as the timeline spine
• Place milestones or events along the arrow
• Keep arrow weight consistent
• Add subtle arrowheads rather than large block arrows
• Use color to differentiate past, present, future

For strategic roadmaps, we typically use a chevron sequence (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) rather than a single arrow. This makes quarterly phases visually distinct and easier to discuss.

Decision Trees and Logic Flows#

Decision trees require clear branching:

Decision tree design:

1. Consistent branching: Use the same arrow type for all decision splits
2. Color coding: Different colors for different decision outcomes
3. Clear labels: Label arrows with conditions (Yes/No, High/Low, Pass/Fail)
4. Avoid crossing: Use curved arrows to route around other branches
5. End states: Make terminal arrows visually distinct

We use decision trees frequently for risk scenarios and strategic options. The key is making each path traceable—viewers should be able to follow any path from start to finish without confusion.

Navigation and Wayfinding#

Navigation arrows guide users through presentation content:

Navigation arrow guidelines:

• Keep navigation arrows smaller and subtler than content arrows
• Place consistently (bottom right for "next," top left for "back")
• Use color to distinguish from content arrows
• Make clickable arrows visually button-like
• Don't overuse—only where navigation isn't obvious

In investor pitch decks, we often add subtle navigation arrows in the footer—right arrow for "next topic," up arrow for "return to agenda." This guides viewers through self-directed review.

Where to Find Arrow Icons for PowerPoint#

Microsoft 365 Built-in Icons#

PowerPoint includes arrow icons in its native library.

How to access: Insert > Icons > Arrows (or search "arrow")

Pros:

• Already in PowerPoint, no download needed
• SVG format, fully scalable and recolorable
• Consistent styling across the set
• Good variety of basic arrows

Cons:

• Limited selection (approximately 80 arrow icons)
• Same icons everyone else uses
• Limited specialized arrows (process, decision trees)

Best for: Quick inserts for standard directional arrows and basic process flows.

PowerPoint Shape Library#

PowerPoint's built-in shapes include block arrows.

How to access: Insert > Shapes > Block Arrows

Pros:

• Already in PowerPoint
• Fully customizable (color, outline, effects)
• Can combine and merge shapes
• Good for large, bold arrows

Cons:

• Limited to block arrow style
• Manually drawing arrows is time-consuming
• Not as refined as icon-based arrows
• Difficult to maintain consistency

Best for: Large hero arrows, simple directional indicators, and when you need custom arrow shapes.

Deckary Icon Library#

Deckary includes 600+ professional icons with strong arrow coverage:

• Directional arrows (all directions)
• Process flow arrows (multiple weights)
• Circular and cycle arrows
• Chevrons and multi-step sequences
• Decision and branching arrows
• Navigation arrows

All icons are accessible directly from a panel inside PowerPoint—no downloading, importing, or format conversion.

Best for: Consultants and professionals building process flows, timelines, and decision trees regularly who need consistent arrow styles without leaving PowerPoint.

Flaticon#

Website: flaticon.com

The largest icon database with extensive arrow categories.

Pros:

• Massive selection (search "arrow" returns 300,000+ results)
• Multiple styles available (line, flat, 3D, illustrated)
• Icon packs with matching arrow variations
• Can filter by specific arrow types

Cons:

• Free tier requires attribution
• Easy to spend 30+ minutes browsing
• Quality varies significantly
• Workflow interruption (download, import)

Best for: Finding specific or specialized arrow icons (industry-specific, unique styles, decorative arrows).

The Noun Project#

Website: thenounproject.com

Curated collection with strong conceptual arrow representations.

Pros:

• High-quality, consistent designs
• Good abstract arrow concepts
• SVG format for easy editing
• Strong collection of process-specific arrows

Cons:

• Free tier requires attribution
• Some arrows too artistic for corporate use
• Smaller selection than Flaticon

Best for: Conceptual arrows representing ideas (growth arrows, transformation arrows, strategic direction) rather than literal directional indicators.

Lucide#

Website: lucide.dev

Open-source icon library with clean arrow designs.

Pros:

• Completely free, no attribution required
• Clean, consistent line-art style
• SVG format
• Good basic arrow coverage

Cons:

• Limited arrow variety (approximately 60 arrow icons)
• Only outline style
• Missing specialized arrows for complex flows

Best for: Simple process flows and timelines in modern, minimal presentations.

Comparison: Arrow Icon Sources#

The trade-off is consistent across icon categories: larger libraries offer more options but require workflow interruption and search time. Integrated solutions limit selection but eliminate context-switching.

For process-heavy presentations (transformation roadmaps, operational workflows, decision trees), we've found integrated arrow libraries save 10-15 minutes per deck by eliminating the download-import-format cycle.

Best Practices for Arrow Icons in Presentations#

1. Maintain Style Consistency#

The most common arrow mistake is mixing styles. A presentation with thin line arrows on one slide, thick block arrows on the next, and 3D arrows on the third looks unprofessional.

Choose one arrow style and stick with it:

Our standard: We use outline arrows for 90% of presentations. They're clean, modern, and work across all visual contexts. Block arrows are reserved for hero slides where we need maximum visual impact.

2. Establish Arrow Hierarchy#

Not all arrows should look identical. Use visual hierarchy to communicate importance:

Example application: In a transformation roadmap, we use:

• Thick arrows for critical path activities
• Medium arrows for supporting initiatives
• Thin curved arrows for dependencies
• Dashed arrows for optional enhancements

This hierarchy makes the critical path immediately obvious, even in complex diagrams.

3. Use Appropriate Sizes#

Arrow size should match context and importance:

Critical rule: Arrow size should reflect importance, not available space. Don't make an arrow huge just because there's room—it will draw disproportionate attention.

4. Color Coding for Meaning#

Use color intentionally to communicate different arrow meanings:

Example: In risk decision trees, we use:

• Green arrows for positive outcomes
• Orange arrows for neutral/uncertain outcomes
• Red arrows for negative outcomes

Viewers can trace color-coded paths to quickly understand scenario outcomes.

5. Align and Distribute Precisely#

Misaligned arrows look unprofessional and disrupt flow:

Alignment guidelines:

• Horizontal arrows should align perfectly on their baseline
• Vertical arrows should align on their center line
• Parallel arrows should be exactly parallel
• Evenly spaced arrows should use PowerPoint's Distribute function
• Arrow tips should align with target objects

Use PowerPoint alignment shortcuts to position arrows precisely. We align every arrow in every deck—it takes an extra 30 seconds but dramatically improves visual quality.

Arrow Patterns for Common Business Diagrams#

Linear Process Flow (5 Steps)#

Pattern:

[Step 1] → [Step 2] → [Step 3] → [Step 4] → [Step 5]

Arrow choices:

• Straight right arrows between steps
• Same weight throughout
• Single color (brand primary)
• 0.5-0.75" height

Best for: Sequential processes, timelines, implementation phases

Circular Process (Continuous Cycle)#

Pattern:

     [Plan]
        ↓
[Act] ← ○ → [Do]
        ↓
    [Check]

Arrow choices:

• Circular arrow showing cycle direction
• Curved connectors between stages
• Clockwise progression
• Consistent arrow weight

Best for: PDCA cycles, agile sprints, continuous improvement

Decision Tree (Binary Splits)#

Pattern:

      [Decision]
         / \
       Yes  No
       /     \
  [Action A] [Action B]

Arrow choices:

• Y-shaped branching arrows
• Color-coded for outcomes
• Labels on arrows ("Yes," "No," ">50%," etc.)
• Same weight for all branches

Best for: Risk scenarios, strategic options, logic flows

Funnel Process (Narrowing)#

Pattern:

[Leads] → [Qualified] → [Opportunities] → [Sales]
 (100)      (50)            (25)            (10)

Arrow choices:

• Chevrons decreasing in width
• Or: straight arrows with narrowing boxes
• Single color or gradient
• Numbers/percentages in boxes

Best for: Sales funnels, filtering processes, conversion flows

Parallel Processes (Convergence)#

Pattern:

[Process A] ↘
            → [Integration] → [Outcome]
[Process B] ↗

Arrow choices:

• Multiple arrows converging to one
• Different colors for different processes
• Merge arrow at convergence point
• Thicker arrow after merge

Best for: Integration projects, merged workflows, synergy diagrams

Common Arrow Mistakes to Avoid#

1. Mixing Arrow Styles#

Using line arrows next to block arrows next to 3D arrows creates visual chaos. Pick one style for the entire presentation.

We review every deck before client delivery. Mixed arrow styles are the #1 visual consistency issue we catch.

2. Arrows Pointing the Wrong Direction#

In Western presentations, right means forward, left means backward, up means improvement, down means decline. Using arrows contrary to these conventions creates cognitive friction.

Bad example: We once saw a timeline with left-pointing arrows. Reviewers unconsciously read it as going backward in time, creating confusion.

3. Overcrowding with Arrows#

Not every connection needs an arrow. If you have 20+ arrows on a slide, you probably need to simplify the diagram or split it across multiple slides.

Rule of thumb: If you can't follow a path from start to finish without getting confused, your audience can't either.

4. Inconsistent Arrow Weights#

Mixing thick and thin arrows without intentional hierarchy looks like an oversight, not a design choice.

Solution: Define arrow weights upfront: thick for primary, medium for secondary, thin for tertiary. Apply consistently.

5. Poor Arrow Alignment#

Arrows that don't quite point to their targets, or that are slightly misaligned with each other, look unprofessional.

Solution: Use PowerPoint's alignment tools religiously. Every arrow should align perfectly with its source and target.

6. Crossed Arrows (Spaghetti Diagrams)#

When arrows cross each other, diagrams become unreadable.

Solutions:

• Redesign layout to minimize crossings
• Use curved arrows to route around other connections
• Use different levels/layers (bring to front, send to back)
• Split into multiple simpler diagrams

In a complex supply chain diagram with 30+ connections, we reduced arrow crossings from 17 to 2 just by repositioning boxes. The visual clarity improvement was dramatic.

7. Arrows as Pure Decoration#

Adding arrows just because the slide looks empty is a mistake. Every arrow should communicate meaning—direction, flow, causation, or relationship.

Advanced Arrow Techniques#

Creating Arrow Hierarchies#

For complex flows, establish clear visual levels:

1. Level 1 (Primary): Thick, bold color, shows critical path
2. Level 2 (Secondary): Medium weight, lighter shade
3. Level 3 (Supporting): Thin, subtle color
4. Level 4 (Optional): Dashed, very light

This creates instant visual hierarchy—viewers see the main story first, details second.

Using Animated Arrows#

For presentations (not printed decks), animate arrows to build process flows step-by-step:

• Reveal one step and its arrow at a time
• Use "Appear" animation (not "Fly In" which looks dated)
• Timing: 0.5 seconds per arrow
• Build left to right, top to bottom

Animated reveals help audiences follow complex processes without overwhelming them.

Combining Arrow Types#

Strategic mixing of arrow types can enhance clarity:

• Straight arrows for normal progression
• Curved arrows for feedback loops
• Dashed arrows for optional or future paths
• Thick arrows for primary flows
• Thin arrows for supporting connections

The key is intentional variety, not random mixing.

Creating Custom Arrows in PowerPoint#

When standard icons don't fit, create custom arrows:

1. Insert > Shapes > Block Arrow (closest to what you need)
2. Right-click > Edit Points to customize shape
3. Add effects: Format > Shape Effects > Shadow/Glow
4. Save as reusable custom shape

For a specialized transformation diagram, we created custom curved chevron arrows by editing PowerPoint shapes. The effort was worth it—the arrows became part of the firm's visual standards.

Arrow Icons for Specific Industries#

Different industries have arrow conventions:

Consulting and Strategy#

• Clean line arrows
• Chevrons for phase-gate processes
• Circular arrows for continuous improvement
• Minimal decoration
• Brand color coding

Finance and Banking#

• Solid filled arrows
• Strong up/down directional arrows
• Color coding (green/red for positive/negative)
• Straight, no curves
• Traditional, formal style

Technology and Startups#

• Modern, thin line arrows
• Lots of curved arrows and cycles
• Bright colors
• Agile/sprint cycles
• Innovation-focused styling

Manufacturing and Operations#

• Heavy block arrows
• Clear process flows
• Practical, utilitarian style
• Standard shapes
• Focus on clarity over aesthetics

Building an Arrow Icon System#

For recurring presentations, create an arrow standard:

1. Choose 5-8 arrow types covering your common needs
2. Define usage rules (when to use each arrow)
3. Set size standards (small/medium/large dimensions)
4. Establish color rules (what each color means)
5. Save in master template accessible to all presenters
6. Document guidelines in a simple one-page reference

Arrow System Benefits#

• Faster creation: No deciding on arrows each time
• Visual consistency: All presentations look related
• Reduced revisions: Fewer "fix the arrows" requests
• Professional appearance: Cohesive visual identity
• Onboarding: New team members learn the standard quickly

We implemented an arrow system for a consulting firm with 50+ consultants. Arrow-related revision requests dropped by 60% in the first quarter. More importantly, clients began recognizing the firm's visual style—the consistent arrow usage became part of their brand identity.

Summary#

Arrow icons are essential for process flows, timelines, decision trees, and navigation in business presentations. Getting them right requires:

1. Style consistency: Pick one arrow style (outline, filled, or block) and use it throughout
2. Appropriate types: Directional for linear flows, circular for cycles, chevrons for stages, branching for decisions
3. Visual hierarchy: Use weight, color, and style to show importance and relationships
4. Precise alignment: Every arrow should align perfectly with its source and target
5. Intentional color: Use color to communicate meaning, not decoration
6. Good sources: PowerPoint built-in, Deckary, Flaticon, or Noun Project

The best arrow icons are functional first, aesthetic second. They guide viewers through your logic, show relationships clearly, and support your narrative without drawing attention to themselves.

For a curated library of professional arrow icons built directly into PowerPoint, try Deckary's 600+ icon collection—including directional arrows, process flows, circular cycles, chevrons, and decision trees optimized for business presentations.