arrow on back of tile

What is the signiffance of the arrow that is on back of tile? The tiles all appear to be the same on the finish side. Thanks much

It is one way to keep the tiles on pattern if there is one. Sometimes there is a difference. And as you stated in your case there appears to be no difference. Let's see what others have to say
CP

Wild quess here, is this vinyl tile, if yes, follow the arrows, it's there for laying them all in the same direction, because of the way they were cut.

So what direction should you point them north?

LOL E3, I see them on the back of the ceramic tiles all the time Rd. And I have a buddy who swears they must all go the same direction or the job is doomed. Beats me where this therory come from.

The arrows offer you the opportunity to lay each tile in the same direction without getting lost as easily, the arrows also offer you the opportunity to "keep your place" if you decide to rotate each tile a 1/4 turn to breakup the obvious pattern you would otherwise have.

The trouble with tile face patterns that have all the same look is that if you don't pay attention to what you are doing you will get visual blotches (so to speak). Depending on the actual pattern these blotches can appear very obvious in some installations.

Choose a method and stay with it throughout the job.

The direction of the arrow is the suggested way of laying the tiles by the manufacture, to give you the best looking sequential pattern, pre-determined by them. In other words if you follow the arrow, it will give you the best visual appearance.