How to Change Text Direction in Word

Knowing how to change text direction in Word is useful when creating tables, labels, diagrams, posters, or other documents that require text to appear vertically or at a different angle. Microsoft Word allows you to rotate or change the direction of text within text boxes, table cells, and shapes, making it easier to create professional and visually appealing documents. With a few simple steps, you can customise the text layout to suit your design needs.

1. Table of Contents

   Toggle

   Open Your Word Document

Begin by opening the Microsoft Word document that contains the text you want to modify.

Locate the text box, table cell, or shape where you want to change the text direction.

• Open your document
• Find the text to edit
• Select the correct object

2. Select the Text Box, Table Cell, or Shape

Click inside the text box or table cell that contains the text.

If the text is inside a shape, click the shape to activate its formatting options.

• Select the text container
• Activate the formatting tools
• Prepare to change the text direction

3. Open the Text Direction Option

Go to the Shape Format or Table Layout tab, depending on where your text is located.

Click Text Direction to display the available text orientation options.

• Open the formatting tab
• Click Text Direction
• View the available options

4. Choose the Preferred Text Direction

Select the direction that best suits your document.

You can rotate the text vertically, horizontally, or choose another available orientation.

Review the appearance before continuing.

• Choose the desired direction
• Preview the new layout
• Adjust if necessary

5. Save and Review Your Document

Once you are satisfied with the text direction, save your document.

Scroll through the page to ensure the text is displayed correctly and fits well within the document layout.

• Save your document
• Review the formatting
• Make final adjustments if needed

Also Read: How to Change Outlook to Dark Mode