Rotate text in a SmartArt graphic in Word

Applies To
Word for Microsoft 365 Word 2024 Word 2021 Word 2019 Word 2016

In SmartArt graphics, you can rotate the text vertically to present it sideways or to save space, without rotating the whole object or image.

  1. In a SmartArt graphic, place your cursor in the text that you want to rotate, right-click the text and then select Format Text Effects.

  2. In the Format Shape pane, on the Text Options tab, select Layout & Properties, then select the text direction that you want.

    Text Effects panel with text direction selected

  3. Select X to close the panel.