Rotate or flip a text box, shape, WordArt, or picture in Word

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Note: If you don't see the Shape Format, Drawing Tools, or Picture Tools tabs, make sure that you've selected a text box, shape, or WordArt. You may have to double-click the object to open the Format tab.

Rotate to any angle

Shaoe with rotation handles

Select the object to rotate.
Select the rotation handle at the top of the object, and then drag in the direction that you want.

To constrain the rotation to 15-degree increments, press and hold Shift while you drag the rotation handle.
When you rotate multiple shapes, they do not rotate as a group, but instead each shape rotates around its own center.

Rotate to an exact angle by degrees

Rotation menu with More Rotation Options selected

Select the object to rotate.
Go to Shape Format, Drawing Tools or Picture Tools >Format.
Select Rotate, and then select More Rotation Options.

Rotate 90 degrees

Select the object that you want to rotate.
Go to Shape Format, Drawing Tools or Picture Tools >Format.
Select Rotate, and then:
- To rotate the object 90 degrees to the right, select Rotate Right 90°.
- To rotate the object 90 degrees to the left, select Rotate Left 90°.

Flip an object

You can create the effect of a mirror image or flip an object upside-down (invert it) by using the Flip tools.

Select the object to rotate.
Go to Shape Format, Drawing Tools or Picture Tools >Format, select Rotate, and then:
- To turn an object upside-down, select Flip Vertical.
- To create a mirror image of the object (except WordArt), select Flip Horizontal.

Mirror WordArt or Shape text

Text effect icon

Select the WordArt or Shape to mirror. For more info see Insert WordArt.
Select Shape Format or Drawing Tools Format.
Select Text Effects

3-D rotation settings with X set to 180 deg

>3D Rotation >3D Rotation Options. Under 3-D Rotation, set X Rotation to 180°.

Note: To rotate text in a shape,

Rotate to any angle

Rotate cursor by handle

Select the object to rotate.
Select the rotation handle at the top of the object, and then drag in the direction that you want.

To constrain the rotation to 15-degree increments, press and hold Shift while you drag the rotation handle.
When you rotate multiple shapes, they do not rotate as a group, but instead each shape rotates around its own center.