How to Add Gradient Effect to Text

Q: How do you create a TextStyle object with a gradient effect in IronWord?

In IronWord, create a TextStyle object and populate the GradientEffect property with a Gradient object. Assign this TextStyle to the TextEffect property to apply it to your text.

Q: What are the key properties of the Gradient class in IronWord?

The Gradient class in IronWord includes key properties such as StopPoints , which define gradient stops, LinearShadeScaled , which indicates if the linear shade is scaled, and LinearShadeAngle , which sets the angle of the linear shade.

Chaknith Bin

Updated:June 22, 2025

A gradient effect on text involves applying a smooth transition of colors across the characters or background of text, creating a blend from one color to another or multiple colors. This effect adds depth, visual interest, and a dynamic appearance to the text, making it stand out and enhancing its aesthetic appearance. Gradient effects can be linear (colors transition in a straight line) or radial (colors transition from a central point outward).

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First Step:

How to Add Gradient Effect to Text

Download a C# library that enables adding gradients to text.
Apply the text effect to either newly created or existing text.
Use a preset gradient effect by using the static named instance of the Gradient class.
Configure the GradientEffect properties to customize the text outline.
Export the edited Word document as a new file.

Add Gradient Effect

To specify the gradient effect for the text, create the TextStyle object and populate the GradientEffect property with a Gradient object. Finally, add new text with the style by assigning the TextStyle object to the TextEffect property.

:path=/static-assets/word/content-code-examples/how-to/text-effect-gradient-effect.cs

using IronWord;
using IronWord.Models;

// Create new Word document
WordDocument doc = new WordDocument();

// Create and configure text style
TextStyle textStyle = new TextStyle();
textStyle.TextEffect = new TextEffect()
{
    GradientEffect = Gradient.DefaultGray,
};

// Add text with style
doc.AddText("Hello World").Style = textStyle;

// Export new Word document
doc.SaveAs("gradientEffect.docx");

Imports IronWord
Imports IronWord.Models

' Create new Word document
Private doc As New WordDocument()

' Create and configure text style
Private textStyle As New TextStyle()
textStyle.TextEffect = New TextEffect() With {.GradientEffect = Gradient.DefaultGray}

' Add text with style
doc.AddText("Hello World").Style = textStyle

' Export new Word document
doc.SaveAs("gradientEffect.docx")

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

Gradient Effect Properties

The gradient effect provides a range of adjustable attributes to meet diverse design requirements. See the following list for detailed descriptions of each property:

GradientStop

Color: Gets or sets the scheme color of the gradient stop.
StopPoint: Gets or sets the position of the gradient stop.

Gradient stops are points within a gradient where a specific color is defined.

Gradient

StopPoints: Gets or sets the list of gradient stops defining the gradient fill.
LinearShadeScaled: Gets or sets a value indicating whether the linear shade is scaled.
LinearShadeAngle: Gets or sets the angle of the linear shade.

:path=/static-assets/word/content-code-examples/how-to/text-effect-customized-gradient-effect.cs

using IronWord;
using IronWord.Models;
using System.Collections.Generic;

// Create new Word document
WordDocument doc = new WordDocument();

// Create gradient stops
GradientStop firstGradientStop = new GradientStop()
{
    Color = IronWord.Models.Color.Aqua,
    StopPoint = 1
};
GradientStop secondGradientStop = new GradientStop()
{
    Color = IronWord.Models.Color.OrangeRed,
    StopPoint = 10
};

// Create and configure text style
TextStyle textStyle = new TextStyle();
textStyle.TextEffect = new TextEffect()
{
    GradientEffect = new Gradient()
    {
        StopPoints = new List<GradientStop> { firstGradientStop, secondGradientStop },
        LinearShadeAngle = 45,
        LinearShadeScaled = true,
    }
};

// Add text with style
doc.AddText("Hello World").Style = textStyle;

// Export new Word document
doc.SaveAs("customizedGradientEffect.docx");

Imports IronWord
Imports IronWord.Models
Imports System.Collections.Generic

' Create new Word document
Private doc As New WordDocument()

' Create gradient stops
Private firstGradientStop As New GradientStop() With {
	.Color = IronWord.Models.Color.Aqua,
	.StopPoint = 1
}
Private secondGradientStop As New GradientStop() With {
	.Color = IronWord.Models.Color.OrangeRed,
	.StopPoint = 10
}

' Create and configure text style
Private textStyle As New TextStyle()
textStyle.TextEffect = New TextEffect() With {
	.GradientEffect = New Gradient() With {
		.StopPoints = New List(Of GradientStop) From {firstGradientStop, secondGradientStop},
		.LinearShadeAngle = 45, .LinearShadeScaled = True
	}
}

' Add text with style
doc.AddText("Hello World").Style = textStyle

' Export new Word document
doc.SaveAs("customizedGradientEffect.docx")

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I add a gradient effect to text in a Word document using C#?

You can add a gradient effect to text in a Word document by using IronWord's C# library. First, download the library, then apply the text effect to new or existing text. Use a preset gradient effect via the static named instance of the Gradient class and customize it by configuring GradientEffect properties.

What are the steps to apply a gradient effect using IronWord?

To apply a gradient effect using IronWord, follow these steps: download the C# library, apply the gradient to text, use a preset gradient effect from the Gradient class, configure GradientEffect properties, and finally, export the edited document.

How do you create a TextStyle object with a gradient effect in IronWord?

In IronWord, create a TextStyle object and populate the GradientEffect property with a Gradient object. Assign this TextStyle to the TextEffect property to apply it to your text.

What is the purpose of gradient stops in IronWord?

Gradient stops in IronWord are points within a gradient where a specific color is defined. They are controlled using the GradientStop class, which includes properties such as Color for the scheme color and StopPoint for the position of the gradient stop.

Can gradient stops be customized in IronWord?

Yes, you can customize gradient stops in IronWord by adding GradientStop objects with specific colors and positions to the StopPoints list of a Gradient object, allowing for personalized gradient effects.

What are the key properties of the Gradient class in IronWord?

The Gradient class in IronWord includes key properties such as StopPoints, which define gradient stops, LinearShadeScaled, which indicates if the linear shade is scaled, and LinearShadeAngle, which sets the angle of the linear shade.

How do you export a Word document after adding a gradient effect using IronWord?

After adding a gradient effect to text using IronWord, you can export the edited Word document by saving it as a new file in your desired format with the applied gradient effects.

Chaknith Bin

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Software Engineer

Chaknith works on IronXL and IronBarcode. He has deep expertise in C# and .NET, helping improve the software and support customers. His insights from user interactions contribute to better products, documentation, and overall experience.