How to Add Reflection Effect to Text in C

Why Does Creating a TextStyle Matter?

The TextStyle object serves as the central configuration point for all text formatting in IronWord. By separating style from content, you can reuse the same reflection effect across multiple text elements, ensuring consistency throughout your document. This approach also makes it easy to update the reflection effect globally by modifying a single style object.

:path=/static-assets/word/content-code-examples/how-to/text-effect-reflection-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()
{
    ReflectionEffect = new Reflection(),
};

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

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

What Does the Default Reflection Look Like?

The default reflection effect creates a subtle mirror image below the text with automatic opacity fade. This preset configuration works well for most business documents and presentations without requiring any additional customization. The reflection appears at a standard distance with appropriate blur and transparency settings that complement various font sizes and styles.

Which Properties Control the Reflection Appearance?

• SchemeColor: Gets or sets the scheme color of the reflection effect. Tint reflections with any color for water or metallic surface effects.

• HorizontalSkewAngle: Gets or sets the horizontal skew angle in degrees. Create perspective effects where reflections recede into the distance.

• HorizontalScalingFactor: Gets or sets the horizontal scaling factor. Values below 100 compress; values above 100 stretch.

• DistanceFromText: Gets or sets the distance in points (1/72 inch). Smaller values create tight reflections; larger values simulate distant surfaces.

• DirectionAngle: Gets or sets the direction angle in degrees. Determines the apparent light source direction.

• FadeDirectionAngle: Gets or sets the fade direction in degrees. Control vertical fading for floor reflections or angled fading for water effects.

• EndPosition: Gets or sets the ending position. Determines where the reflection completely fades out.

• StartPosition: Gets or sets the starting position. Typically 0 to begin immediately below the text.

• EndingOpacity: Gets or sets the ending opacity. Lower values create subtle reflections that fade to transparency.

• VerticalScalingFactor: Gets or sets the vertical scaling factor. Negative values flip text; magnitude controls height.

• StartingOpacity: Gets or sets the starting opacity. Higher values create stronger initial reflections.

• Alignment: Gets or sets the alignment. Choose from various options to position the reflection relative to text.

• BlurRadius: Gets or sets the blur radius in points (1/72 inch). Higher values create softer, more diffused reflections.

• VerticalSkewAngle: Gets or sets the vertical skew angle in degrees. Use for creating slanted reflection effects.

How Do I Create a Custom Reflection Effect?

Custom reflection effects allow you to match your organization's branding or create unique visual styles. The following example demonstrates a gold-tinted reflection with specific positioning and opacity settings that create a professional appearance for certificates, awards, or premium document headers.

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

using IronWord;
using IronWord.Models;
using IronWord.Models.Enums;

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

// Create and configure text style
TextStyle textStyle = new TextStyle();
textStyle.TextEffect = new TextEffect()
{
    ReflectionEffect = new Reflection()
    {
        Alignment = RectangleAlignmentValues.BottomLeft,
        BlurRadius = 5,
        DirectionAngle = 90,
        DistanceFromText = 5,
        EndingOpacity = 100,
        EndPosition = 10,
        FadeDirectionAngle = 90,
        HorizontalScalingFactor = 100,
        HorizontalSkewAngle = 0,
        SchemeColor = IronWord.Models.Color.Gold,
        StartingOpacity = 0,
        StartPosition = 0,
        VerticalScalingFactor = -100,
        VerticalSkewAngle = 0,
    },
};

// Add text with style
doc.AddText("Customized reflection").Style = textStyle;

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

What Results Can I Achieve with Custom Properties?

The customized reflection example above produces a distinctive gold-tinted reflection that enhances the premium feel of the document. By adjusting the opacity gradient from 0% to 100%, the reflection creates a reverse-fade effect where the reflection becomes stronger as it moves away from the text. This technique works well for creating prominent headers or highlighting important announcements.

Best Practices for Reflection Effects

When implementing reflection effects in professional documents, consider these guidelines:

Subtlety Often Works Best: For business documents, use lower ending opacity values (20-40%) to create subtle reflections that enhance without distracting. Reserve stronger effects for marketing materials or presentations where visual impact is paramount.

Match Your Document Style: Align reflection properties with your document's overall design. Formal documents benefit from simple vertical reflections with minimal blur, while creative materials can utilize skewed angles and colored reflections for artistic effect.

Performance Considerations: Complex reflection effects with high blur radius values may increase file size and processing time. For documents with numerous reflected elements, test performance and adjust properties accordingly.

Accessibility Awareness: Remember that decorative effects like reflections should enhance rather than replace clear communication. Ensure your primary text remains highly readable, especially when creating documents that need to meet accessibility standards.