How to Add Reflection Effect to Text

Chaknith Bin

Updated:June 22, 2025

A reflection effect on text is a visual enhancement that creates a mirror-like image of the text below its original form. This effect simulates the reflection of the text on a surface, often adding depth and realism to the design.

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First Step:

How to Add Reflection Effect to Text

Download a C# library to add a reflection to text.
Apply the text effect to either newly created or existing text.
Apply a preset reflection effect by instantiating the Reflection class.
Configure the Reflection properties to achieve a customized text outline.
Export the edited Word document as a new file.

Add Reflection Effect

To specify the reflection effect for the text, create the TextStyle object and populate the ReflectionEffect property with a Reflection 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-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");

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 {.ReflectionEffect = New Reflection()}

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

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

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

Reflection Effect Properties

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

SchemeColor: Gets or sets the scheme color of the reflection effect.
HorizontalSkewAngle: Gets or sets the horizontal skew angle of the reflection effect. The skew angle is specified in degrees.
HorizontalScalingFactor: Gets or sets the horizontal scaling factor of the reflection effect.
DistanceFromText: Gets or sets the distance of the reflection effect from the text or object. The distance is specified in points (1/72 inch).
DirectionAngle: Gets or sets the direction angle of the reflection effect. The direction angle is specified in degrees.
FadeDirectionAngle: Gets or sets the fade direction of the reflection effect.
EndPosition: Gets or sets the ending position of the reflection effect.
StartPosition: Gets or sets the starting position of the reflection effect.
EndingOpacity: Gets or sets the ending opacity of the reflection effect.
VerticalScalingFactor: Gets or sets the vertical scaling factor of the reflection effect.
StartingOpacity: Gets or sets the starting opacity of the reflection effect.
Alignment: Gets or sets the alignment of the reflection effect.
BlurRadius: Gets or sets the blur radius of the reflection effect. The blur radius is specified in points (1/72 inch).
VerticalSkewAngle: Gets or sets the vertical skew angle of the reflection effect. The skew angle is specified in degrees.

: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");

Imports IronWord
Imports IronWord.Models
Imports IronWord.Models.Enums

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

' Create and configure text style
Private textStyle As New TextStyle()
textStyle.TextEffect = New TextEffect() With {
	.ReflectionEffect = New Reflection() With {
		.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")

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a reflection effect on text?

A reflection effect on text is a visual enhancement that creates a mirror-like image of the text below its original form, simulating the reflection on a surface and adding depth and realism to the design.

How can I add a reflection effect to text?

To add a reflection effect using IronWord, download a C# library, apply the text effect to the text, instantiate the Reflection class, configure its properties, and export the edited Word document as a new file.

What is the purpose of the Reflection class?

The Reflection class in IronWord is used to apply preset reflection effects to text and configure properties to customize the text's appearance.

How do I customize the reflection effect properties?

Customize the reflection effect by adjusting properties such as SchemeColor, HorizontalSkewAngle, HorizontalScalingFactor, DistanceFromText, DirectionAngle, and others using the Reflection object in IronWord.

What are some key properties of the reflection effect?

Key properties include SchemeColor, HorizontalSkewAngle, HorizontalScalingFactor, DistanceFromText, DirectionAngle, FadeDirectionAngle, EndPosition, StartPosition, EndingOpacity, VerticalScalingFactor, StartingOpacity, Alignment, BlurRadius, and VerticalSkewAngle.

What is the HorizontalSkewAngle property used for in reflection effects?

The HorizontalSkewAngle property sets the horizontal skew angle of the reflection effect, specified in degrees, to alter the appearance of the reflection.

How does the DistanceFromText property affect the reflection effect?

The DistanceFromText property sets the distance of the reflection effect from the text or object, specified in points (1/72 inch), affecting how far the reflection appears from the original text.

Can the reflection effect's opacity be customized?

Yes, the reflection effect's opacity can be customized using the StartingOpacity and EndingOpacity properties to define how transparent the reflection starts and ends.

Chaknith Bin

Chat with engineering team now

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.