How to Add Reflection Effect to Text

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

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

You can add a reflection effect to text in a Word document using C# by downloading the IronWord library. Start by creating a `TextStyle` object, populate its `ReflectionEffect` property with a `Reflection` object, and customize the properties to your liking. Finally, export the Word document with the reflection effect applied.

What properties can be adjusted for a reflection effect in IronWord?

In IronWord, you can adjust properties such as `SchemeColor`, `HorizontalSkewAngle`, `HorizontalScalingFactor`, `DistanceFromText`, `DirectionAngle`, `FadeDirectionAngle`, `EndPosition`, `StartPosition`, `EndingOpacity`, `VerticalScalingFactor`, `StartingOpacity`, `Alignment`, `BlurRadius`, and `VerticalSkewAngle` to customize the reflection effect.

How do I customize the distance of the reflection effect from the text?

In IronWord, use the `DistanceFromText` property to set the distance of the reflection effect from the text. This distance is specified in points (1/72 inch), allowing you to control how far the reflection appears from the original text.

Can I adjust the opacity of the reflection effect in IronWord?

Yes, the opacity of the reflection effect in IronWord can be customized using the `StartingOpacity` and `EndingOpacity` properties. These allow you to define how transparent the reflection starts and ends, giving you control over its visual presence.

What is the purpose of the `HorizontalSkewAngle` in a reflection effect?

The `HorizontalSkewAngle` property in IronWord sets the horizontal skew angle of the reflection effect. Specified in degrees, this property alters the appearance of the reflection by skewing it horizontally.

How do I start adding a reflection effect to text in C#?

Begin by downloading the IronWord library. Create a `TextStyle` object and populate the `ReflectionEffect` property with a `Reflection` object. Use the available properties to customize the effect and apply it to your text.

Is it possible to adjust the blur of a reflection effect in IronWord?

Yes, you can adjust the blur of a reflection effect in IronWord by setting the `BlurRadius` property. This value is specified in points (1/72 inch), allowing you to control the softness of the reflection.

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.