I was trying to learn how to make my text wording in MS Word appear at various angles (like you can do in Excel) and it seems the best way is to insert text boxes then use the rotation handle (curved arrow hook at top of text box) to spin it at all angles. However my rotation handle does not appear when I click the text box. How do I fix this?
Rotate handle doesn't appear on text boxes in Microsoft Word - how do I fix this?
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If the rotation handle (curved arrow hook) is not appearing at top of text box, then click:
File> Info> Convert (convert it out of Compatibility Mode) and then it shows up.
Can convert .doc or .docx or any type of Word.
Compatibility Mode does not allow the rotation handle.
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JM
If the rotation handle (curved arrow hook) is not appearing at top of text box, then click:
File> Info> Convert (convert it out of Compatibility Mode) and then it shows up.
Can convert .doc or .docx or any type of Word.
Compatibility Mode does not allow the rotation handle.
Why don't I get the "Convert" option after clicking File> Info?
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Is this Word for Windows?
Do you see Compatibility Mode on the title bar?
MS 365 Word MVP since 2005
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MS 365, Win 11 Pro
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The rotation handle appears after i did File>Info>Convert but the actual text does not rotate, only the text box. How do I fix this?
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For as long as the text box is active ("open for editing"), you won't see the rotated text. Click outside the text box and you should see it rotated:
MS 365 Word MVP since 2005
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The rotation handle appears after i did File>Info>Convert but the actual text does not rotate, only the text box. How do I fix this?
* Even after I click outside the text box. I printed the document to see if it rotated, It didn't
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I had the same problem! Eventually solved it by going to Shape Format Tab > WordArt Styles and selecting the expand arrow bottom right. This brings up pop up box on the right. Select layout & properties icon and untick 'Do not rotate text'.
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Last updated April 13, 2025 Views 2,841 Applies to: