In Word 2003 whilst using wordart I could easily take some text and then flip it horizontally via the drawing tool bar -> draw -> Rotate or Flip -> Flip Horizontal.
If I try the same method in Word 2010 and then select the wordart object -> Drawing Tools -> Format -> Rotate -> and then select Flip Horizontal nothing happens!
HELP!

Hi,

I have tested on my side. Yes, it is by design.

When you click Flip Horizontal, it keeps original since "Horizontal" means flat.

Hi Jennifer, thanks for the reply - the problem I have with this is that in the older version of Word it worked but in the 2010 is doesn't - how can that be by design?

To add to the issue a colleague of mine tried this on his computer and it worked perfectly!

Between Word 2007 and Word 2010, the graphics engine was completely changed. While it does many things much better than the old engine, the new one has lost some capabilities, including this one.

Fortunately, for backward compatibility the old engine is still invoked for documents that are in Word 97-2003 (*.doc) format, and that fact can be used to fake out Word 2010.

Make a new document (or a copy of the current document) and save it as a Word 97-2003 file. The title bar should include the notation [Compatibility Mode].

Insert your WordArt in this document (note that you won't be able to use any of the fancy effects introduced in Word 2010; this is the  *old* WordArt) and use the Flip Horizontal command to get the
desired effect.

Copy the flipped art from that document and paste it into the Word 2010 document, or click File > Convert to take it out of compatibility mode. The pasted WordArt will still be the old style, but any
new ones you add to the same document will be the new style.

Jaym thanks for the info.

I tested your method and it works perfectly.

In MS Publisher 2010 the graphics work the same as older versions and Wordart can be flipped horizontally.

If you have Publisher, it's worth switching to and using instead of Word for creative projects. The main difference between Word and Publisher is that you can't just type onto the page: all "regular" text has to be placed in a "text box". Within the text box all normal word pro rules apply. As wordart is an "object" it works differently, and is treated the same as it used to be in older versions of Word (horizontal flip capable).

The great thing about Publisher and everthing being in its own "box" (frame) means you get the freedom and flexibility of real dtp, making page design, layout and editing a lot easier. Because Publisher is an MS Office product the look and feel of it is very familiar if you're a Word 2010 user, so it'll feel very comfortable.

If you don't have Publisher, but do a lot of creative work or crafting, it's worth buying if you can spare the cash. If you stick with Word, Jay's answer in this thread works a dream. However, the backwards compatability doesn't work with all styles and any of the fancier new stuff may be stripped away.

• Edited by learn with elly Sunday, October 30, 2011 7:53 AM

In MS Publisher 2010 the graphics work the same as older versions and Wordart can be flipped horizontally.

If you have Publisher, it's worth switching to and using instead of Word for creative projects. The main difference between Word and Publisher is that you can't just type onto the page: all "regular" text has to be placed in a "text box". Within the text box all normal word pro rules apply. As wordart is an "object" it works differently, and is treated the same as it used to be in older versions of Word (horizontal flip capable).

The great thing about Publisher and everthing being in its own "box" (frame) means you get the freedom and flexibility of real dtp, making page design, layout and editing a lot easier. Because Publisher is an MS Office product the look and feel of it is very familiar if you're a Word 2010 user, so it'll feel very comfortable.

If you don't have Publisher, but do a lot of creative work or crafting, it's worth buying if you can spare the cash. If you stick with Word, Jay's answer in this thread works a dream. However, the backwards compatability doesn't work with all styles and any of the fancier new stuff may be stripped away.

• Edited by learn with elly Sunday, October 30, 2011 7:53 AM

Hi: I saved as Word 97-2003 and it does say [Compatability Mode], but when I do the "Rotate" dropdown, all of the options are grayed out. Am not able to rotate at all.  Suggestions?

Legend! Thank you.

Hi Jay, 

I did everything you suggested--when I copied back into Word 2010, the Word Art went back to normal. When I converted it, the same thing happened. This is the 4th time I have had to re type all my Word Art. It's getting very frustrating. Any ideas?

It is not clear what you are trying to do and what methods you've tried. Converted it?

See 2003 WordArt Add-In for 2010-2013. It may

After you have made use of the workarounds, you can't save back to Word 2013 format, if that's what you're asking. The document must remain in compatibility mode.