Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Reversing Type.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated February 8, 2025)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365
There may be a time when you want to "reverse" the type in a particular paragraph. For instance, you may want the paragraph to show as white text on a black background. This can be done easily with various ribbon tools. If you want to do it in one easy step, however, you can use this VBA macro:
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here:
Sub Reverse()
Selection.StartOf Unit:=wdParagraph, Extend:=wdMove
Selection.MoveEnd Unit:=wdParagraph
Selection.ParagraphFormat.Shading.BackgroundPatternColorIndex = wdBlack
Selection.Font.ColorIndex = wdWhite
End Sub
All you need to do is place the insertion point somewhere within the paragraph, and then run the macro. As with most any macro, you can assign it to the Quick Access Toolbar or a shortcut key so you can use it quickly.
Of course, the only real reason to use a macro such as this is if you don't use styles and templates for your documents. If you do, then you should accomplish the same functionality by simply defining a style that shows the paragraph in "reverse" type. Whenever you apply the style, the paragraph appears in the desired format.
Note:
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (11971) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, 2021, 2024, and Word in Microsoft 365. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Reversing Type.
Comprehensive VBA Guide Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) is the language used for writing macros in all Office programs. This complete guide shows both professionals and novices how to master VBA in order to customize the entire Office suite for their needs. Check out Mastering VBA for Office 2010 today!
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