logo
search
list

Table of Content

Two Common Mirror Effects in Word
How to Mirror an Image Horizontally in Word
How to Create a Vertical Mirror Reflection
How to Batch Mirror Multiple Images
Common Mirroring Problems and Fixes
Free Method: Mirror Images in WPS Writer
FAQ
Conclusion
Edit Photos and Docs Faster with WPS Writer

How to Mirror an Image in Word (Flip Horizontal & Reflection)

Posted by Algirdas Jasaitis

calendar

2026-07-21

views

871

likes

4

Mirroring an image in Word is a common fix for reversed logos, flipped scans, and reflective poster layouts. Word does not use a button labeled “Mirror,” so beginners often look in the wrong place. The tools you need are Flip Horizontal for a left-right mirror and Picture Effects → Reflection for a bottom reflection. This guide covers both methods, batch mirroring, common fixes, and a free Word-compatible option in WPS Writer.

Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE


How to mirror an image in Word step-by-step guide
How to mirror an image in Word step-by-step guide


Quick answer: For a left-right mirror, select the picture → Picture Format → Rotate → Flip Horizontal. For a reflection under the image, go to Picture Format → Picture Effects → Reflection and pick a preset. If Flip is grayed out, change wrap to Square or Tight first.

Two Common Mirror Effects in Word


Two mirror effects in Word Flip Horizontal and Reflection
Two mirror effects in Word Flip Horizontal and Reflection


EffectWhat it doesWhere to find it
Horizontal mirrorReverses left and rightPicture Format → Rotate → Flip Horizontal
Vertical reflectionAdds a mirrored fade under the picturePicture Format → Picture Effects → Reflection
Flip VerticalTurns the whole image upside downPicture Format → Rotate → Flip Vertical

Use Flip Horizontal when the graphic itself is backwards. Use Reflection when you want a stylish mirror-like shadow under a photo—not when you need to correct a reversed logo.

How to Mirror an Image Horizontally in Word

These steps work in Word 2016, 2019, 2021, and Microsoft 365.


Mirror an image horizontally with Flip Horizontal in Word
Mirror an image horizontally with Flip Horizontal in Word


  1. Select the image you want to mirror.

  2. Open the Picture Format tab.

  3. Click Rotate.

  4. Choose Flip Horizontal.

Word creates a clean left-right mirror while usually keeping the image size. This is the correct method when people search for “mirror image in Word.”

How to Create a Vertical Mirror Reflection

A reflection adds a mirrored fade below the picture for covers, posters, and report headers.


Add vertical mirror reflection with Picture Effects Reflection in Word
Add vertical mirror reflection with Picture Effects Reflection in Word


  1. Select your target image.

  2. Go to Picture Format → Picture Effects.

  3. Choose Reflection.

  4. Pick a preset (for example, a soft half-reflection under the image).

Tip: After applying Reflection, you can fine-tune options under Picture Effects → Reflection → Reflection Options (transparency, size, and blur may vary by Word version).

Note: Reflection is a visual effect. It does not permanently reverse the source pixels the way Flip Horizontal does.

How to Batch Mirror Multiple Images


Batch mirror multiple images in Word with Flip Horizontal
Batch mirror multiple images in Word with Flip Horizontal


  1. Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) and select all target pictures.

  2. If tools are locked, set Wrap Text to Square or Tight.

  3. Open Picture Format → Rotate → Flip Horizontal to mirror the selection.

  4. Optional: apply the same Reflection preset to each image for a matching look.

After batch flips, use Align or distribute tools if the row looks uneven.

Common Mirroring Problems and Fixes


No Mirror button in Word use Flip Horizontal instead
No Mirror button in Word use Flip Horizontal instead


ProblemWhat to try
No “Mirror” buttonUse Flip Horizontal—that is Word’s horizontal mirror tool
Flip / Rotate is grayed outChange wrap from In Line with Text to Square or Tight
Mirrored image looks blurryRe-insert the original high-resolution file; avoid repeated compress + flip cycles
Layout shifts after mirroringFlip first, then align or redistribute the pictures
Want a reflection, not a reversed logoUse Picture Effects → Reflection, not Flip Vertical

Unlock Flip when tools are grayed out

  1. Select the image.

  2. Open Layout Options or Picture Format → Wrap Text.

  3. Choose Square or Tight.

  4. Return to Rotate → Flip Horizontal.


Mirror image tips Flip Horizontal Reflection and align in Word
Mirror image tips Flip Horizontal Reflection and align in Word


Free Method: Mirror Images in WPS Writer

Word covers horizontal mirrors and reflection effects for most everyday documents. If you prefer a simpler picture toolbar—or you edit many images in one file—WPS Writer is a free, Word-compatible option for flip and reflection-style edits.

100% secure


Mirror and reflection image tools in WPS Writer
Mirror and reflection image tools in WPS Writer
Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE
  1. Open your document in WPS Writer.

  2. Select one image or multi-select several.

  3. Apply a horizontal flip (mirror) or a reflection-style effect from the picture tools.

  4. Adjust wrap and alignment if the page needs a quick cleanup.

  5. Save as .docx when you need to share the file in Microsoft Word.

  • Clear mirror / flip controls — Left-right corrections for logos and scans

  • Reflection-style options — Soft under-image effects for covers and posters

  • Strong Word compatibility — Share common .docx files with Word users

  • No paid subscription required — Core picture tools for daily documents

FAQ

How do I mirror an image in Word?

Select the picture → Picture Format → Rotate → Flip Horizontal. That is Word’s left-right mirror command.

Where is the Mirror button in Word?

There is no separate Mirror button. Use Flip Horizontal for mirroring, or Picture Effects → Reflection for a bottom reflection look.

How do I add a reflection under a picture?

Go to Picture Format → Picture Effects → Reflection and choose a preset.

Do mirrored images from WPS work in Microsoft Word?

Yes—when you save as a standard .docx, flipped and reflected pictures usually open normally in Microsoft Word. Preview once before sharing.

Conclusion

To mirror an image in Word, use Flip Horizontal for left-right reverses and Picture Effects → Reflection for a soft mirror under the photo. Unlock grayed-out tools by changing wrap settings, then align pictures after batch edits. If you want a simpler free workflow for everyday mirror-style picture work, WPS Writer is a practical Word-compatible option.

Edit Photos and Docs Faster with WPS Writer

WPS Writer
WPS Presentation
WPS Spreadsheet
WPS PDF
  • Use Word, Excel, and PPT for FREE, No Ads.

  • Edit PDF files with the powerful PDF toolkit.

  • Microsoft-like interface. Easy to learn. 100% Compatibility.

  • Boost your productivity with WPS's abundant free Word, Excel, PPT, and CV templates.

100% secure
Algirdas Jasaitis

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.