How to Fix SharePoint Typing Text Backwards or in Reverse Order
Question details
The user is experiencing an issue where text entered into SharePoint documents appears backward or in reverse order.
- Product
- SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Typing and editing documents online via the SharePoint browser interface.
- Observed behavior
- Characters appear in reverse order when typing in SharePoint on a specific desktop, whereas typing works normally in local applications like Word and on other computers.
Before altering system or account configurations, test opening the SharePoint document in a completely different web browser (such as Edge, Chrome, or Firefox) to rule out browser-specific glitches or interfering extensions.
Adjust Browser and Text Direction Settings
Use this solution to correct accidental right-to-left text formatting and rule out browser cache issues.
Often, typing backward in a web-based application is caused by an accidental keyboard shortcut that changes the text direction to Right-to-Left, or by a glitch in the browser's temporary data.
Click inside the SharePoint document where you are typing. Press 'Ctrl + Left Shift' to explicitly set the text direction back to Left-to-Right.
Click the extensions or add-ons icon in your browser menu. Temporarily disable grammar checkers, translation tools, or ad blockers, as these can intercept keystrokes in online editors.
Go to your browser's settings, navigate to Privacy and Security, and select 'Clear browsing data'. Choose 'Cookies and other site data' and 'Cached images and files', then clear the data and reload SharePoint.
Edit the Document Using the Local Desktop App
Use this workaround to bypass browser-based typing glitches by editing the file locally.
Edit Documents Locally with WPS Office
If browser-based editors like SharePoint continue to cause frustrating typing bugs, switch to WPS Office. It is a completely free, lightweight desktop alternative that provides a familiar interface and flawless compatibility with Microsoft Office documents.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it on your computer.
- 2. Open Your Document: Download your problematic file from SharePoint and open it directly in WPS Writer.
- 3. Edit Flawlessly: Enjoy smooth, glitch-free typing and save your document securely in standard Office formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my text typing backwards only in SharePoint?
This usually happens due to a browser-specific glitch, a conflicting browser extension (like a grammar checker), or accidentally pressing the Right-to-Left text direction shortcut (Ctrl + Right Shift) while working in the web browser.
How do I change the text direction back to normal?
You can typically reset the text direction to Left-to-Right by clicking inside the text field and pressing 'Ctrl + Left Shift' on a Windows keyboard.
Does my system language affect SharePoint text direction?
Yes, if your system or browser language is set to a Right-to-Left language (like Arabic or Hebrew), online versions of Word and SharePoint might default to that text direction. Checking your regional settings can help resolve persistent issues.
