How to Apply Vertical Mongolian Text Direction in Word for the Web
Question details
The user needs to format traditional Mongolian text to write vertically from left to right, but the required setting is missing in the web version of Word.
- Product
- Word for the Web
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Attempting to correctly format traditional Mongolian text, which requires a specific vertical, left-to-right orientation.
- Observed behavior
- The "Vertical for Mongolian" text-direction option, which is available in Word 2019 desktop, is completely missing from Word for the web.
Since browser-based word processors have limited layout engines, make sure you have a desktop word processing application installed on your computer to apply and view advanced text directions.
Open the Document in the Word Desktop Application
Since Word for the web does not support this specific vertical formatting, you need to open the document in the full desktop application to access and apply the Mongolian text direction option.
Word for the web is a streamlined version of the software designed for quick edits. Complex layout features, including specific regional text directions like vertical Mongolian, require the rendering engine of the full desktop version.
While viewing your document in Word for the web, click the 'Editing' or 'Viewing' button on the top ribbon, and select 'Open in Desktop App' from the dropdown menu.
Once the document opens in your installed Word 2019 (or newer) desktop application, select your Mongolian text, navigate to the 'Layout' tab, click 'Text Direction', and choose 'Vertical for Mongolian'.
Save your changes. The vertical formatting will be preserved in the file's code, even if it does not display accurately when previewed again in the web version.
Use WPS Office for Advanced Text Formatting
If you frequently work with complex text layouts and need a desktop application without the heavy subscription cost, WPS Office is a free, lightweight, and fully compatible alternative. It brings robust formatting tools right to your desktop, bypassing web-browser limitations.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download the free WPS Office suite for your specific operating system.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your .docx file directly to access a full suite of desktop formatting options.
- 3. Adjust Text Layout: Navigate to the Page Layout tab to explore extensive text direction, orientation, and typography settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does traditional Mongolian text display horizontally in Word for the web?
Word for the web uses a simplified rendering engine that currently lacks the specific 'Vertical for Mongolian' left-to-right text direction capability, causing the text to default to a standard horizontal layout.
Will my vertical formatting be lost if I edit the file in Word for the web later?
No, editing other parts of the document in Word for the web will generally preserve the advanced formatting tags in the background, even if the text doesn't display vertically in your browser.
Can I use Google Docs for vertical Mongolian text?
Like Word for the web, Google Docs also lacks native support for traditional vertical Mongolian text layouts. A dedicated desktop word processor is required for accurate rendering.
