w:emboss (Embossed Text Effect)

Applies an embossed (raised) 3-D effect to the characters of a run by using light and shadow simulation.

Parent elements

w:rPr

Description

w:emboss is a toggle property that applies an embossed rendering to text — characters appear raised above the page surface, simulated using light and shadow gradients.

It is defined in ECMA-376 Part 1 §17.3.2.13.

Attributes

Attribute	Type	Possible Values	Description
`w:val`	`ST_OnOff`	`true`, `false`, `1`, `0`, `on`, `off`	Enables the emboss effect. Omit to inherit.

Examples

<w:r>
  <w:rPr>
    <w:emboss/>
  </w:rPr>
  <w:t>Embossed text</w:t>
</w:r>

new Run(
  new RunProperties(new Emboss()),
  new Text("Embossed text"));

<!-- Cancel emboss from parent style -->
<w:rPr>
  <w:emboss w:val="false"/>
</w:rPr>

new RunProperties(new Emboss { Val = false });

Notes

Mutually exclusive with w:imprint; enabling one disables the other.
Simulates light gradient (top-left raised) and shadow (bottom-right).
Legacy 3D effect; DrawingML provides more precise modern alternatives.
Appearance processor-dependent; gradient intensity may vary.
Toggle property: w:val="false" cancels emboss from parent style.
Works with all font types and sizes.
RTL text: emboss behavior consistent with text direction.
Compatibility: All Office versions support emboss rendering.