w:shadow (Shadow Text Effect)

Applies a drop-shadow effect behind the characters of a run.

Parent elements

w:rPr

Description

w:shadow is a toggle property that applies a drop-shadow behind the text characters in a run. The shadow offset and color are processor-defined. In most implementations the shadow appears below and to the right of the text.

It is defined in ECMA-376 Part 1 §17.3.2.31.

Attributes

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

Examples

<w:r>
  <w:rPr>
    <w:shadow/>
  </w:rPr>
  <w:t>Shadow text</w:t>
</w:r>

new Run(
  new RunProperties(new Shadow()),
  new Text("Shadow text"));

<!-- Shadow with outline for classic 3D -->
<w:r>
  <w:rPr>
    <w:shadow/>
    <w:outline/>
  </w:rPr>
  <w:t>3D Text</w:t>
</w:r>

new Run(
  new RunProperties(new Shadow(), new Outline()),
  new Text("3D Text"));

Notes

Legacy text effect from pre-OOXML Word formats.
Shadow offset/color processor-defined; typically below and right of text.
Can combine with w:outline for classic 3D effect.
Mutually exclusive with w:emboss and w:imprint (only one 3D effect).
Modern alternative: DrawingML effects for precise shadow control.
Rendering details may vary by application.
Toggle property: w:val="false" cancels from parent style.
All Office versions support basic shadow rendering.