Ever tried squeezing labels into a sidebar or making a bilingual site look clean? That’s where vertical text saves the day. Designers often face situations where horizontal just doesn’t cut it—especially when you’re working with Japanese, Chinese, or when space is tighter than a packed train in Chennai during rush hour.

Creating vertical text in HTML isn’t rocket science, but the wrong method can leave your layout looking like a lopsided sandwich.

🔑 Key Takeaway:

Creating vertical text in HTML is straightforward if you use the right CSS tools. Whether it’s writing-mode for clean top-down flow or transform: rotate for tighter control, each method has a time and place. Use it smartly, test across devices, and keep your layout both stylish and readable.

Basic HTML Setup for Vertical Text

Before you style anything, your HTML needs a solid base. Use simple, clean tags like:

<div class="vertical-text">Hello World</div>

Keep it semantic. Don’t wrap text in unnecessary <b> or <i> tags unless you’re emphasizing something. Stick with <div>, <span>, or <p> depending on your structure. Add classes instead of inline styling—your future self will thank you.

CSS Methods to Make Text Stand Tall

a. Using writing-mode

This is the golden ticket for vertical text.

.vertical-text {
  writing-mode: vertical-rl;
}

It flips the text so it reads from top to bottom, right to left. You can also try vertical-lr if you want the opposite direction.

Quick note: This works well in modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Internet Explorer? That’s a different story—think duct tape and hope.

b. Using transform: rotate()

Another approach is to rotate the whole block of text:

.vertical-text {
  transform: rotate(90deg);
  transform-origin: left top;
}

The downside? The text still thinks it’s horizontal. So line breaks, overflow, and alignment can get wonky. It’s like hanging a picture sideways—it works, but it messes with your brain a bit.

c. Fine Tuning with text-orientation

Use this to tweak how each character sits within the vertical line:

.vertical-text {
  writing-mode: vertical-rl;
  text-orientation: upright;
}

This is a lifesaver if you’re working with non-Latin scripts or need each letter to face straight up instead of twisting like spaghetti.

Cross-Browser Support: Will It Work Everywhere

Most modern browsers are on board with writing-mode and transform. But if you’re aiming for perfection across all platforms (especially older ones), test thoroughly.

Use this trick:

@supports (writing-mode: vertical-rl) {
  .vertical-text {
    writing-mode: vertical-rl;
  }
}

It’s like asking the browser, “Hey, can you do this?” before giving it instructions.

Real-World Use Cases: Not Just for Fancy Sites

• Side Labels on Forms: Saves space and looks clean.
• Vertical Menus: Especially on mobile layouts where horizontal room is limited.
• Language-Specific Content: Japanese and Chinese layouts often read top-down.
• Infographics: Adds flair without sacrificing readability.

Think less billboard, more clever layout. Vertical text should add clarity, not confusion.

Accessibility: Don’t Leave Users in the Dark

Screen readers might get confused by rotated or vertical text if not set up right. Always:

• Use semantic tags (<label>, <nav>, etc.)
• Provide aria-labels when needed
• Avoid hiding important text in CSS gimmicks

Vertical layout is no excuse for poor readability. Style with care, not chaos.

Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t This Working?

• Text Overflows? Add white-space: nowrap; and check height settings.
• Cut-off Text? Make sure you’ve set enough width/height or use overflow: auto;.
• Misaligned Blocks? Use transform-origin smartly when rotating.

Debug like a detective. Most layout issues come down to box sizing or forgotten parent styles.

Copy & Paste Templates (Because Time Is Money)

Simple Vertical Text Using Writing Mode:

<div class="vertical-text">Vertical Magic</div>

<style>
.vertical-text {
  writing-mode: vertical-rl;
  text-orientation: upright;
  font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
  font-size: 16px;
}
</style>

Rotated Text Block:

<div class="rotated-text">Turn Me Sideways</div>

<style>
.rotated-text {
  transform: rotate(90deg);
  transform-origin: left top;
  font-size: 18px;
}
</style>

Responsive Sidebar Label:

<div class="sidebar-label">Menu</div>

<style>
.sidebar-label {
  writing-mode: vertical-rl;
  padding: 10px;
  font-weight: bold;
  background-color: #f2f2f2;
}
</style>

Use them as-is or tweak them to your liking.

Conclusion: What’s the Best Method?

If you want native support and clean structure, go with writing-mode. For more dramatic styles or tight placements, rotate with transform. Sometimes, a mix of both gets the job done.

Just remember: vertical text should serve a purpose. Don’t rotate text just to look clever—unless you’re labeling a bottle of hot sauce.