Beyond the Horizontal: Exploring Techniques for Vertical Text in HTML Tables

Using writing-mode and transform:

This approach combines two CSS properties:

• writing-mode: vertical-lr;: This property sets the text to flow vertically, from top to bottom, reading from left to right.
• transform: rotate(180deg);: This property rotates the element by 180 degrees, flipping the text vertically.

Example:

<table>
  <tr>
    <td style="writing-mode: vertical-lr; transform: rotate(180deg);">Category</td>
    <td>Data 1</td>
    <td>Data 2</td>
  </tr>
</table>

This code will display "Category" vertically in the first table cell.

Using text-orientation (limited support):

An alternative property, text-orientation, allows setting the text orientation directly. However, its support is limited across browsers, so it's not recommended for widespread use.

Related Issues:

• Browser Compatibility: The writing-mode property has good browser support, but text-orientation might not work consistently. Always check browser compatibility for critical projects.
• Cell Height and Width: When rotating text, the table cell height might need adjustments to accommodate the vertical text. Setting a minimum height for the cell can help. Additionally, depending on the text length, you might need to adjust the cell width to prevent content overflow.

Solutions:

• Consider alternative layouts: If vertical text heavily impacts your layout, explore alternative designs using divs or other elements outside the table structure.
• Test thoroughly across browsers: Ensure your chosen method displays consistently across different browsers to maintain a good user experience.