10 Minute Guide to Word for Windows 95

Previous chapterNext chapterContents


- 19 -
Using AutoCorrect Entries

In this lesson, you'll learn how to use Word's AutoCorrect feature.

What Is AutoCorrect?

The AutoCorrect feature lets you define a collection of commonly used words, phrases, or sentences that can be inserted into a document without typing them each time. You insert an AutoCorrect entry in the document by typing a short abbreviation or name that you assigned to it. Each time you type the abbreviation into the document, the corresponding word or phrase automatically replaces it. Typical uses for AutoCorrect entries are your company name, the closing sentence for a business letter, and your name and title. AutoCorrect can also catch common typographical errors, for example replacing "teh" with "the." An AutoCorrect entry can contain just text or text along with special formatting.

Creating an AutoCorrect Entry

One way to create an AutoCorrect entry requires that you first type the replacement text into your document and add any special formatting that you want included. Then:

1. Select the text for the AutoCorrect entry.

2. Select Tools AutoCorrect. The AutoCorrect dialog box displays (Figure 19.1) with the selected text displayed in the With box.

3. In the Replace box, enter the name or abbreviation that you want to use for the AutoCorrect entry. This should be a short name that describes the entry. You will later use this name when inserting the AutoCorrect entry into documents.

4. Select the Plain Text option to have the AutoCorrect entry inserted as plain text, adopting the formatting of the surrounding text. Select the Formatted Text option to have the AutoCorrect entry's original formatting retained when it is inserted.

5. Select Add.

Figure 19.1
The AutoCorrect dialog box.


Timesaver Tip: Return Address Save time by creating an AutoCorrect entry that contains your name and address.

Inserting an AutoCorrect Entry

Word will automatically insert AutoCorrect entries as you type:

1. Move the insertion point to the location where you want the AutoCorrect entry inserted.

2. Type the name you assigned to the AutoCorrect entry, preceded by a space, and followed by a space or punctuation mark.

3. The corresponding AutoCorrect entry is inserted in place of its name.

You can control whether Word will automatically replace AutoCorrect entries by selecting Tools AutoCorrect. Then, turn the Replace Text as You Type option on or off.

Modifying an AutoCorrect Entry

You can modify an existing AutoCorrect entry. Such modifications will not affect previous instances of the AutoCorrect entry in your documents.

1. Insert the existing AutoCorrect entry into a document as described earlier in this lesson.

2. Change the text that you just inserted and/or its formatting as desired.

3. Select the newly edited text.

4. Select Tools AutoCorrect. The text you selected will be displayed in the With box. Type the abbreviation to be associated with the modified AutoCorrect entry into the Replace box.

5. Select Replace.

6. When asked whether to redefine the AutoCorrect entry, select Yes.

Deleting an AutoCorrect Entry

You can delete an unneeded AutoCorrect entry from the AutoCorrect list. Deleting an AutoCorrect entry does not affect instances of the entry that were inserted previously.

1. Select Tools AutoCorrect.

2. Type the AutoCorrect entry's abbreviation in the Replace box, or select it from the list.

3. Select Delete. The entry is deleted.

In this lesson, you learned how to use AutoCorrect entries. The next lesson shows you how to add symbols and other special characters to your document.


Previous chapterNext chapterContents


Macmillan Computer Publishing USA

© Copyright, Macmillan Computer Publishing. All rights reserved.