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The Normal Template contains toolbar customizations for Word as well as the default settings for every new Word document not based on another template. Office X: The Normal file is located in the 'Templates' folder in your 'Microsoft Office' folder. It's easy to add words to your Mac's dictionary, and today we'll show you how.
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How to use AutoCorrect for more than a word or character.
Paul G writes:
“Autocorrect is fantastic for the numerous standard letters, or specific instructions for various computer actions (downloads, etc).
1. I prepare the fully formatted text (sometimes 3-4 pages with complex formatting, inserted screen shots or tables etc)
2. Highlight the entire text you want in the AutoCorrect entry
3. Open Autocorrect and the highlighted text is in the “Replace with” panel
4. In the “Replace” panel, I enter a specific code (eg dnlds = Download instructions)in the left panel
5. Click OK (or replace if a previous version is being updated)
It is amazing how much time I save not having to recreate these letters, emails, etc. The short code immediately produces the fully formatted result ready to send to the recipient. “
AutoCorrect is one long-standing solution in Word to the problem of inserting stock phrases.
For example, even this deliberately weird bit of formatted text can become an AutoCorrect entry:
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select the text and go to the AutoCorrect dialog (in Word 2007/2010/2013 File | Options | Proofing | AutoCorrect Options)
The selected text is inserted for you. Add a shortcut in the Replace field or type an existing shortcut to the update it.
People who have a lot of AutoCorrect entries usually have an Autocorrect reference document which has all the stock text blocks stored with their shortcuts.
The problem with AutoCorrect is that it’s hidden away from view. It’s fine for a single user or small group but as the number of users increases it gets harder to manage. Even a single user with two computers (desktop and laptop) has to keep the two in sync.
Aside from updating the AutoCorrect list on each copy of Word, all the staff/users need to be updated on changes to the stock phrases and their shortcuts (which they have to remember).
One alternative is a template, though that doesn’t work for emails and only applies as the stock basis for a standard document, not a component to be dropped into an existing or larger document.
A more flexible alternative is AutoText which got folded into the Quick Parts in Word 2007. This lets you see a menu of choices instead of a hidden set of shortcuts. Since AutoText is saved in a template you can update and deploy changes to the text easily.
See Also
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The AutoText feature in Microsoft Outlook enables you to automatically insert pre-defined blocks of text into your messages by typing only a few characters and pressing 'Enter.' If you have a large number of AutoText entries, it's easy to accidentally insert extra words, or even entire paragraphs, by accident. You can disable this feature, along with the suggestion bubble that pops up while you type, by changing the AutoComplete setting in your Outlook options.
2.Select the 'Mail' tab, and then click the 'Editor Options' button.
3.
Click the 'Advanced' tab, and then clear the check mark from 'Show AutoComplete Suggestions.'
4.Click 'OK' twice to save the change and close the options windows.
Tips
- Once you disable the AutoComplete feature, you must insert AutoText and other Quick Parts entries manually. Click 'Quick Parts' on the Insert ribbon, and then select one of the main entries, or click 'AutoText' to select an AutoText entry.
- Outlook also has a separate AutoCorrect feature that replaces certain words it flags as misspelled. To disable this feature, select the 'Mail' tab in the Options window, click 'Spelling and AutoCorrect,' click 'AutoCorrect Options,' and then remove the check mark next to 'Replace Text as You Type.'
Warning
- Information in this article applies to Microsoft Outlook 2013 and 2010. The procedure may vary with other versions or products.
About the Author
Alan Sembera began writing for local newspapers in Texas and Louisiana. His professional career includes stints as a computer tech, information editor and income tax preparer. Sembera now writes full time about business and technology. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Texas A&M University.
Photo Credits
- Siri Stafford/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Choose Citation Style
Sembera, Alan. 'How to Turn Off AutoText in Outlook.' Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/turn-off-autotext-outlook-77189.html. Accessed 17 November 2019.
Sembera, Alan. (n.d.). How to Turn Off AutoText in Outlook. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/turn-off-autotext-outlook-77189.html
Sembera, Alan. 'How to Turn Off AutoText in Outlook' accessed November 17, 2019. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/turn-off-autotext-outlook-77189.html
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