MS Word
AutoCorrect and AutoText
There are two related ways to save a piece of text (or graphic) and keep it easily accessible in Word. You can use AutoText or AutoCorrect to store text or graphics you plan to reuse. AutoText or AutoCorrect can be used to store boilerplate text, a WSU logo, a formatted table, or a graphic. AutoText and AutoCorrect entries are given names to act as shortcuts to the entry. There is by default a large number of AutoText and AutoCorrect entries 'pre-stored' in Word. Some of these can be annoying, and many Word users turn AutoCorrect off, which prevents them from using this powerful feature of Word. Instead of turning off AutoText, simply remove the annoying entries.
You can also use AutoText entries to quickly assemble a document. For example, as you type a letter, select from a list of common letter elements such as salutations, closings, and a return address.
Editing and Creating Entries
To view current Autotext entries:
- Click Insert
- Click AutoText
- Click AutoText again.
In this window you can see AutoText and AutoCorrect entries under their own tabs. Here you can delete or modify any existing entry or create new entries.
To create AutoText entries from existing blocks of text:
- Highlight a block of text
- Click Instert
- Click AutoText
- Click New
- Enter a name, usually the first few words of the text, and click OK.
From now on, when you begin typing the name of your AutoText entry, a small box will pop up above the line you're typing with the complete text in the AutoText entry. When this box is displayed, press Enter to insert the AutoText entry.
To create an AutoText entry with a picture, follow the process listed above. You won't see a box pop up above your text, but you can press F3 after typing the AutoText entry's name to replace it with the picture you've designated.