Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated August 2, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
Gary can't make Word handle formatted text in AutoCorrect entries like it used to. He'd like to have "ch" converted into "Champion" where the text is formatted as small caps. He can copy the properly formatted "Champion" to the Clipboard, but when he pastes it into the "With" field when creating the AutoCorrect entry, the text is all caps and the "Formatted Text" radio button is unavailable.
The problem isn't necessarily with the AutoCorrect function, but with the way in which you are trying to create the AutoCorrect entry. If you don't use the Clipboard in your creation process, you shouldn't run into the problem. Try these steps:
Figure 1. The AutoCorrect dialog box.
Of course, the question still remains—why doesn't using the Clipboard to paste the text into the AutoCorrect dialog box work? The reason is because the dialog box cannot seem to handle receiving any formatting information that may be contained in the Clipboard; it can receive only the text.
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2025-03-14 13:46:43
Patricia Eichhorn
I have used the autocorrect feature for years for lots of common words and phrases needed in my letters. Recently some of the acronyms I type will NOT produce the autocorrect phrase. Not sure why. The info is properly typed into the options, as I've always done, but simply will not function in my actual document. Wondering if there is a fix for this random problem that doesn't always happen? I'm using M/S 365 for Enterprise.
2022-05-04 14:49:11
airton
Great great tip! I'm using office 2007 and I couldn't use formatted auto corrections as I used before. The trick, as you have said, is only to select the formatted words (with pictures or symbols, if necessary), but not copying it, just let it selected. Opening word options, and auto correction options, the formatted word is in the bracket, you need only to accept, giving a word to remember Word to make the substitution, respecting the format. Thank you very much.
2021-08-23 09:07:38
Denis Bomfim Pereira Pinto
Hi, Allen and readers. I like so much your site, but I couldn't agree less with your comments. The implementation Microsoft did is awkward and counterintuitive. Why on earth did they decide one should first select a formated text to enable it to be used as an autocorrect entry? If I were they, I would make it possible to copy a formated text and paste into the "With" field or even to format it right inside that field. That would make our lives easier.
Nevertheless, keep up the good work.
2021-04-13 10:52:00
Deborah Patricia Ferolito
Why is the option to use formatted text grayed out on my Word document? I'm in Word 365
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