AutoCorrect Words Don't Include Smart Quotes

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a

SYMPTOMS

When the "Change Straight Quotes to Smart Quotes" option is selected, words added to the AutoCorrect list that contain single or double quotation marks may not convert to smart quotes when they are autocorrected in the document.

CAUSE

By default, when you save an AutoCorrect entry that contains fields, symbols, paragraph marks, imported graphics, or objects other than text, Word preserves the original formatting. When the selection contains only text, Word stores the AutoCorrect entry as plain text (without formatting).

RESOLUTION

To change how Word stores your AutoCorrect entry:

1. Select the text you want saved as an AutoCorrect entry.

2. From the Tools menu, select AutoCorrect.

3. In the AutoCorrect dialog box, select Formatted Text and type the incorrect text in the Replace box (the selection will appear in the With box and both the Plain Text and Formatted Text options will be available) and choose Add.

   Note: the "formatted text" option will only be available when text is selected before using the AutoCorrect dialog box.

REFERENCES

"Microsoft Word User's Guide," version 6.0, Chapter 4, "AutoCorrect and AutoText: Reusing Text and Graphics"