16th July 2001
In a previous tip, we used the Find command to locate text that needed to be modified (in order to add a trademark symbol). Today, we'll take it up a notch. Word automatically recognizes text you type and can change it to symbols and special characters. For instance, typing (tm) automagically inserts a trademark symbol; be sure to surround the "tm" with parenthesis. The same is true with (c) for copyright and (r) for registered trademark. The same can be done for inserting arrows into documents. Entering: --> <-- ==> <== <=> will result in instant arrows. You can use them to identify list items or simply to break up a document. This is all done through the AutoCorrect feature. When you select Insert | AutoText from the toolbar, the AutoCorrect dialog is launched. Flip to the AutoCorrect tab. If you peruse the list under the "Replace text as you type" checkbox, you'll see the dozens of different words that are defaulted to be replaced, including several emoticons for those of us who like to use them. You might notice that the list is chock full of common typing and spelling errors; they'll be instantly zapped when a mistake is made. Add your favorite keyboard snafus to the list to save a bit of wear and tear on the backspace key (arguably the most used key apart from the spacebar).