Using Overtype Mode

Summary: Word has two typing modes: insert mode and overtype mode. You can tell when overtype mode is active because every character you type replaces an existing character. This tip explains this editing mode and how to control it. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

Overtype mode is an editing mode in which everything you type replaces something else in your document. When overtype mode is active, and you type a letter, it replaces the letter to the right of the insertion point. When overtype mode is not active, your text is inserted where the insertion point is located.

You can tell when overtype mode is active in two ways. First, by the effect it has on your document (described in the previous paragraph). Second, the status bar will have an indicator that says OVR. There are three ways to turn on overtype mode. The first is to use the Ins key, but this depends on the function you have assigned to that key. The second method is to double-click on the OVR letters in the status bar. The third method is to follow these steps:

Select Options from the Tools menu. You will see the Options dialog box.
Make sure the Edit tab is selected. (Click here to see a related figure.)
Click on the Overtype Mode check box.
Click on OK.

Tip #950 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

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Using Overtype Mode