Using AutoText

Summary: AutoText is a time-saving feature that allows you to assign a word, phrase, paragraph, or graphic to a mnemonic name. Type the name, press a shortcut key, and the mnemonic is replaced with the word, phrase, paragraph, or graphic. Discover how you can take advantage of this powerful tool. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

Word includes a labor-saving feature that allows you to easily expand the text you are typing; this is referred to as AutoText. Text that you frequently type (or graphics) can be saved under a mnemonic name that is then used to refer to the text (or graphic) in the future. When you later type the name, or even part of the name, Word displays a "tip" that offers to replace what you are typing with the AutoText entry. Press F3 or Tab and the replacement is made.

To enable or disable the AutoText feature, follow these steps:

Select the AutoCorrect option from the Tools menu. This displays the AutoCorrect dialog box.
Click on the AutoText tab. (Click here to see a related figure.)
Select the option at the top of the dialog box to enable this feature, or deselect the option if you no longer want AutoText. (The option in the dialog box goes by several names, depending on the version of Word you are using. For instance, on some versions it is Show AutoComplete Tip for AutoText and Dates, and on others it is simply Show AutoComplete Suggestions.)
Click on OK.

Tip #1103 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

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Using AutoText