Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated February 12, 2019)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
Chances are good that you already know what AutoCorrect is and that it can be a boon for those words you habitually mistype. (Exactly why I invariably mistype some words, I'll never understand.) However, setting up AutoCorrect to compensate for your mistyping can be a bother. Here's a quick way to make short work of adding your mistypings to AutoCorrect:
What you have just done is tell Word that you want to create an AutoCorrect entry that will automatically correct the mistyped word using the selected spelling. Fast, neat, and easy!
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (1482) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.
Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!
By default, Word capitalizes the first letter of sentences as you type. If you notice that Word doesn't capitalize some ...
Discover MoreWhen automatically capitalizing the beginning of sentences, Word relies on how you historically have done your typing. ...
Discover MoreInformation used with the AutoCorrect feature is stored in what is known as an ACL file. You normally edit this file by ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2025-09-03 13:34:54
Barbie
This option disappeared in Word 2016, but is now available again in Word 2021. Yay! So much easier than having to manually open AutoCorrect every time I need to add an entry. (Also, I have now finally learned how to access the old spelling dialog box, which has always had the Add to Autocorrect feature, with the advantage that it works even if the correction isn't one of its suggestions)
Too bad the time it was unavailable to me was when I had a computer that would periodically wipe out my Autocorrect entries!
2014-05-17 06:52:27
Wim van Brakel
The above tip sounds very useful, only in my version of Word 2013, no Context Menu entry 'AutoCorrect' appears. Can I do anything to make it appear?
Thanks in advance!
Wim
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments