How-To Guides: Speed Up Your Typing by Replacing Text

If you type a long word over and over again in Microsoft Word, there is a way to type an abbreviation and Word will automatically fill in the rest. For instance, if you use the same term or name in many of your documents, all you have to do is type the initials and Word will then  write out the term/name.

For example, if you are using “CyberStart” throughout your document, you could type CS, press the space bar and Word will automatically spell out CyberStart. 

Here’s how to set up this shortcut.

• On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect Options...  The AutoCorrect: English (U.S.) dialog box will open.
• Check the Replace text as you type box.
• In the Replace: box, type the abbreviation you will remember, such as CS.
• In the With: box, type the complete spelling of the word you want to be completed automatically, such as CyberStart.
• Click Add.
• Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each additional abbreviation and complete spelling of words you would like to add.
• When you are finished adding information, click OK.

The next time you type in CS, CybersStart will appear.

This is a great time saver! It also makes sure that proper names and technical terms are spelled correctly.

[Posted on May 2, 2007]