How to create AutoText in Word
You can use two methods to create and use recurring words or phrases. One method is the Autotext method and the other is the AutoCorrect method. I’ll explain the AutoCorrect method first and then the Autotext method.
Create AutoCorrect entries to be used as AutoText
To create AutoCorrect entry for using it as AutoText, follow these steps. You now have an AutoText entry for the selection. Whenever you want to insert the selection, simply start typing the text that you used to create the AutoCorrect entry. Word will show you a small bubble box that contains the whole AutoText. If you wish the text to appear where the cursor is placed, simply press the Enter key. Alternatively, you can also use the text-shortcut that you created in step 8. Just type the text-shortcut and press spacebar to fill in the saved phrase automatically. The issue with the AutoCorrect method is that you cannot use large chunks of text. There is a limit of 255 characters, including whitespaces. The bright side is that Word will show you complete target text so that you can use the Enter key to fill it in. You cannot use the Enter key in this case to create multiple lines, so the expanded phrase is just a line or few words. Make sure that the checkbox saying Replace as you type is ticked. The option is in the same dialog box, just above the list of AutoCorrect entries.
Create AutoText entries for use with MS Word
Unlike AutoCorrect entries that can’t be larger than 255 characters, AutoText can add huge chunks of text. For example, you can create two to three paragraphs that you use daily in your email as a disclaimer. Once you create AutoText with Word, you can use it across MS Office applications. The method to create AutoText entries is easy. This too works as AutoCorrect. You can start typing text-shortcut and when the AutoText appears in a bubble, press Enter key to insert the text. Alternatively, you can type the text-shortcut and hit the spacebar to fill in the related AutoText. When saving AutoText using ALT+F3, make sure you save it to the normal.dot template. AutoTexts are stored in the normal.dot template. It is selected by default in the drop-down menu labeled Save in. The above explains how to create and use AutoText entries in Word.
