
You can stop Word from changing formatting automatically in your documents by turning off AutoFormat As You Type settings in the AutoCorrect dialog box.

Other formatting choices such as hyperlinks or special symbols can still be added to Word documents as needed.ĭiscover more ways to save time editing and formatting your Word documents at /Word.By Avantix Learning Team | Updated October 9, 2021Īpplies to: Microsoft ® Word ® 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019 or 365 (Windows) Pick OK to finish.Īutomatic numbered and bulleted lists and outlines can still be created from the Home tab (Paragraph group) in the Ribbon. If you work with a lot of multi-level outlines and lists, you’ll want to keep the choice to Set left- and first-indent with tabs and backspaces found in the bottom section. Turn off choices in the 1st section as desired. You can still turn on the automatically numbered list any time you want them. I recommend you uncheck all of the options in the last two sections including Automatic numbered lists. Choices include smart quotes (different open and close quotes), fractions, hyperlinks to websites and email addresses, and automatic numbering.

To customize Word so that it works for you and not against you: Although some of these options can be helpful, turn them off if they get in the way of your work. You are a victim of AutoFormat As You Type, a common Word ailment. Have you ever tried to create your own numbered list or outline with letters and then watched the numbering or formatting change once you press for the next line? This is a huge annoyance if you want to build your own custom layout for an outline rather than working with the choices in Word.ĭo you type your email address or website into a document and then watch as it suddenly changes to blue underlined text (a hyperlink)? Do you ever enter fractions or quotes that automatically re-format?

HOW TO TURN OFF FORMATTING IN WORD 2016 HOW TO
How to Stop Automatic Outlines & Numbered Lists You Don’t Want

Does Microsoft Word automatically number a list of items even when you want a different look or format to a numbered list? How do you stop Word from automatically changing the text you enter into a document? Although the standard options in Word are designed to help make it easier to enter and format document text, some options can actually get in the way of creating documents.
