When AutoCorrect is turned on, you can use the list of predefined AutoCorrect entries to automatically insert symbols - for example, arrows and faces.

Note If text is not replaced with a symbol, you may need to turn on the AutoCorrect feature.

The following procedures explain how to insert a symbol that is available in Microsoft Office Word, turn on AutoCorrect, and set up your own AutoCorrect entry. For information about how to manually insert a symbol by using Unicode character codes, see .What do you want to do?

Insert a predefined symbol by using AutoCorrect

Type a predefined AutoCorrect entry that is in the following list, and watch Microsoft Office Word automatically replace it with the appropriate symbol. For example, type --> to insert right arrow.

Type To insert
(c) copyright symbol
(r) registered symbol
(tm) trademark symbol
... …
:) or :-) happy face
:| or :-| straight face
:( or :-( unhappy face
--> right arrow
<-- left arrow
<== bold left arrow
<=> double-headed arrow
==> bold right arrow

Turn on AutoCorrect

  1. Click the Microsoft Office Button button image, and then click Word Options.
  2. Click Proofing.
  3. Under AutoCorrect options, click AutoCorrect Options, and then click the AutoCorrect tab.
  4. Select the Replace text as you type check box.

Set up your own AutoCorrect entry

To set up your own AutoCorrect entry, do the following:

  1. On the Insert tab, in the Symbols group, click Symbol, and then click More Symbols.

    word ribbon image

  2. Click the Symbols tab or the Special Characters tab.
  3. Select the symbol or special character that you want to set up as an AutoCorrect entry.
  4. Click AutoCorrect.

    The symbol or character appears in the With box.

  5. In the Replace box, type the text sequence that you want Word to automatically change to the symbol or character that you selected, such as \alpha.
  6. Click Add.
  7. Click OK.
  8. Close the Symbol dialog box.