Fix Kruti Dev Sh Character Not Typing in Word and Notepad
Question details
The user is unable to type the Hindi "sh" character using the Kruti Dev 010 font.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 2019, Notepad
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Typing Hindi words like "shadyantra" using the Kruti Dev 010 font keyboard layout.
- Observed behavior
- The "sh" character fails to appear or is replaced by a different symbol on the screen when typing in Word or Notepad.
Ensure your physical keyboard is working properly and that you have the correct Kruti Dev 010 font file downloaded and installed from a reliable source.
Disable Smart Quotes AutoFormat in Word
Prevents Word from automatically changing straight quotes to smart quotes, which frequently interferes with Kruti Dev's specific character mappings (like the 'sh' character assigned to the quote key).
Kruti Dev is a legacy non-Unicode font that maps Hindi characters to standard English keystrokes. When you type the key for the 'sh' character (often Shift + "), Microsoft Word's AutoCorrect automatically changes the standard straight quote to a curly 'smart' quote. Because Kruti Dev does not have the 'sh' character mapped to the smart quote symbol, the character fails to appear or displays incorrectly.
Launch Microsoft Word 2019, go to 'File' in the top left corner, select 'Options', and then click on 'Proofing' in the left sidebar. Click the 'AutoCorrect Options' button.
In the AutoCorrect window, navigate to the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab.
Uncheck the box that says 'Straight quotes with smart quotes' under the 'Replace as you type' section. Click 'OK' to save your changes and test typing the 'sh' character again.
Reinstall the Kruti Dev 010 Font
Reinstalling the font resolves issues caused by corrupted font files that prevent specific characters from rendering in basic text editors like Notepad.
Use Alt Keyboard Shortcuts for Special Hindi Characters
If standard keys fail, you can force the character insertion using its specific numeric Alt code.
Type Hindi Smoothly Using WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers excellent compatibility with custom regional fonts like Kruti Dev and Mangal. You can easily adjust its AutoCorrect settings to ensure all Hindi characters render flawlessly without unwanted automatic replacements.
- 1. Download and Install: Download WPS Office for free and launch a new WPS Writer blank document.
- 2. Select the Hindi Font: Highlight your text or place your cursor, then select 'Kruti Dev 010' from the font dropdown menu in the Home tab.
- 3. Adjust Typing Options: Go to Menu > Options > Edit, and disable 'Smart Quotes' or automatic capitalization if you are typing in legacy non-Unicode fonts.
- 4. Start Typing: Type your Hindi text accurately without worrying about forced character changes breaking your words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Kruti Dev font change characters automatically in Word?
This usually happens because Word's AutoCorrect features, such as changing straight quotes to smart quotes or automatically capitalizing the first letter of a sentence, override the specific keystrokes required by the Kruti Dev font mapping.
Does Kruti Dev 010 work properly in Windows Notepad?
Yes, Kruti Dev 010 works in Notepad. However, you must explicitly set it as the active font. Go to Format > Font in the Notepad menu and select Kruti Dev 010 to view the Hindi characters properly. Notepad does not have AutoCorrect, so typing issues here usually point to a corrupted font file.
What are the Alt codes for half characters in Kruti Dev?
Many half characters and special conjuncts in Kruti Dev require Alt codes because they are not mapped to standard keys. For example, Alt + 0216 or Alt + 0227 insert specific half letters. You can use the Windows 'Character Map' utility, select the Kruti Dev font, and click on any symbol to reveal its corresponding Alt keystroke.
