How to Fix Hindi Text, Number, and Punctuation Changes in Word
Question details
The user needs to prevent numbers and punctuation marks from shifting positions within Hindi Devanagari text when reopening a saved document.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Editing and saving documents that contain Hindi Devanagari script.
- Observed behavior
- Numbers and punctuation marks unexpectedly change their position relative to the text after the document is closed and reopened.
Ensure you have the Hindi language pack installed on your system and that your document is saved in the latest .docx format before adjusting settings.
Modify Word's AutoCorrect and Language Settings
Disable automatic formatting features that interfere with complex scripts like Hindi Devanagari, and ensure correct document parameters.
In Microsoft Word, navigate to 'File' > 'Options' > 'Proofing' and click on the 'AutoCorrect Options' button.
Switch to the 'AutoFormat' and 'AutoFormat As You Type' tabs. Uncheck the options that automatically adjust formatting or replace text as you type, as these can disrupt Hindi text layouts.
Select your Hindi text and ensure the proofing language is explicitly set to Hindi. Verify that the standard left-to-right text direction is correctly applied to the paragraphs.
Go to 'File' > 'Save As' and ensure the file type is set to Word Document (.docx). Avoid the older .doc format, which struggles with complex script rendering.
Try WPS Office for Better Complex Script Compatibility
If Microsoft Word continues to struggle with Hindi Devanagari text layouts, consider switching to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative that accurately preserves document formatting, punctuation, and multi-language layouts.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for free from the official website and install it quickly on your system.
- 2. Open Your Document: Right-click your existing .docx file containing the Hindi text and select 'Open with WPS Office'.
- 3. Edit Seamlessly: Edit your Hindi text with confidence, knowing punctuation and numbers will remain exactly where you placed them upon saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do punctuation marks shift in Hindi text when using Word?
This typically occurs due to Word's aggressive AutoFormat settings, incorrect text-direction configurations, or compatibility issues that arise when saving complex scripts like Devanagari in outdated formats.
Can copying text from the internet cause Hindi text formatting issues?
Yes. Copying text directly often brings along hidden HTML formatting and spacing codes that conflict with Word's layout engine. Using 'Paste Special' > 'Keep Text Only' easily prevents this.
Which file format is best for saving Hindi language documents?
Always save your multi-language documents in the modern .docx format. It natively supports Unicode characters and complex text rendering much better than the older .doc format.
