How to Replace Smart Quotes with French-Style Chevrons in Word
Question details
The user wants to replace standard smart quotation marks with French-style chevrons (guillemets) throughout a Microsoft Word document.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Formatting a document that requires French-style quotation marks instead of standard English smart quotes.
- Observed behavior
- The document currently contains standard smart quotes that need to be universally swapped out for left and right chevrons.
Before starting the replacement process, ensure you turn off the 'Straight quotes with smart quotes' AutoFormat feature in Word to prevent your new chevrons from automatically reverting to smart quotes.
Use Find and Replace with Character Codes
Use Word's Find and Replace function along with specific character codes to locate smart quotes and replace them with guillemets.
Microsoft Word handles smart quotes and specialized typography using underlying character codes. By utilizing these codes in the Find and Replace dialog, you can efficiently swap out quotation marks across an entire document.
Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Under the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab, uncheck the box for 'Straight quotes with smart quotes' and click OK.
Press Ctrl + H on your keyboard to open the Find and Replace dialog box.
In the 'Find what' box, type the code for the left smart quote: ^0210. In the 'Replace with' box, type the code for the left chevron: ^0199. Click 'Replace All'.
Next, clear both boxes. In the 'Find what' box, type the code for the right smart quote: ^0211. In the 'Replace with' box, type the code for the right chevron: ^0200. Click 'Replace All'.
Use WPS Writer to Manage Quotation Marks Seamlessly
WPS Writer offers a powerful Find and Replace tool alongside robust AutoCorrect settings, making it easy to format your text with French-style chevrons or any other specialized typography.
- 1. Open the Document: Launch WPS Writer and open the document containing the smart quotes.
- 2. Adjust AutoCorrect Settings: Go to Menu > Options > Edit and disable the automatic smart quotes feature to ensure your formatting stays intact.
- 3. Launch Find and Replace: Press Ctrl + H to bring up the Find and Replace interface.
- 4. Execute the Replacement: Input the respective character codes for the left and right smart quotes and replace them with the corresponding chevron codes using the 'Replace All' button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my chevrons change back to regular quotes automatically?
This happens because Word's AutoFormat feature is set to dynamically replace straight quotes with smart quotes as you type or format. You must disable 'Straight quotes with smart quotes' in the AutoCorrect Options before performing your Find and Replace.
Can I type French chevrons directly on my keyboard?
Yes, you can use keyboard shortcut codes. If you have a numeric keypad, hold down the Alt key and type 0171 for the left chevron («) or Alt + 0187 for the right chevron (»).
Will this Find and Replace method work for single quotes too?
Yes, but you will need to use different character codes in the Find and Replace boxes. You must find the specific codes for single smart quotes (often ^0145 and ^0146) and replace them with the desired single angle quotation marks.
