Formatting Issues

How to Stop Italic Formatting from Carrying Over in Microsoft Word

Emma Brown Sep 29, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent italic formatting from automatically applying to new lines or subsequent text.

How to Stop Italic Formatting from Carrying Over in Microsoft Word

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Typing text where the previous line or word was italicized, and needing to return to regular text formatting for the next line.
Observed behavior: Microsoft Word continuously applies the italic font style to the next line or list item against the user's intention.

Before you start

Ensure you have placed your cursor exactly where the unwanted formatting begins, or highlight the specific text you wish to revert to regular style.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Keyboard Shortcut to Remove Direct Formatting

The quickest way to revert to your default font style and remove unwanted italics is by using a simple keyboard shortcut.

This method clears all manual character formatting applied to the selected text, instantly reverting it to the default style defined by your document.

Select the text

Highlight the specific text that incorrectly has italic formatting, or place your cursor at the start of the new line where you want regular text to begin.

Press Ctrl+Spacebar

Press the 'Ctrl + Spacebar' keys simultaneously. This instantly strips away direct formatting, including italics, and returns the text to its normal state.

Use a Keyboard Shortcut to Remove Direct Formatting

Solution 2

Reset Default Font Style to Regular

If italics keep reappearing on new lines, resetting your default font style for the current document can resolve persistent formatting issues.

Solution 3

Disable AutoFormat for List Items

Word sometimes applies the formatting of the previous list item to the beginning of the next one. Disabling this AutoCorrect option fixes the issue for bulleted or numbered lists.

Efficient Formatting in WPS Writer

Easily Manage Document Formatting with WPS Writer

WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface to control text formatting, making it incredibly easy to clear unwanted italics and maintain clean, consistent document styles.

1. Open your document in WPS Writer: Launch WPS Office and open the document where you are experiencing formatting issues.
2. Select the affected text: Highlight the text that has the unwanted italic formatting, or place your cursor on the new line.
3. Navigate to the Home tab: Look at the top ribbon and ensure you are currently on the 'Home' tab.
4. Click Clear Formatting: Click the 'Clear Formatting' icon (which looks like an eraser with an 'A') to instantly remove italics and revert to plain text.

Free and lightweight word processor with a highly familiar user interfaceSeamlessly compatible with Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx) files and formattingOne-click 'Clear Formatting' tool readily available on the Home tab

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word automatically italicize my next line?

By default, Microsoft Word carries over the formatting of the previous character to the next line when you press the Enter key. If your previous paragraph or word ended in italics, the new paragraph will inherit that style unless it is manually cleared.

Does the Ctrl+Spacebar shortcut remove other formatting like bold or underline?

Yes, pressing Ctrl+Spacebar clears all manual character formatting applied to the text. This includes bold, italics, underline, and font color, reverting the text entirely to the document's underlying default style.

How do I stop bullets from being italicized in Word?

To prevent bullets or numbers from inheriting italics from the previous line, go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Switch to the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab, and uncheck 'Format beginning of list item like the one before it'.

Document & File Issues