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Fix Word for Mac Cursor Moving and Typing Italics Unexpectedly
Question details
The text cursor in Microsoft Word for Mac unexpectedly jumps to previous paragraphs or begins typing in italics without user prompt.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac (Office 2019)
- Device & OS
- MacBook Pro, macOS Sequoia
- Scenario
- Typing and editing documents in Microsoft Word on a MacBook Pro running a newly updated macOS version.
- Observed behavior
- The text cursor randomly relocates to earlier parts of the text, and newly typed text unexpectedly applies italic formatting.
Before proceeding, verify your current Word version by opening Microsoft Word, clicking on 'Word' in the top Apple menu bar, and selecting 'About Microsoft Word'.
Upgrade or Replace Unsupported Office 2019
Office 2019 for Mac (version 16.78 and earlier) is no longer supported on newer macOS versions like Sequoia, leading to erratic behavior and formatting glitches.
Microsoft ended support for Office 2019 for Mac at version 16.78. When running this outdated version on newer operating systems like macOS Sequoia, compatibility issues such as cursor jumping and formatting glitches are highly common because it no longer receives compatibility patches.
Click 'Word' in the top menu bar, then select 'About Microsoft Word' to view your current version.
If you are on version 16.78 or older (Office 2019), recognize that this software is incompatible with macOS Sequoia.
Consider upgrading to Microsoft 365, purchasing Office 2024, or migrating to a highly compatible alternative like WPS Office or Word for the web.
Adjust Mac Trackpad Settings
Accidental trackpad brushes while typing can cause the cursor to jump and highlight text, which might trigger shortcuts like italics.
Update macOS and Supported Office Versions
If you are using a supported version of Word (like Microsoft 365 or Office 2024), ensure both your operating system and application are fully up to date.
Use WPS Office for a Seamless Mac Experience
If your outdated Microsoft Word is glitching on macOS Sequoia, switch to WPS Office. It is a highly compatible, free, and lightweight alternative that works flawlessly on modern Mac operating systems without requiring expensive subscriptions.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the Mac version.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded installer and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and directly open your existing .docx files to continue editing without formatting issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my cursor randomly jump while typing on a Mac?
This is often caused by your palms accidentally brushing the MacBook trackpad while typing. Disabling 'Tap to click' in System Settings > Trackpad can help prevent these accidental cursor relocations.
Is Office 2019 for Mac supported on macOS Sequoia?
No, Microsoft ended support for Office 2019 for Mac at version 16.78. Running it on newer macOS versions like Sequoia can result in compatibility issues, glitches, and erratic cursor movements.
Can I subscribe to Microsoft Word alone without buying the full Microsoft 365 suite?
Yes, Microsoft offers standalone subscriptions for Word. However, many Mac users find that migrating to a free, highly compatible alternative like WPS Office offers better value while solving compatibility issues.
