Office Settings & Configuration

How to Create AutoCorrect Entries for Superscript and Subscript Text in Word

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to configure Microsoft Word's AutoCorrect feature to automatically insert pre-formatted superscript or subscript text, such as automatically converting 'm2' into 'm²'.

Product: Microsoft Word
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating custom AutoCorrect shortcuts for frequently used scientific, mathematical, or chemical notations that require specific text formatting.
Observed behavior: Word allows users to save specific formatted text elements into the AutoCorrect dictionary so they automatically convert and retain their styling upon typing the assigned shortcut.

Before you start

Ensure you have already typed the exact superscript or subscript text and formatted it correctly in your document before opening the AutoCorrect dialog box.

Solution 1Recommended

Set Up Formatted Text in AutoCorrect

Create an AutoCorrect entry that specifically retains superscript or subscript formatting instead of pasting plain text.

By default, AutoCorrect replaces typed words with plain text. To insert superscripts (like m²) or subscripts (like H₂O), you must instruct Word to save the entry as 'Formatted text'.

Type and format the desired text

Type your text (for example, 'm2') in a Word document. Highlight only the character you want to change (the '2') and apply superscript or subscript formatting from the Font section of the Home tab.

Copy the formatted text

Select the entire text string with the applied formatting (e.g., 'm²') and copy it to your clipboard (Ctrl+C).

Open AutoCorrect Options

Navigate to File > Options > Proofing. Click on the 'AutoCorrect Options' button to open the settings dialog.

Create the new entry

In the AutoCorrect tab, select the 'Formatted text' radio button above the 'With' field (your copied text should appear here). In the 'Replace' field, enter your shortcut trigger (e.g., 'm2'). Click 'Add', then click 'OK' to save your changes.

Shortcut Ready: Whenever you type your shortcut (m2) and press the spacebar, Word will now automatically replace it with your formatted text (m²).

Efficient Document Formatting

Use WPS Writer to Manage AutoCorrect Entries

WPS Office Writer offers a streamlined AutoCorrect feature that easily handles superscript, subscript, and other formatted text replacements for your professional documents.

1. Format your text: Type and apply superscript or subscript formatting to your text directly in your WPS Writer document, then copy the formatted text.
2. Access Options: Click the global Menu button in the top left, select 'Options', and navigate to the 'Spell Check' or 'AutoCorrect' settings.
3. Add Formatted Entry: Choose the 'Formatted text' option, enter your specific trigger keyword in the replace box, and add it to your custom dictionary.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Word (.docx) AutoCorrect and text formats.Quickly set up reliable shortcuts for math equations and chemical formulas.Lightweight software with a familiar, easy-to-navigate interface.Free to download and use for daily document processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 'Formatted text' option grayed out in AutoCorrect?

This usually happens if you haven't copied or selected any text within your document before opening the AutoCorrect dialog box. You must highlight the fully formatted text in your document first.

Can I use AutoCorrect for chemical formulas like H2O?

Yes. You can format the '2' as a subscript in your document, copy the correctly formatted 'H₂O', and add it as a formatted text AutoCorrect entry using 'H2O' as your replacement trigger.

How do I stop AutoCorrect from replacing a specific word?

Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Scroll through the replacement list, find the entry you no longer want (e.g., m2), select it, and click the 'Delete' button.

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