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How to Disable Automatic Quotation Mark Replacement in Word
Question details
The user wants to keep automatic quotation replacement active for English text but prevent Word from automatically changing straight quotation marks to French guillemets when typing in French.
- Product
- Microsoft Word (Office Professional Plus 2021)
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Typing a multilingual document that includes both English and French text, and needing different quotation mark styles for each language.
- Observed behavior
- Word applies typographical quotation marks globally based on the language assigned to the text, automatically changing straight quotes to French guillemets without offering a per-language toggle.
Keep in mind that Microsoft Word applies AutoFormat settings globally. Disabling smart quotes will affect all languages typed within the application, as Word does not support per-language quotation settings.
Disable Smart Quotes Globally in Word Options
Turn off the AutoFormat setting that replaces straight quotes with smart quotes to maintain straight quotation marks across all languages.
Because Word cannot separate auto-formatting rules by language, the most reliable method to stop it from inserting French guillemets is to disable the smart quote replacement entirely.
Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the Word ribbon, then select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Proofing' from the left-hand pane, then click the 'AutoCorrect Options...' button.
Navigate to the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab in the AutoCorrect window.
Under the 'Replace as you type' section, uncheck the box for 'Straight quotes with smart quotes'. Click 'OK' on both dialog boxes to save your changes.
Use the Undo Shortcut (Ctrl+Z) for Specific Instances
Use this quick workaround if you want to keep automatic quotation replacement enabled but occasionally need a straight quote in French.
Control AutoFormatting Seamlessly in WPS Writer
WPS Writer offers an intuitive interface for managing AutoCorrect and AutoFormat settings, allowing you to easily configure how quotation marks behave while working on multilingual documents.
- 1. Open Options: Launch WPS Writer, click the 'Menu' button in the top left corner, and select 'Options'.
- 2. Navigate to Edit Settings: In the Options window, go to the 'Edit' tab to manage your typing preferences.
- 3. Open AutoCorrect Options: Click on 'AutoCorrect Options' to access the detailed formatting rules.
- 4. Disable Smart Quotes: Switch to the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab, uncheck 'Straight quotes with smart quotes', and click 'OK' to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set different quotation marks for different languages in Word?
No, Microsoft Word does not currently offer a feature to enable or disable automatic quotation replacement on a per-language basis. The AutoFormat setting applies globally to all text.
Why does Word automatically change my quotes to guillemets?
Word's 'AutoFormat As You Type' feature replaces straight quotes with typographical (smart) quotes that match the language applied to the text. If your text is set to French, it will automatically use French guillemets.
How do I type French guillemets manually if I disable smart quotes?
You can insert them manually by navigating to 'Insert' > 'Symbol' on the ribbon, or by using keyboard shortcuts (Alt+0171 for opening « and Alt+0187 for closing ») if you have a numeric keypad.
