'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Restore a Deleted AutoCorrect Arrow in Word for Mac
Question details
The user needs to recover a deleted AutoCorrect arrow entry and resolve formatting bugs where typed arrows turn into unexpected characters.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- When typing a standard arrow shortcut (such as '-->'), the desired arrow symbol does not appear or behaves incorrectly.
- Observed behavior
- The AutoCorrect entry is either missing or replaced with a Wingdings character, which changes the surrounding font formatting or displays as a question mark when copied to other documents.
Before modifying your AutoCorrect preferences, save your active document and copy a standard Unicode arrow symbol (like →) to your computer's clipboard.
Recreate the AutoCorrect Entry Using a Unicode Arrow
Manually add the AutoCorrect shortcut back to your settings using a standard Unicode arrow to prevent the Wingdings font glitch.
Launch Microsoft Word for Mac. Click on 'Word' in the top Apple menu bar and select 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
In the Preferences window, click on the 'AutoCorrect' icon under the Authoring and Proofing Tools section.
Ensure the checkbox next to 'Replace text as you type' is enabled so that Word actively monitors your keystrokes.
In the 'Replace' box, type your preferred shortcut (for example, '-->'). In the 'With' box, paste the Unicode arrow symbol you copied earlier.
Click the 'Add' button to save your new AutoCorrect rule, then close the Preferences window to test the shortcut in your document.
Add an AutoCorrect Entry via the Symbol Menu
Use Word's built-in advanced symbol library to locate an arrow and assign it directly to an AutoCorrect shortcut.
Reset Your AutoCorrect Preference Files
Force Word to generate fresh AutoCorrect configuration files if your entries refuse to save or behave erratically.
Enjoy a Glitch-Free Typing Experience with WPS Office
If you are tired of troubleshooting corrupted preference files and font formatting glitches in Microsoft Word for Mac, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative with a perfectly stable AutoCorrect system right out of the box.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office for Mac from the official website and follow the simple installation prompts.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and seamlessly open your existing Microsoft Word documents with zero formatting loss.
- 3. Type Without Interruptions: Enjoy stable AutoCorrect functionality and focus on your writing rather than troubleshooting formatting issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my AutoCorrect arrow turn into a question mark when pasted?
This happens when the arrow is generated using a specific symbol font, such as Wingdings, which may not be installed or supported by the destination application or document format. Using a standard Unicode arrow prevents this cross-platform issue.
Can I back up my custom AutoCorrect entries in Word for Mac?
Yes. Custom AutoCorrect entries are stored in language-specific .acl files located in your Mac's hidden Library folder (typically under Group Containers > UBF8T346G9.Office). Copying these files to an external drive or cloud storage creates a backup.
Why does typing an arrow change my subsequent text to the Wingdings font?
If your AutoCorrect entry was created using a Wingdings arrow, Word applies the Wingdings font to the inserted symbol. Sometimes, the application fails to revert to your original typing font immediately after the insertion, causing the subsequent text to appear as unintelligible Wingdings characters.
