Office Settings & Configuration

How to Stop PowerPoint from Replacing (c) with the Copyright Symbol

Huma Ashraf ChHuma Ashraf Ch Nov 3, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to prevent PowerPoint from automatically converting the typed characters '(c)' into the copyright symbol '©'.

How to Stop PowerPoint from Replacing (c) with the Copyright Symbol
Product
Microsoft PowerPoint
Device & OS
not provided
Scenario
Typing text that includes parentheses around the letter 'c' during presentation creation.
Observed behavior
PowerPoint's built-in AutoCorrect feature immediately replaces the plain text '(c)' with the copyright symbol '©' against the user's intent.
Before you start

Keep in mind that modifying AutoCorrect options in PowerPoint will generally apply these same changes across other Microsoft Office applications like Word and Excel.

Solution 1Recommended

Permanently Disable the (c) AutoCorrect Entry

Adjust PowerPoint's Proofing settings to completely remove the specific rule that changes '(c)' to '©'.

By deleting this specific entry from the AutoCorrect list, PowerPoint will no longer attempt to change your text when you type '(c)'. You can always add the rule back later if needed.

1
Access PowerPoint Options

Click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner of the PowerPoint ribbon. Scroll down to the bottom of the menu and select 'Options'.

2
Navigate to Proofing Settings

In the PowerPoint Options dialog box, click on 'Proofing' located in the left-hand sidebar.

3
Open AutoCorrect Options

Click the 'AutoCorrect Options...' button on the right side of the window.

4
Locate and Delete the Rule

Under the 'Replace text as you type' list, find the entry where '(c)' is set to be replaced by '©'. Select this entry, click 'Delete', and then click 'OK' to save your changes.

Permanently Disable the (c) AutoCorrect Entry
Cross-App Synchronization: This setting applies to all Office applications, meaning '(c)' will now remain as plain text in Word and Excel as well.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stop PowerPoint from auto-formatting other symbols like fractions or emojis?

Yes, you can manage all automatic text replacements in the AutoCorrect Options menu. Under File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options, you can scroll through the list and delete or modify any unwanted replacement rules.

Does deleting an AutoCorrect entry in PowerPoint affect Word or Excel?

Yes, Microsoft Office shares AutoCorrect settings across most of its applications. If you delete the (c) to copyright symbol rule in PowerPoint, it will also be removed in Word, Excel, and Outlook.

How do I add a custom text replacement in PowerPoint?

Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. In the 'Replace' box, type the shortcut you want to use, and in the 'With' box, type the full word or symbol you want it to expand into. Click 'Add' and then 'OK'.