How to Stop Word from Replacing Straight Apostrophes with Smart Quotes
Question details
The user wants to prevent Microsoft Word from automatically converting straight typed apostrophes into typographical curly quotes.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Typing specific text formats such as measurements (e.g., 60's), code snippets, or coordinates where straight apostrophes are strictly required.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word's AutoCorrect feature automatically replaces the straight apostrophe character with a smart (curly) apostrophe.
Determine if you need straight quotes for just one specific instance or if you want to permanently disable the automatic formatting feature for all future documents.
Disable Smart Quotes in AutoFormat Settings
Turn off the automatic formatting setting in Word's Proofing options to keep your apostrophes straight permanently.
Microsoft Word includes an 'AutoFormat As You Type' feature that is enabled by default to make documents look professionally typeset. Disabling this specific setting will stop Word from curling your quotes moving forward.
Launch Microsoft Word, click on the 'File' tab in the top left corner, and select 'Options' at the bottom of the menu.
In the Word Options dialog box, select 'Proofing' from the left-hand pane, then click on the 'AutoCorrect Options' button.
Click on the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab. Under the 'Replace as you type' section, uncheck the box labeled 'Straight quotes with smart quotes'.
Click 'OK' to close the AutoCorrect dialog, then click 'OK' again to exit Word Options. Your apostrophes will now remain straight as you type.
Use Keyboard Undo for a Temporary Fix
If you prefer keeping smart quotes on for general typing but occasionally need a straight apostrophe, use the quick undo shortcut.
Easily Manage AutoFormat Settings in WPS Office
WPS Writer offers full, intuitive control over your typing and formatting preferences. You can easily toggle smart quotes on or off as needed, enjoying an editing experience that is fully compatible with Microsoft Word documents.
- 1. Open WPS Writer Options: Launch WPS Writer, click on the 'Menu' button in the top left corner, and select 'Options'.
- 2. Access AutoCorrect Settings: In the Options dialog box, navigate to the 'Edit' section from the left panel.
- 3. Toggle Smart Quotes: Locate the AutoCheck or AutoFormat settings and uncheck the option to replace straight quotes with smart quotes.
- 4. Apply and Type: Click 'OK' to save your preferences. All newly typed apostrophes will remain straight in your WPS documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word change my apostrophes to curly quotes by default?
Word's default typography settings aim to make documents look more professionally typeset by automatically substituting straight keyboard quotes with curled or 'smart' typography quotes.
How do I change smart quotes back to straight quotes in an existing document?
First, disable the smart quotes setting in AutoCorrect Options. Then, press 'Ctrl + H' to open the Find and Replace dialog. Type an apostrophe in both the 'Find what' and 'Replace with' boxes, and click 'Replace All'. Word will replace all curly quotes with straight ones.
Does disabling this setting affect quotation marks as well as apostrophes?
Yes, unchecking the 'Replace straight quotes with smart quotes' option will stop Word from curling both single apostrophes and double quotation marks.
Does this auto-formatting issue happen on Word for Mac?
Yes, Word for Mac also uses smart quotes by default. You can disable them by going to Word > Preferences > AutoCorrect, and unchecking the same smart quotes option under the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab.
