'%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 Stop Word on Mac from Changing Straight Quotes to Curly Quotes
Question details
The user wants to stop Microsoft Word for Mac from automatically converting standard straight quotation marks into curly (smart) quotes.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- Mac
- Scenario
- Typing text in a Word document where straight quotes are strictly required, such as for coding, script writing, or specific formatting standards.
- Observed behavior
- Word for Mac automatically changes straight quotation marks to curly quotation marks as the user types, and the Preferences window lacks an 'OK' button to save changes.
Keep in mind that changing this setting will only affect new text you type. To fix quotes that have already been converted in your existing document, you will need to use the Find and Replace feature.
Disable Smart Quotes in AutoFormat Settings
Modify the AutoFormat As You Type settings in Word Preferences to stop the automatic conversion of straight quotes.
Microsoft Word uses a feature called 'Smart Quotes' to automatically apply typographic curly quotes. Disabling this in the AutoCorrect preferences will allow you to type standard straight quotes without interference.
Click on 'Word' in the top Mac menu bar, then select 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
In the Preferences window, locate and click on the 'AutoCorrect' icon, which is typically found under the Authoring and Proofing Tools section.
Click on the 'AutoFormat As You Type' tab at the top of the AutoCorrect window. Look for the checkbox labeled 'Straight quotation marks with smart quotes' and uncheck it.
On Word for Mac, there is no 'OK' or 'Save' button. Simply close the Preferences window by clicking the red button in the top left corner. Your changes are applied automatically.
Replace Existing Curly Quotes with Straight Quotes
Use the Find and Replace tool to bulk-update any existing curly quotes in your document back to straight quotes.
How to Disable Smart Quotes in WPS Writer for Mac
If you are looking for a straightforward, lightweight word processor for your Mac, WPS Office provides an incredibly intuitive interface. Disabling smart quotes in WPS Writer is quick and works perfectly for users who need precise text formatting without unwanted auto-corrections.
- 1. Open Preferences: Launch WPS Writer on your Mac, click on the 'WPS Office' menu in the top bar, and select 'Preferences'.
- 2. Navigate to AutoCorrect: Select 'Edit' or 'AutoCorrect' from the preferences menu to view your typing options.
- 3. Disable Smart Quotes: Locate the option for replacing straight quotes with smart quotes, uncheck the box, and close the window to apply your formatting preferences instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word automatically change my quotes?
Word uses a built-in feature called 'Smart Quotes' that is designed to make documents look more professional. It replaces the standard, straight quotation marks used on most keyboards with typographically correct curved (curly) quotes.
Why is there no OK button in Mac Word Preferences?
Unlike the Windows operating system, macOS applications typically save preference changes instantly. Simply closing the preferences window using the red dot in the corner will automatically apply and save your new settings.
How can I quickly undo a smart quote while typing without changing settings?
If Word converts a quotation mark and you want to revert it instantly, just press Cmd + Z (Undo) on your Mac keyboard immediately after typing the quote. This will undo the AutoFormat action and leave the straight quote intact.
Will disabling smart quotes affect my existing documents?
No. Turning off the smart quotes setting under AutoFormat As You Type will only apply to new text you type moving forward. Any existing curly quotes in your document will remain unchanged unless you use the Find and Replace tool to modify them.
