How to Stop (c) Becoming Copyright Symbol in Word: A Guide

Ever been annoyed by that little (c) symbol popping up in your Word document when all you want is to type the letter "c" followed by a parenthesis? It’s actually a shorthand way that Word uses to input the copyright symbol, but sometimes it’s just not what you need. In this article, I’ll quickly show you how to stop the automatic conversion of (c) to the copyright symbol in Word.

Step by Step Tutorial on How to Stop (c) Becoming Copyright in Word

Before we dive into the steps, let’s quickly understand what we’re about to do. We will be turning off a specific AutoCorrect option in Microsoft Word. This will stop Word from automatically converting (c) into the copyright symbol.

Step 1: Open the AutoCorrect Options

Open the Word document and click on ‘File.’ Then, select ‘Options’ and click on ‘Proofing.’ Under ‘Proofing,’ you will find ‘AutoCorrect Options.’ Click on this to open the AutoCorrect dialog box.

In this dialog box, you’ll find a list of all the automatic substitutions that Word makes as you type.

Step 2: Find the (c) Entry

In the AutoCorrect tab, scroll through the list of entries until you find the one that replaces (c) with the copyright symbol.

This list is in alphabetical order, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find.

Step 3: Remove the (c) Entry

Select the (c) entry and click the ‘Delete’ button. This will remove the entry from the list and stop Word from making that automatic substitution.

Remember that this will only affect the document you’re currently working on. If you want to change this setting for all future documents, you’ll need to adjust the default template settings.

After you complete these steps, you can type (c) all you want, and Word will leave it as is, no more pesky copyright symbol popping up unwanted!

Tips for Managing AutoCorrect Options

Here are some additional tips to help you manage AutoCorrect options more effectively:

• Be careful when deleting AutoCorrect entries, as you may accidentally remove ones that are useful to you.
• You can also add your own AutoCorrect entries for commonly mistyped words or phrases.
• If you share documents with others, keep in mind that your AutoCorrect settings might not match theirs, which can lead to inconsistencies.
• Regularly review your AutoCorrect settings to ensure they align with your current typing needs.
• Remember that AutoCorrect is a feature found in many programs, not just Word, so similar settings might need to be adjusted in other software you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I want to use the copyright symbol sometimes?

You can still type the copyright symbol by using the shortcut Alt+0169 (on a numeric keypad) or by inserting it from the Symbol menu in the Insert tab.

Can I turn off all AutoCorrect features in Word?

Yes, you can turn off all AutoCorrect features by unchecking the boxes in the AutoCorrect dialog box. However, be aware that this will stop all automatic corrections, not just the (c) substitution.

Does this setting affect other Office programs like Excel or PowerPoint?

Each Office program has its own AutoCorrect settings, so you will need to adjust them individually if you wish to stop (c) from becoming copyright in those programs as well.

Can I make these changes on the Word mobile app?

The Word mobile app may have limited AutoCorrect options compared to the desktop version. Check the app’s settings to see what’s available.

Will these changes affect existing documents?

No, these changes will only affect new text you type after making the adjustment. Existing copyright symbols will remain in the document.

Summary

1. Open the AutoCorrect Options.
2. Find the (c) entry.
3. Remove the (c) entry.

Conclusion

And that’s how you stop (c) from automatically turning into a copyright symbol in Word. It’s a nifty little feature for when you need it, but knowing how to control it can save you from frustration when you don’t. Remember that understanding the tools at your disposal, like the AutoCorrect feature, can greatly enhance your productivity and typing experience. So, dive into those settings, tweak them to your preference, and type away without a care in the world. Happy typing!