Use AutoCorrect in Microsoft Word® When Creating Property Management Forms & Documents

The AutoCorrect function in Microsoft Word® can save you time and give your property management forms and documents a more professional appearance. If you do not already use AutoCorrect, these tips will help you understand what it can do.

Do you ever wonder why a word typed incorrectly reverts to the correct spelling when using Microsoft Word? We all have words that we often type incorrectly. Microsoft Word® has already figured out the most commonly misspelled words and put them into a tool called AutoCorrect. They have also given the user the same option.

Do you spend extra time putting in those pesky trademarks or copyright symbols? For instance, if you have a Master Property Manager designation MPM®, you need to be sure to add the “®” when you use it with you name – MPM®. If you use the acronym for the National Association of Residential Property Managers, you have to do the same thing – NARPM®. Another one is REALTOR®. There are many acronyms used in the Real Estate/Property Management business. Leaving out the correct symbol is incorrect and unprofessional.

Do you repeatedly type in long combinations of words, such as your complete company name? You can copy and then repeatedly paste it in, but this task becomes much easier if you let AutoCorrect to do the work for you.

Here are a few tips to help you use AutoCorrect when creating documents for your property management company.

Make a list of words, special names, and acronyms that you use repeatedly as well as those you misspell. Then use the following instructions (they are in Microsoft Word® version 2003). Note: if you use a different version, consult the Help function. For your convenience, I’ve included a few links at the end of this article.

To correct a common misspelling:

• On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect Options.
• In the Replace box, type a word or phrase that you often mistype or misspell — for example, type usualy.
• In the “With” box, type the correct spelling of the word – usually.
• Click Add and from now on when you misspell this word, it will automatically correct.

To add a symbol automatically as you type:

• On a Microsoft Word® page, type in something that needs a registered trademark symbol and add the symbol on the end by using “insert/symbol,” such as RMP®.
• Highlight the word you have typed, such as RMP®
• Go to Tools/Autocorrect and you should see it placed in the “With” box; if this does not work, go back to your page, highlight and copy, then past into the “With” box.
• Then, put the word in the “Replace” box, such as rmp
• The next time, you type rmp, it should automatically put in the right spelling and symbol

To change or undo an AutoCorrect entry you created:

• On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect Options.
• To change, find the entry and make the change in the “With” box
• To remove, find the entry you want to remove, click Delete.

Here are some links to the Microsoft knowledge base articles about the AutoCorrect function.

• AutoCorrect: The proofreader over your shoulder in Excel
• How to use the AutoCorrect options button in Excel
• AutoCorrect spelling, and insert text and symbols
• Where are the AutoCorrect options?
• Turn on or off AutoCorrect options
• How to move AutoCorrect entries in Word® 2007 from one computer to another
• About AutoCorrect (Outlook)

I highly recommend you learn how to use AutoCorrect when you create your policy manuals, checklists, and property management forms. It will be well worth your time.

Disclaimer: OneDollarLandlordForms.com does not represent the article content in this website as legal advice. It is shared information only and up to the reader to use this information responsibly, seeking legal advice as necessary to their business.