Use AutoCorrect to automatically correct text that you frequently mistype, and to automatically replace abbreviations with long names. For example, you can create an entry "esq" for "Martin R. Esquivel." Whenever you type esq followed by a space or punctuation mark, Microsoft Access automatically replaces "esq" with the name Martin R. Esquivel. AutoCorrect works with text in a datasheet (datasheet: Data from a table, form, query, view, or stored procedure that is displayed in a row-and-column format.) and with text in a form in Form view (Form view: A window that displays a form to show or accept data. Form view is the primary means of adding and modifying data in tables. You can also change the design of a form in this view.).
Specify AutoCorrect rules, and exceptions to the rules
- On the Tools menu, click AutoCorrect Options.
- Do one or more of the following:
- To set capitalization options, select or clear the second through the fifth check boxes in the dialog box.
To correct your text by replacing with another string, select the Replace text as you type check box.
Note AutoCorrect won't correct text that was typed before you selected the Replace text as you type check box.
To add an entry that you want corrected automatically, do the following:
- Select the Replace text as you type check box.
- In the Replace box, type the text that you want corrected automatically.
- In the With box, type the corrected text.
- Click Add.
- To specify exceptions to capitalization options, click Exceptions, and specify strings that you do not want corrected.
Override AutoCorrect settings in Form view or Datasheet view
When AutoCorrect replaces a string based on the rules specified in the AutoCorrect Options dialog box, it displays the AutoCorrect Options smart tag to the right of the corrected text. Click the smart tag, and do one of the following:
Note You can control the display of the AutoCorrect smart tag by selecting or clearing the Show AutoCorrect Options button checkbox in the AutoCorrect Options dialog box.
Add an AutoCorrect entry while checking spelling
- In the Spelling dialog box, select the correct item in the Suggestions box, or correct the text in the Not In Dictionary box.
- Click AutoCorrect in the Spelling dialog box. When you receive a message asking if you want to use this word and continue checking, click Yes.
The next time you type the text as it appeared before you corrected it in the Not in Dictionary box, Microsoft Access automatically changes it to the corrected text.
Note By default, AutoCorrect is enabled for all text boxes and combo boxes in Form view. To disable this feature for a specific control, set the control's AllowAutoCorrect property to No.