How to Create AutoText in Word 2016?

Creating AutoText in Word 2016 allows you to quickly insert frequently used text or graphics into your documents.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating AutoText

Follow these steps to save a selection of text or graphics as AutoText in Word 2016:

1. Select the content: Highlight the text, paragraph, graphic, or object you want to save as an AutoText entry.
2. Go to the Insert tab: Locate and click on the Insert tab in the ribbon at the top of the Word window.
3. Access Quick Parts: In the Text group on the Insert tab, click the Quick Parts button.
4. Select AutoText: From the Quick Parts dropdown menu, hover over or click AutoText.
5. Save Selection: In the AutoText submenu, click Save Selection to AutoText Gallery.
   • Reference Note: The reference confirms this path: On the Insert tab, in the Text group, click Quick Parts AutoText Save Selection to AutoText Gallery.
6. Configure the AutoText Entry: The "Create New Building Block" dialog box will appear.
   • Name: Enter a unique name for your AutoText entry. This name is what you will type or select later to insert the text.
   • Gallery: Ensure 'AutoText' is selected (it should be by default).
   • Category: Choose an existing category or create a new one.
   • Description: (Optional) Add a brief description to help you remember what the entry is for.
   • Save in: Select the template where you want to store the AutoText. To make it available in all documents, save it in the Normal.dotm template.
   • Options: Decide how the content should be inserted (e.g., Insert content only, Insert content in its own paragraph, Insert content in its own page).
7. Click OK: Once you have configured the settings, click OK to save your selection as an AutoText entry.

Your selected content is now saved as an AutoText entry and can be quickly inserted into any document linked to the template where you saved it.

What is AutoText?

AutoText is a type of building block in Microsoft Word. It's a feature that stores chunks of text, graphics, and other items that you use frequently. Once saved, you can easily insert them into your document without having to retype or recreate them each time.

Why Use AutoText?

Using AutoText offers several benefits for efficiency and consistency:

• Saves time: Quickly insert standard phrases, paragraphs, or blocks of content with just a few keystrokes or clicks.
• Ensures consistency: Guarantees that standard wording (like disclaimers, closing remarks, or company information) is always inserted correctly without typos.
• Simplifies complex entries: Easily insert formatted text, tables, or graphics that would be time-consuming to create manually each time.
• Reduces errors: Minimizes the risk of errors associated with manual typing or copy-pasting.

Inserting Your AutoText Entry

After creating an AutoText entry, you can insert it in a couple of ways:

• Type the name: Start typing the name you gave the AutoText entry. If the AutoComplete feature is enabled, a tooltip will appear suggesting the entry. Press Enter or F3 to insert it.
• Use the Quick Parts Gallery: Go to Insert > Text group > Quick Parts > AutoText, and then select your entry from the list.