Creating Formatted AutoCorrect Entries in PowerPoint 365 for Windows

We explored differences between formatted and unformatted AutoCorrect entries in our Saving and Sharing AutoCorrect Entries tutorial. In simple terms, formatted AutoCorrect entries include formatted attributes such as font choices, bold, italics, etc., but can also include images, tables, and other content types. On the other hand, unformatted AutoCorrect entries comprise plain text.

So, while you can use some preset formatted AutoCorrect entries in PowerPoint, you cannot create them in PowerPoint. Also, you cannot use all sorts of formatted content in PowerPoint. While some content with formatted text and dingbat fonts may work, and even this is a big "if", other content such as images, tables, etc. work only in Microsoft Word, and not in PowerPoint.

In this tutorial, we will explore both these scenarios:

1. Creating formatted AutoCorrect entries that work only in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office programs.
2. Creating formatted AutoCorrect entries that work in Microsoft Word. These may sometimes work in PowerPoint, and other Microsoft Office programs.

To create such AutoCorrect entries, you have to use Microsoft Word. The good news is that it’s relatively easy to create formatted AutoCorrect entries in Microsoft Word.

Formatted AutoCorrect Content Suitable for Word

Follow these steps to create a formatted AutoCorrect entry with pictures and formatted text in Word:

1. In Word, create content that has formatting attributes such as a font you like, some bold text, and possibly even a picture. You can also copy some of your existing content from PowerPoint and paste it into a new Word document.
2. We next selected this content, as shown in Figure 1, below.
3. 
   Figure 1: Picture and formatted text in Word
3. You can access the AutoCorrect dialog box shown in Figure 2, below as per instructions explained in our AutoCorrect Options in PowerPoint 365 for Windows tutorial. Alternatively, press both the Alt and T keys together, and next press A.
4. 
   Figure 2: AutoCorrect dialog box in Word


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4. Since we have formatted content selected in Word, you'll see that the Formatted text radio button is already selected. Provide a shortcut for this new AutoCorrect entry in the Replace box, highlighted in red within Figure 2, above. We used zlaugh as the shortcut. The content that's being used for replacement is already within the area highlighted in blue within Figure 2, but you cannot see a preview since the content is larger than this box area.
5. Next, click the Add button, highlighted in green within Figure 2, to add this new AutoCorrect entry. The new entry can be seen, highlighted in red within Figure 3, below.
6. 
   Figure 3: New AutoCorrect entry
5. Click the OK button, highlighted in blue within Figure 3, above.
6. Create a new Word document and test this AutoCorrect entry.

Do note that this entry will only work in Word and not within other Microsoft Office programs such as PowerPoint, Excel, or Outlook. On the other hand, AutoCorrect entries that use only formatted text, without any pictures, tables, or other elements will work in other Microsoft Office programs, as we will explore in the next section.

Formatted AutoCorrect Content Suitable for All Office Programs

Follow these steps to create an AutoCorrect entry containing formatted text in Word:

1. In Word, type in some text. Change the font and the text color. Apply formatting attributes such as bold text, and play with font sizes. You can also copy some of your existing text content from PowerPoint and paste it into a new Word document.
2. We next selected this content, as shown in Figure 4, below.
3. 
   Figure 4: Formatted text in Word
3. Now, access the AutoCorrect dialog box shown in Figure 5, below. You can find instructions to do so in our AutoCorrect Options in PowerPoint 365 for Windows tutorial. Alternatively, press both the Alt and T keys together, and next press A.
4. 
   Figure 5: The AutoCorrect dialog box in Word
4. Since we have formatted content selected in Word, you'll see that the Formatted text radio button is already selected, as shown highlighted in orange in Figure 5, above. Provide a shortcut for this new AutoCorrect entry in the Replace box, highlighted in red within Figure 5. We used zawesome as the shortcut. The content that's being used for replacement is already within the area highlighted in blue within Figure 5, but you can only see part of the preview (compare with Figure 4, shown previously on this page) since the content is larger than this box area.
5. Next, click the Add button, highlighted in green within Figure 5, to add this new AutoCorrect entry. The new entry can be seen, highlighted in red within Figure 6, below.
6. 
   Figure 6: Another AutoCorrect entry
5. Click the OK button, highlighted in blue within Figure 6, above.
6. Create a new Word document and test this AutoCorrect entry.

Do note that this entry will certainly work in Word, and may or may not work within other Microsoft Office programs such as PowerPoint, Excel, or Outlook. If needed, you can open a new instance of Word, use the AutoCorrect entry in a blank document, and then copy the content to thereafter paste it within PowerPoint or other Microsoft Office programs.