Google Docs can be an incredibly useful writing tool, with powerful editing and formatting capabilities. One feature that many users love (and sometimes hate!) is autocorrect. Autocorrect automatically fixes spelling mistakes and typos as you type. For many, this speeds up writing and improves spelling and grammar.
However, autocorrect can also incorrectly change words against your will. When this happens, you may want to turn it off completely or disable it for certain problem words. Fortunately, Google Docs gives you control over how autocorrect functions.
The Pros and Cons of Autocorrect
Before diving into how to manipulate autocorrect settings, let’s overview the key pros and cons of this feature:
Pros:
- Catches typos and spelling mistakes instantly, improving writing quality
- Can improve productivity by fixing mistakes on-the-fly
- Helps ensure documents follow proper spelling and grammar
Cons:
- Can incorrectly change words, leading to frustration
- Some users find constant corrections distracting
- Doesn’t catch every type of mistake, still need human editing
Overall, most users find value in autocorrect for casual writing and getting initial drafts completed faster. However, improper word changes can quickly lead to disablement.
How to Turn Off Autocorrect Completely
If you find autocorrect more frustrating than helpful, disabling it completely is simple:
- Open a Google Docs document
- Click on “Tools” in the top menu bar
- Select “Preferences” from the drop-down menu
- In the Preferences tab, uncheck the box next to “Automatically correct spelling”
- Click “OK” to save changes
These steps turn autocorrect off for all Google Docs documents. Any existing or new Docs will not automatically fix spelling or typos moving forward.
To turn autocorrect back on:
- Return to Tools > Preferences
- Check the box for “Automatically correct spelling”
- Click “OK”
And autocorrect will be reactivated for all documents.
How to Disable Autocorrect for Specific Words
If you find value in autocorrect overall but have problems with certain words being improperly changed, you can customize and disable corrections on a word-by-word basis.
For example, let’s say autocorrect keeps incorrectly changing “adwords” to “add words.” Here is how to fix this:
- Open your Google Doc
- Click “Tools” and select “Preferences”
- Go to the “Substitutions” tab
- Find “adwords” under the “Replace” column
- Uncheck the box next to “adwords” or click “Remove”
- Click “OK” to save changes
Now autocorrect will no longer change “adwords” against your wishes. You can repeat these steps to disable autocorrect for any problem words.
When to Turn Autocorrect On vs. Off
Whether you enable or disable autocorrect depends largely on personal preference and what type of writing you’re doing. Here are a few key guidelines:
- Casual writing: Autocorrect is useful for emails, documents shared internally, rough drafts, etc. where catching minor mistakes quickly improves workflow.
- External / client materials: Consider disabling autocorrect to avoid errors before sending materials to important stakeholders. Always manually review externally shared docs.
- Distraction: If you find constant corrections break your concentration, turn autocorrect off. You can always manually edit later.
- Incorrect changes: If autocorrect repeatedly changes words against your wishes, disable it completely or on a word-by-word basis.
Overall, use autocorrect to your advantage when it’s helpful, but know how to customize or disable it when it becomes a hindrance. The key is optimizing Google Docs to fit your unique writing style and needs.
Customizing Other Autocorrect Settings
In addition to on/off controls, Google Docs lets you customize other autocorrect behaviors through Preferences:
- Automatically capitalize words: You can disable auto-capitalization for certain words (like acronyms)
- Replace text as you type: Customize shortcuts to expand into full text
- Adjust the autocorrect candidacy: Control minimum length of words corrected
Play around with these settings to tailor autocorrect to your preferences. Just remember you can always override corrections by manually typing your desired text.
When to Use Other Editing & Proofreading Tools
While autocorrect can be helpful, it has limitations. Google Docs also offers more powerful editing and proofreading tools:
- Spell check – Manually check spelling for a fuller review
- Grammar suggestions – Check grammar and style tips in-depth
- Dictionary definitions – Double click any word to view its definition without leaving your doc
- Voice typing – Use voice dictation to draft hands-free
Use these in combination with autocorrect to catch a wider range of errors. Autocorrect serves for quick, real-time editing, while tools like grammar and spell check help polish close-to-final drafts.
Take Control Over Your Autocorrect Experience
At first, autocorrect may feel like an annoyance. But by customizing settings, you can leverage its benefits while avoiding common frustrations.
Remember, the settings detailed above give you control:
- Disable entirely if it becomes more distracting than helpful
- Turn off certain words to prevent incorrect changes
- Customize within Preferences to tailor autocorrect to your preferences
Hopefully by understanding autocorrect options fully, you can optimize Google Docs to boost (not hinder) your unique writing style and workflow.
So try playing around with these settings over your next few writing projects. See if a customized autocorrect experience helps speed up drafting without compromising quality. Over time, you’ll discover settings that feel right for your needs.
