For some of you, this tip may be a “well, duh”, but for others this is a huge timesaver.

Microsoft Word has a great feature called autocorrect.  You may already be familiar with this — it’s the function that, when you type “teh” it changes it to “the” for you.  Here’s something you may not know — you can add things to autocorrect.  That’s right — and it doesn’t just have to be one word replacements — you an insert huge hunks of formatted text easily.  For example — at the end of all your court pleadings, you have a signature block.  This signature block includes a line to sign your name, your name and firm address, as well as the date (generally).  By using autocorrect, I only have to type **signature, and then press the spacebar to get by entire, properly formatted signature block in the document.  And this isn’t the only correction I use it for.

Here’s how you set it up (in Word 2003):

1. Type out the text, properly formatted.
2. Highlight the formatted text.
3. Go to Tools –> Autocorrect Options.
4. In the box labeled “replace with” type your shortcut (i.e., **signature).
5. The “with” box should already be filled with the highlighted text.
6. Ensure the radial button for “formatted text” is selected (just above the replace and with boxes).
7. Click on add.
8. Click ok.

Now make sure you don’t use a common term (i.e., don’t use “signature”, use “**signature”), otherwise autocorrect’ll bother you.  But this can be a huge timesaver for blocks of text you type on a regular basis.  Enjoy.