ABC's of PowerPoint 2007

14. Insert Symbols with Ease
PPT 2007  |  PPT 2003

PowerPoint has an extensive library of symbols. Sometimes it is difficult to find the one you are looking for. However, once found, set up a custom AutoCorrect to display your symbol with ease. PowerPoint has certain already included. For example if you type (c) (left parenthesis, "c", right parenthesis) you will get a © (copyright symbol). For a list of symbols already included see tip 13. Helpful Symbol Converters.

However, if a particular symbol is not included in PowerPoint's AutoCorrect list. The instructions below will explain how to add to this list. For example, many presentations require the use of a (checkmark). For this example PowerPoint will be set to recognize that the letters "ck" are typed a (checkmark) will display.

Open PowerPoint and click within any text field as if you are about to type into it. Go to the top menu, click the "Insert" tab, and then click the "Symbol" button.

Select the (checkmark) from the Wingdings list (or any symbol that is utilized regularly).

From within the text field select the (checkmark).

Click the "Microsoft Office" button on the far left of the ribbon. On the drop down menu that opens, click the "PowerPoint Options" button. The PowerPoint option window will pop up.

From the" PowerPoint Options" window, click the "Proofing" tab. This window allows you to change how PowerPoint corrects and formats your text. Here, click the "AutoCorrect Options".

In the "AutoCorrect Options"window, the (checkmark) should be displayed in the "With:" field. In the "Replace:" field type in the letter combination that will be used to represent your symbol. This example uses the letters "ck" to convert to a (checkmark). Make sure the box next to "Replace text as you type" is checked on.

Click the "Add" and then "OK" buttons.

Once again, go to any text field. This time type the letter "ck" followed by a space. A (checkmark) appears.

Note:
If a checkmark does not appear, select it and change your font type to Symbol.

This custom feature is tied into the Microsoft PowerPoint program on the machine it was created on. It is not connected to the file you are working with. If you transfer your file to another machine, the (checkmark) will remain, however the custom AutoCorrect will not work without being set up on the new machine.

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