How do I type over text without having to usebackspace or delete?

[PamO]

I have always used WordPerfect and am now learning Word 2007. In Wordperfect
to type over text you would just click on Insert and then type new text.

How do I type over text in Word 2007 without having to use backspace or
delete? The Insert doesn't work.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

In earlier versions of Word, this option is toggled with "Typing replaces
selection" on the Edit tab of Tools | Options. Look around the Office Button
| Word Options area in Word 2007.

 

[Don Ellis]

In Word 2007...

Word Options, Advanced, Editing Options (first group of checkboxes).

Alt-o (letter o) will take you to the eighth box down -- "Use the
Insert key to control overtype mode." Check that box. Do not check the
box underneath it -- I can't figure how it affects anything, but you
don't need it.

And don't ask me why this isn't a default.

Don

 

[CyberTaz]

Hi Don -

That other checkbox simply makes Overtype the default editing mode rather
than Insert.

Also, as to why it isn't the default... Just my interpretation [FWIW];
Overtype mode - though "indispensable" to many "old-timers" & professionals
- is something that drives most people crazy if they accidentally toggle it
On because thy have no idea what is happening. Also, newer users as well as
many who previously relied on Overtype out of necessity find it more
efficient to select text to be replaced & just type the new stuff rather
than having to be consciously aware of which editing mode you're in and when
to toggle it on/off.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

 

[Don Ellis]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the theory -- sounds spot on to me. The only time I've ever
used it was for columns of figures I want to change that have the same
number of digits that I'm replacing them with.

Thanks, too, for the explanation of the default Overtype setting box.
Logically, that's what it sounded like to me -- and what I originally
wrote in my reply -- but then I decided I'd better test it out. On my
keyboard, it reacted the same way, but perhaps I just didn't realize
what setting it was on to begin with.

Cheers,
Don

Hi Don -

That other checkbox simply makes Overtype the default editing mode rather
than Insert.

Also, as to why it isn't the default... Just my interpretation [FWIW];
Overtype mode - though "indispensable" to many "old-timers" & professionals
- is something that drives most people crazy if they accidentally toggle it
On because thy have no idea what is happening. Also, newer users as well as
many who previously relied on Overtype out of necessity find it more
efficient to select text to be replaced & just type the new stuff rather
than having to be consciously aware of which editing mode you're in and when
to toggle it on/off.

Regards |:>)
Bob Jones
[MVP] Office:Mac

In Word 2007...

Word Options, Advanced, Editing Options (first group of checkboxes).

Alt-o (letter o) will take you to the eighth box down -- "Use the
Insert key to control overtype mode." Check that box. Do not check the
box underneath it -- I can't figure how it affects anything, but you
don't need it.

And don't ask me why this isn't a default.

Don