Unwanted Automatic Formatting

[John Dough]

How do I stop this:

I change the font in one sentence or one paragraph and the rest of the
document changes to that font.

Just to test I did this -- Wrote "The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy
dogs" followed by a carriage return (new paragraph for those who never used
a typewriter), about twenty times on a page. Then tried to format each line
with a different typeface. Could not do it. Each time I changed typeface,
all the paragraphs following took on the new typeface.

Where is the setting that turns this off ?????

Why would Microsoft assume that when we change type in a block of text that
we want the whole rest of the document to reflect that change. Will these
software fascists please stop dictating all of this automated drivel and
let us set up our applications for the way each of us wants to work.

 

[Clive Huggan]

John,

I don't have a cross to bear for Microsoft (being an ordinary albeit
moderately advanced user of Word with no connection with the company other
than as a purchaser of their products). But I have to say I could do without
your histrionics. If everyone wrapped themselves around the axle like you it
would not be worthwhile getting involved. But then, I've just had an
excellent dinner and a couple of glasses of Australia's finest medicinal
cabernet shiraz merlot, and maybe I'm less inclined to be diplomatic than
usual. On the other hand, if I hadn't I would have ignored you. Induced
spirit of cooperation, I suppose...

Turn it off via Format menu -> Style -> "Modify" button -> de-select
"Automatically update". (If you select "Show balloons you will see a balloon
that reads "Automatically redefines the style whenever you apply manual
formatting to any paragraph with this style. Word updates all paragraphs in
the active document that are formatted with the style.")

If you would like some views on configuring Word's defaults, you could
download my notes on the way I use Word, called "Bend Word to your Will", at
www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/WordMac/Bend/BendWord.htm

I use Word 2001; I acknowledge that your version may be different.

-- Clive Huggan
Canberra, Australia

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