How to Configure AutoCorrect in LibreOffice Writer

LibreOffice Writer includes powerful AutoCorrect and text replacement tools that automatically fix common typos, expand shorthand abbreviations into full phrases, and apply dynamic formatting. This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough on how to access the AutoCorrect settings, create custom text replacement rules, manage exceptions, and toggle real-time corrections on or off to streamline your document editing workflow.

Accessing AutoCorrect Options

To open the central AutoCorrect settings in LibreOffice Writer:

  1. Open LibreOffice Writer.
  2. Click Tools in the top menu bar.
  3. Hover over AutoCorrect and select AutoCorrect Options….

Creating Custom Text Replacement Entries

Text replacement allows you to type a short abbreviation (e.g., “omw”) and have Writer automatically expand it into full text (e.g., “on my way”).

  1. In the AutoCorrect dialog window, click on the Replace tab.
  2. Ensure the correct language is selected in the Language drop-down menu at the top. AutoCorrect lists are language-specific.
  3. In the Replace field on the left, type the shortcut or the commonly misspelled word.
  4. In the With field on the right, type the replacement text.
  5. (Optional) Check the Text only box if you want the replacement to match the surrounding document style rather than retaining formatted text.
  6. Click the New button on the right side.
  7. Click OK to save your changes.

Modifying or Deleting Replacement Entries

  1. Go to Tools > AutoCorrect > AutoCorrect Options… > Replace tab.
  2. Scroll through the list or type the shortcut into the Replace box to locate the entry.
  3. To delete it, select the entry from the list and click Delete.
  4. To change the replacement text, select the entry, update the text in the With box, and click Replace.

Managing AutoCorrect Exceptions

To prevent Writer from treating certain abbreviations as the end of a sentence (which triggers automatic capitalization on the next word):

  1. Open the AutoCorrect Options… dialog.
  2. Click the Exceptions tab.
  3. Under Abbreviations (no subsequent capital letter), type the abbreviation (e.g., “dept.”) and click New.
  4. Under Words with TWO INitial CApitals, add words or brand names that naturally start with two capital letters to prevent automatic lowercasing.

Adjusting General AutoCorrect Behavior

  1. Click the Options tab in the AutoCorrect dialog.
  2. Review the list of automated actions, such as:
    • Correct TWo INitial CApitals
    • Capitalize first letter of every sentence
    • Automatic bold and underline
    • Replace standard quotes with typographical (curly) quotes (configured under the Localized Options tab)
  3. Check the [M] column to apply the rule when running AutoCorrect manually via Tools > AutoCorrect > Apply.
  4. Check the [T] column to apply the rule automatically while typing.
  5. Click OK to apply the settings.

Enabling or Disabling AutoCorrect While Typing

If text replacement or auto-formatting is interfering with your work, you can toggle the feature instantly without losing your saved replacement lists: