The curly, or smart quote is an elusive character. For years I have been including straight marks in my writing, blissfully unaware that I was doing it all wrong. Recently, I learned about some functional differences between straight and curly quotation marks. Where is a snipping tool in outlook. Straight marks Straight marks were invented for use on typewriters. Due to physical and mechanical constraints, you can only fit so many keys on a typewriter’s keyboard. Using straight quotes instead of curly quotes freed up two slots for other characters on the keyboard, which is why these characters were preferable. When computers came into the fray, they put these straight marks to good use. ![]() Most programming languages require the use of straight marks to indicate string literals (e.g. “Hello world”), so they are still very useful today. Usage On any typical keyboard, simply press ' for a straight single mark ( ‘ ) and Shift + ' for a straight double mark ( “ ). Curly quotes Unlike straight marks, curly quotes are usually more legible in paragraphs and long texts, and match the other characters better. They are more suitable for reading, and should be used when writing documents, articles, blog posts, etc. Usage It turns out that producing curly quotes on a computer is super easy. I’ve committed these simple shortcuts to memory. For some reason, Microsoft doesn't seem to like plain old traditional 'straight' quotes, or quotes without any curves or contours. Instead, it apparently prefers the more stylized, curved 'smart' quotes. Smart quotes don't seem all that intelligent when they mess up the formatting in certain files or on web pages. So it can be a good idea to change the default smart-quote setting in Microsoft Office apps to the straight versions. Thankfully, Microsoft makes that fairly simple in Word, Outlook and PowerPoint — at least once you learn the proper processes. Note: These steps are specific to the apps in Microsoft Office 2016 for Windows. • • • How to change smart or curly quotes to straight quotes in Microsoft Word • Click the File tab in the top-left corner of the Word screen. • Click Options at the very bottom of the vertical list of choices along the left side of the display. • In the Word Options box that appears, click the Proofing tab. • Click the AutoCorrect Options box. • Click the AutoFormat tab. Sep 18, 2017 In TextEdit on a Mac, there is a keyboard shortcut to typing straight quotes as opposed to curly 'Smart' quotes. Transcript: So, in TextEdit, it automatically gives you smart quotes. • Under the Replace section heading, uncheck the box next to 'Straight quotes' with 'smart quotes'. • Click the AutoFormat As You Type tab. • Under the Replace as you type section, uncheck the box next to 'Straight quotes' with 'smart quotes'. • Click OK again on the Word Options box to save all changes How to change smart or curly quotes to straight quotes in Microsoft Outlook • Click the File tab in the top-left corner of the Outlook screen. Best menubar calendar app for mac. • Click Options at the bottom of the vertical list of choices along the left side of the display. • In the Outlook Options box that appears, click the Mail tab. • Click Spelling and AutoCorrect. • In the Editor Options box, make sure the Proofing tab is selected (it is by default) and click AutoCorrect Options. • Click the AutoFormat tab. • Under the Replace heading, uncheck the box next to 'Straight quotes' with 'smart quotes.' • Click the AutoFormat As You Type tab. • Under the Replace as you type section, uncheck the box next to 'Straight quotes' with 'smart quotes.' • Finally, click OK one more time on the Editor Options box to confirm your changes. How to change smart or curly quotes to straight quotes in Microsoft PowerPoint • Click the File tab in the top-left corner of the PowerPoint screen. • Click Options at the bottom of the vertical list of choices along the left side of the display. • In the PowerPoint Options box that appears, click the Proofing tab. • Click AutoCorrect Options. • Select the AutoFormat As You Type tab. • Under the Replace as you type section, uncheck the box next to 'Straight quotes' with 'smart quotes'. • Finally, click OK one more time on the PowerPoint Options box to confirm the changes. If you ever want to re-enable smart quotes in the future, in Word, Outlook or PowerPoint, just repeat these steps and then re-check the appropriate boxes for 'Straight quotes' with 'smart quotes'. For more Office 365 help, how-tos and tutorials, visit our Office 101 page: This post may contain affiliate links. See our for more details.
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