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How to Set Selection Preferences in Word 2016

Use Word's settings tool to change the default behavior

By James Marshall James Marshall Writer James Marshall is a pro journalist who covers technology and computer troubleshooting. He is also skilled with Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, and other word processors. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on November 5, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email MS Office Word Excel Powerpoint Outlook

What to Know

Change word selection: Go to File > Options > Advanced, check When selecting, automatically select entire word, and select OK. Change paragraph selection: Go to File > Options > Advanced, check Use smart paragraph selection option, and select OK. Display paragraph breaks and other formatting marks: Go to Home and, in the Paragraph section, select Show/Hide. From time to time, a new feature comes along that has the unique distinction of being both a curse and a blessing. The way Microsoft Word 2016, 2019, and Microsoft 365 for Windows handles text and paragraph selection is one of those features.

Changing the Word Selection Setting

By default, Word automatically selects an entire word when only part of it is highlighted. This shortcut saves you some time and prevents you from leaving part of a word when you intended to delete it entirely. However, it can become cumbersome when you wish to select only parts of words. To change this setting, follow these steps: Select the File file tab at the top. In the left bar, click Options. In the Word Options window, click Advanced in the left menu. In the Editing options section, check (or uncheck) the When selecting, automatically select entire word option. Click OK.

Changing the Paragraph Selection Setting

When selecting paragraphs, Word also selects the paragraph's formatting attributes in addition to text by default. However, you may not want these additional attributes associated with the text you have selected. Disable (or enable) this feature by following these steps: Click the File file tab at the top. In the left bar, click Options. In the Word Options window, click Advanced in the left menu. In the Editing options section, check (or uncheck) the Use smart paragraph selection option. Click OK. Display paragraph breaks and other formatting marks in your text that would be included in a selection by selecting the Home tab, and under the Paragraph section, activate the Show/Hide symbol. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Remove a Page Break in Word How to Reveal Formatting Marks and Codes in Word How to Remove Paragraph Symbols in Outlook Display More Files in the Recent File List in Word 2016 How to Delete a Blank Page in Word How to Insert a PDF Into Word How to Change Language in Microsoft Word and Office How to Use Microsoft Word How to Insert a Document in Word How to Save an Outlook Email as a PDF How to Hyperlink in Word Documents How to Make Flashcards on Word How to Change the Number of Decimal Places in Excel How to Fix Spacing in Word How to Indent in Word and Use Tabs and Rulers How to Insert Source Code Into a Word Document Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies