Microsoft word letters typing over each other

If you're not sure whether you've closed Word, you could certainly Restart your computer. That will get you out of Overtype mode and back to Insert mode. Quick fix 3 in Microsoft Word for Windows any version : Turn off the "Overtype mode" option To turn Overtype mode off, you open Word's Options, look for "Edit" or "Advanced Editing" the details will depend on which version of Word you have , and then uncheck the "Overtype mode" option. When Overtype mode is off so text you type inserts , you'll see "OVR" in the Status bar preceded by a white circle.

How to fix it: Click once on the "OVR" button in the Status bar, and when you see its little circle change from green to white, you'll be back in Insert mode. Quick fix 5 in Microsoft Word for Macintosh any version : Turn off "Overtype mode" in Preferences To turn Overtype mode off, open Word's Preferences, look for "Edit" or "Advanced Editing" the details will depend on which version of Word you have , and then uncheck the "Overtype mode" option.

Additional things you should know about Overtype mode Here are some subtle things about Overtype mode: When Overtype mode becomes active in one open Word document window, it immediately becomes active in every other open Word window as well.

Similarly, turning Overtype mode off in any open Word window will also turn it off in all open Word windows. Closing and reopening will only turn Overtype mode off if you close the program and thus every open Word window before reopening. Overtyping does not replace text beyond the end of a paragraph, and does not remove paragraph breaks or section breaks, so your potential "damage" is limited.

However, it does remove line breaks, page breaks, and column breaks. If Overtype mode was active when you saved changes to your document, that fact is not stored in the document. So, if Overtype mode is turned off in a later editing session, reopening that document will not turn it back on.

Copy and Paste always inserts text, even if Overtype mode is on. AutoText always inserts as well. Preventing Overtype mode on Windows If you have a Windows computer, here are the simplest ways I've found to avoid accidentally tapping the "Insert" key and ending up in Overtype mode : Method 1: Take a screwdriver and gently pry the "Insert" key off your keyboard; on a Windows laptop look for the "INS" key. However, only do this if that key has no other function, or if it has another function and you don't need it.

Don't throw that key away! Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. The wikiHow Tech Team also followed the article's instructions and verified that they work. This article has been viewed , times. Learn more Isn't it frustrating when you're typing and your new words start deleting the words already on the page?

You might be thinking your PC's been hacked, but the issue is usually that you've pressed the Ins Insert key on the keyboard. Press the Insert or Ins key. Retype your text. Did this summary help you? Yes No. Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. No account yet? Create an account. Edit this Article. We use cookies to make wikiHow great.

By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Related Articles. Overtype mode is enabled if letters are being replaced as you type along a row with words to the right of your cursor. AutoCorrect is enabled if you type a word and the text is automatically replaced with a word that the program thinks you meant to type.

Both of these features can be disabled. Click the "File" tab on the top menu and then click "Options" along the left sidebar. This will open a Word Options window. Disable the options "Use the insert key to control overtype mode" and "Use overtype mode.