Turning Off Auto Capitalization on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you tired of your Mac automatically capitalizing words when you don’t want it to? It can be annoying, especially if you’re typing something that doesn’t require capitalization. But don’t worry, turning off auto capitalization on your Mac is a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. By following this quick guide, you’ll be able to type freely without the interference of unwanted capital letters.

Step by Step Tutorial: Turning Off Auto Capitalization on Mac

Before we dive into the steps, let’s briefly discuss what we’re aiming to achieve. By turning off auto capitalization, your Mac will no longer automatically capitalize the first letter of sentences, proper nouns, or any other words it deems should be capitalized. This gives you full control over your typing and allows for a more personalized experience.

Step 1: Open System Preferences

To begin, click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences" from the dropdown menu.

System Preferences is where you can customize and change settings for just about anything on your Mac. Think of it as the control center for your computer.

Step 2: Click on ‘Keyboard’

In the System Preferences window, find and click on the "Keyboard" icon.

The Keyboard section is where you can adjust settings related to your keyboard, such as text shortcuts, input sources, and, in our case, auto capitalization.

Step 3: Choose the ‘Text’ Tab

Once you’re in the Keyboard section, click on the "Text" tab located at the top of the window.

The Text tab contains options for text correction and formatting, including the auto capitalization feature we’re looking to turn off.

Step 4: Uncheck ‘Capitalize words automatically’

In the Text tab, you will see a list of options with checkboxes next to them. Find the option that says "Capitalize words automatically" and uncheck the box.

By unchecking this box, you’re telling your Mac that you don’t want it to automatically capitalize words for you anymore.

After completing these steps, your Mac will no longer auto-capitalize words as you type. This means you’ll have to manually capitalize words when necessary, but it also means you have more control over your typing. If you ever want to re-enable auto capitalization, simply follow these steps again and check the box in Step 4.

Tips for Turning Off Auto Capitalization on Mac

  • If you’re using a specific app and notice that words are still being auto-capitalized, check the app’s preferences as some apps have their own auto capitalization settings.
  • Remember that disabling auto capitalization also means you’ll need to be more mindful of capitalizing proper nouns and the first word of sentences when typing formal documents.
  • You may want to combine turning off auto capitalization with disabling other automatic text correction features for a completely manual typing experience.
  • If you’re a frequent user of shortcuts and text replacements, consider leaving those enabled as they can save time without affecting capitalization.
  • Keep in mind that turning off auto capitalization doesn’t affect auto-correction of misspelled words, so you can still enjoy the benefits of spell check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off auto capitalization affect my spell check?

No, turning off auto capitalization will not affect spell check. Your Mac will still underline misspelled words in red, allowing you to correct them manually or by right-clicking for suggestions.

Can I turn off auto capitalization for specific apps only?

Some apps have their own settings for auto capitalization. Check the app’s preferences or settings to see if you can disable it on a per-app basis.

Will I have to turn off auto capitalization every time I update my Mac?

Typically, your settings should remain the same after a system update. However, it’s always a good idea to check your preferences after an update to ensure they are still set to your liking.

Can I create a keyboard shortcut to toggle auto capitalization on and off?

There is no default keyboard shortcut to toggle auto capitalization. However, you can create custom shortcuts for specific actions in the Keyboard section of System Preferences.

If I share a document with someone, will their Mac auto capitalize words even if I have it turned off?

Yes, if the person you’re sharing the document with has auto capitalization turned on, their Mac will apply their own settings when they open the document.

Summary

  1. Open System Preferences.
  2. Click on ‘Keyboard.’
  3. Choose the ‘Text’ Tab.
  4. Uncheck ‘Capitalize words automatically.’

Conclusion

Turning off auto capitalization on your Mac can be a liberating experience for those who want full control over their typing. Whether you’re coding, writing poetry, or simply prefer a more hands-on approach to capitalization, the steps outlined above will help you achieve just that. Keep in mind, though, with great power comes great responsibility. You’ll need to be extra vigilant about capitalizing when necessary, but that’s a small price to pay for the freedom to type as you please. As with any customization, it’s always good to know you can revert to the default settings if you change your mind. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of typing on your own terms.