Changes in Math AutoCorrect Settings Cause Inconsistent UnicodeMath to Professional Format Conversion Between Display and Inline Math

[brichwin]

Description

When using UnicodeMath (linear mode) in Word 365's Equation Editor, there are unexpected consequences of altering the Math AutoCorrect settings. The consequences manifest as inappropriate inconsistencies in how expressions are converted to professional format between Display Math and Inline Math.

Depending on the settings (detailed below) the conversion process of Inline Math expressions may inappropriately retain the spaces used to terminate Math AutoCorrect keywords or even fail to convert into professional form at all. If the same expressions are entered as Display Math equations then the spacing is as expected and conversions are successful.

It might be helpful to watch the demo Video: Changes in Math AutoCorrect Settings Cause Inconsistent UnicodeMath to Professional Format Conversion Between Display and Inline Math

These issues are particularly problematic for screen reader users who need specific AutoCorrect settings for accessibility and may not notice that expressions fail to convert to professional form when explicitly requested.

Tested Version Information

OS Version:
-- OS Name: Microsoft Windows 11 Enterprise
-- Version: 10.0.22621 Build 22621
-- Locale: United States
Microsoft Word Version:
-- Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise
-- Version 2402 (Build 17328.20612 Click-to-Run) Semi-Annual Enterprise Channel

Environment

• Application: Microsoft Word 365
• Feature: Equation Editor
• Input Method: UnicodeMath (linear mode)
• Relevant Settings (note specific changes to these settings as mentioned in the discussion):
  • Equation Options dialog
    • "Automatically convert expressions to professional format"
  • "Math AutoCorrect" tab on the "AutoCorrect" options dialog
    • "Use Math AutoCorrect rules outside of math regions"
    • "Replace text as you type"

Issue 1: Unexpected Retention of Math AutoCorrect Terminator Space(s) in Inline Math Expressions

Expected Behavior

• Both Display Math and Inline Math should handle Math AutoCorrect keyword terminating spaces consistently
• Example: A\cup B should convert to A∪B in both modes

Configuration

These settings are disabled:

• Equation Options dialog
  • "Automatically convert expressions to professional format" unchecked
• Math AutoCorrect tab on AutoCorrect dialog
  • "Replace text as you type" unchecked

This setting is left enabled:

• Math AutoCorrect tab on AutoCorrect dialog
  • "Use Math AutoCorrect rules outside of math regions" checked

Actual Behavior

• Display Math (expression alone on line):
  • Input: A\cup B
  • Result: A∪B (correct - terminating space removed)
• Inline Math (expression within text):
  • Input: A\cup B
  • Result: A∪ B (incorrect - terminating space retained)

Impact

• Inconsistent visual presentation
• Potentially misleading mathematical spacing
• Affects document consistency
• Would lead to non-visual writers unintentionally creating "sloppy" work and could lead to them being perceived negatively

Issue 2: Failed Professional Format Conversion with "Use Math AutoCorrect rules outside of math regions" Disabled

Configuration

All following settings disabled:

• Equation Options dialog
  • "Automatically convert expressions to professional format" unchecked
• Math AutoCorrect tab on AutoCorrect dialog
  • "Use Math AutoCorrect rules outside of math regions" unchecked
  • "Replace text as you type" unchecked

Expected Behavior

• Math AutoCorrect symbols should convert to professional format when explicitly requested
• Conversion should work successfully in both Display and Inline Math

Actual Behavior

• Display Math:
  • Input: A\cup B
  • Converts correctly to A∪B when professional format requested
• Inline Math:
  • Input: A\cup B
  • Remains unchanged as A\cup B even when professional format conversion is requested
  • Conversion fails regardless of method:
    • Ribbon command
    • Equation editor dropdown menu
    • Ctrl+= shortcut

Accessibility Impact

1. Screen reader users often need to disable AutoCorrect settings to:
   • Avoid automatic conversion to built-up structures
   • Prevent confusion from unexpected placeholders
   • Maintain better control over expression input
2. These inconsistencies create additional challenges:
   • Unpredictable behavior between Display and Inline Math
   • Inability to convert inline expressions when using certain Math AutoCorrect settings
   • Non-visual users may not notice an expression failed to convert
   • Increased cognitive load when writing mathematical content

Steps to Reproduce

Issue 1 (Space Retention):

1. Ensure default AutoCorrect settings are configured as:
   • Disabled:
     • Equation Options dialog
       • "Automatically convert expressions to professional format" unchecked
     • Math AutoCorrect tab on AutoCorrect dialog
       • "Replace text as you type" unchecked
   • Enabled:
     • Math AutoCorrect tab on AutoCorrect dialog
       • "Use Math AutoCorrect rules outside of math regions" checked
2. Create Display Math equation (Alt+=) on empty line
3. Enter A\cup B
4. Convert to professional
5. Note correct spacing
6. Create Inline Math equation at the end of some text (on the same line)
7. Enter A\cup B
8. Convert to professional
9. Note incorrect space retention

Issue 2 (Failed Conversion):

1. Disable all three AutoCorrect settings mentioned above
   All following settings disabled:
   • Equation Options dialog
     • "Automatically convert expressions to professional format" unchecked
   • Math AutoCorrect tab on AutoCorrect dialog
     • "Use Math AutoCorrect rules outside of math regions" unchecked
     • "Replace text as you type" unchecked
2. Create Display Math equation (Alt+=) on empty line
3. Enter A\cup B
4. Convert to professional
5. Note successful conversion
6. Create Inline Math equation at the end of some text (on the same line)
7. Enter A\cup B
8. Attempt to convert to professional format using any available method
9. Note that all attempts fail

Suggested Fix

1. Standardize space handling between Display and Inline Math
2. Ensure professional format conversion works independently of AutoCorrect settings
3. Consider adding screen reader notifications for successful/unsuccessful conversions

[MaryStores]

This issue has been verified using:

• JAWS Professional Version 2025.2410.106
• • NVDA version 2024 (2024.4.0.34423)
• • Word for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2402 Build 16.0.17328.20550)
• • Windows 11Enterprise, version 22H2, OS build22621.4317