# Changing the Case of Text

/text/swriter/guide/text_capital.xhp
characters; uppercase or lowercase
text; uppercase or lowercase
lowercase letters; text
uppercase; formatting text
capital letters;changing to small letters
changing;cases of text
initial capitals in titles
small capitals (guide)
MW added "small capitals"
Changing the Case of Text
You can change the case of text, format text with small capitals, or capitalize the first letter of each word in a selection.
When you apply a formatting to your text by Format - Character, the text stays the same, it is only displayed in another way. On the other hand, when you choose Format - Change Case, the text is permanently changed.
To Capitalize Text
- Select the text that you want to capitalize.
- Do one of the following:
  Choose Format - Change Case - Uppercase.
  Choose Format - Character, click the Font Effects tab, then select the type of capitalization in the Effects box. "Capitals" capitalizes all letters. "Title" capitalizes the first letter of each word. "Small capitals" capitalizes all letters, but in a reduced font size.
To Change Text to Lowercase
- Select the text that you want to change to lowercase.
- Do one of the following:
  Choose Format - Change Case - Lowercase.
  Choose Format - Character, click the Font Effects tab, then select "Lowercase" in the Effects box.