MacDebug

Verified for macOS Tahoe 26.2

title: How to Fix Freeform Text Duplication Bug in macOS Tahoe 26.2

description: Fix the annoying glitch in macOS Tahoe 26.2 where Freeform duplicates text or paragraphs when adding a period or slash.

category: System

How to Fix Freeform Text Duplication Bug in macOS Tahoe 26.2

Users on macOS Tahoe 26.2 have reported a frustrating bug in the Freeform app where text suddenly duplicates. This typically happens when typing a period (.) or a slash (/), causing the entire sentence or paragraph to repeat itself in the text box.

While Apple is expected to fix this in a future update, you can resolve it using the following methods.

Recommended Troubleshooting Tool

Before proceeding with manual fixes, we recommend using CleanMyMac X. Quickly identify high CPU apps and optimize system memory with one click.

- [Download CleanMyMac X Free Here](#)

- [Browse 240+ Premium Mac Utilities on Setapp](#)

Method 1: Reset Freeform Container

The duplication issue is often caused by a corrupted cache or state in the Freeform container.

  1. Close Freeform.
  2. Open Terminal (Command + Space, type "Terminal").
  3. Run the following command to clear the Freeform container:
rm -rf ~/Library/Containers/com.apple.freeform
  1. Restart your Mac.

Method 2: Disable Smart Punctuation

Since the bug is triggered by periods and slashes, disabling smart punctuation can sometimes prevent the glitch.

  1. Go to System Settings > Keyboard.
  2. Click Edit next to Input Sources.
  3. Toggle off "Use smart quotes and dashes".
  4. Test Freeform to see if the duplication continues.

Method 3: Check iCloud Sync

If Freeform is struggling to sync a specific board, the "collision" of local and cloud data can result in duplicated text blocks.

  1. Go to System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
  2. Click Show All.
  3. Toggle Freeform OFF.
  4. Choose "Delete from Mac" (your data remains in iCloud).
  5. Toggle it back ON.

Method 4: Update to Tahoe 26.3 or 26.4 Beta

Apple has addressed several stability issues in newer builds. If you are on 26.2, check for updates:

  1. Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.
  2. Install any available version (like 26.3).