Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated July 19, 2024)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
The Word spell-check program allows you to create a number of custom dictionaries for your use. At some time, you may want to copy the custom dictionaries, either for a personal backup or to transfer to a different computer.
The default custom dictionary used by Word is Custom.dic. However, custom dictionaries can be saved under any number of different names. To be safest, you will want to use Find File, in Windows, to look for any file with the DIC file name extension. You can then copy these files to a flash drive or any storage media you prefer.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (13160) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Backing Up Your Custom Dictionaries.
Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2021 or Microsoft 365. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word Step by Step today!
Having a hard time doing a spell check on just the portion of the document you've selected? This is apparently due to a ...
Discover MoreSpell check a document, and Word normally checks several different dictionaries. Here's how to limit the dictionary ...
Discover MoreWhen you perform a spelling check, Word typically checks everything in your document. If you want to limit what is ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments