Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Backing Up Your Custom Dictionaries.
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.
The First and Last Word on Word! Bestselling For Dummies author Dan Gookin puts his usual fun and friendly candor back to work to show you how to navigate Word 2019. Spend more time working and less time trying to figure it all out! Check out Word 2019 For Dummies today!
Want to add words easily to the spelling exclusion list? Here's a macro that can make the task completely painless.
Discover MoreThings that are accomplished easily with a single document (such as resetting spelling and grammar checking settings) can ...
Discover MoreHaving a hard time doing a spell check on just the portion of the document you've selected? This is apparently due to a ...
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 © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: 
Comments