A custom dictionary is a list of words, each on its own line in a document with the ".dic" extension. Custom dictionaries are helpful to eliminate spell check errors for names and abbreviations, etc. that you use often (e.g., UCD). By selecting (activating) certain dictionaries for a letter or paper you can use a custom dictionary to allow words that you might want to use in that document or abbreviations and terms that you would use in technical writing. With Word 2003, you can use as many as ten custom dictionaries simultaneously. When you create a new dictionary, Word automatically activates it, so it is available during any spell check. When you decide that you no longer want to use a particular custom dictionary, you will need to deactivate it.
To create a custom dictionary, do the following:
1. Select the Tools menu
2. Click the Options item
3. Select the Spelling and Grammar tab
4. Click the Custom Dictionaries button
5. Click the Add button to open the Create custom dictionary dialog box.
6. Enter a file name for the new custom dictionary.
7. Click Save. The file name you entered now appears in the Custom dictionary list (with a checkmark to indicate that it is active).
You have now created a new custom dictionary. There are two ways to add words to your custom dictionary.
If you have a list of words you know you want to add to a dictionary -
1. If you have closed your list of dictionaries follow steps 1 through 4 to open your list of custom dictionaries.
2. Highlight the dictionary name you choose and click Modify.
3. In the window that appears, type each word you want to add to the dictionary by entering in the box at the top of the window (one word per line) and hitting the enter key (or clicking the Add button).
4. When you are finished, click the OK buttons (3 times) to save your updated custom dictionary.
Or you can add a word to a custom dictionary during a spell check:
- To select the custom dictionary you want to add words to,
- click Options,
- and then click Custom Dictionaries.
- Select the check box next to the dictionary in the Dictionary list box,
- and then click the OK button twice.
Note If you don't see your custom dictionary in the list, you need to cancel the spellcheck, then open the list of custom dictionaries as before and select the check box next to the dictionary to activate it.
To deactivate a dictionary, open the list of custom dictionaries as before and uncheck the check box next to the dictionary name.
Last updated: 6/16/08