How to Add SpellCheck to Firefox

Earlier versions of Firefox don’t have the ability to check the spelling of words that you’ve entered into Web page data fields. If you want to add spellcheck to Firefox, you have to find an extension that gives the browser software that capability.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer

1. Go to the source. SpellBound maintains a site that has useful extensions for the Firefox source code. See the Resources section for a link to the site.
2. Click Installation. If you find SpellBound through the home page, click on "Installation." The site should check your current version of Firefox as well as its specific build.
3. Choose your operating system. On the Installation page, use the pull down menu to pick your operating system. Currently, SpellBound supports Windows, Mac OS and Linux variants.
4. Tap the "Install" button. Depending on your version of Firefox and your computer, you may get a nice warning that Firefox prevented the SpellBound site from installing the extension.
5. Allow the installation. Click the "Edit Options" button in the security warning area. Click the "Allow" button to give the SpellBound site permission to add the extension to your version of Firefox.
6. Refresh your browser page. Go back to the Installation page and click "Install."
7. Let the installation complete. Wait until the installer tells you to restart your browser before shutting down any open programs.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have installed Firefox 2+, you don’t need to add a spellchecking extension to check the spelling in Web form fields. The newer software has this feature. Just right click in the field and select "Spell Check This Field."
• You’ll need to go to Firefox’s View tab, pull down to "Toolbars" and then click on "Customize" to create a shortcut icon to the spellchecker once the installation is complete.
• Make sure that you install the right dictionary with your spellchecker, otherwise SpellBound will not work properly. The dictionaries can be found at the Mozilla home site.