How to Change the Main Dictionary in Microsoft Word

The dictionary in Microsoft Word 2007 contains a large number of words, but there are many times when you need words specific to an industry that Word will flag as misspelled. Using a custom dictionary can solve this problem, and Word 2007 allows users to use multiple custom dictionaries. Creating your own dictionary requires simple tweaking of your Word options.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Word 2007

1. Click the Start Menu.

2. Click "All Programs."

3. Click "Microsoft Office 2007."

4. Click "Microsoft Office Word 2007."

5. Click the "Microsoft Office" button.

6. Click the "Word Options" button at the bottom of the menu.

7. Click "Proofing."

8. Click "Custom Dictionaries" under where it says, "When correcting spelling in Microsoft Office programs."

9. Click "New."

10. Name your new dictionary.

11. Click "Save."

12. Click "OK" until all of the boxes are closed. Word 2007 is now using your custom dictionary. You can add words to it by typing them in a Word document, right-clicking and choosing "add to dictionary."

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to use a different, pre-determined dictionary in Step 8, click "change default" and choose the desired dictionary from the list.

References

• "Microsoft Support: How to Add a Custom Dictionary in Word"