How to Assign a Keyboard Shortcut to Spell Check in Word
Question details
The user wants to set up a custom keyboard shortcut for the manual spelling and grammar check in Word but cannot find the command by its familiar name in the Customize Keyboard dialog.
- Product
- Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing keyboard shortcuts to streamline proofreading and document editing workflows.
- Observed behavior
- The Spelling and Grammar command does not appear under its expected menu name in the customization dialog, making it difficult to map a new shortcut.
Before modifying your settings, note that the default keyboard shortcut for the manual spelling and grammar check is F7 (or Fn+F7 on some laptops). Check if this built-in shortcut already meets your needs.
Assign a Shortcut to the ToolsProofing Command
Use the Customize Keyboard dialog to locate the legacy internal name for the spell-check feature and bind your preferred keystroke to it.
In the Customize Keyboard dialog, commands are often listed by their complete internal names rather than their display labels. The Spelling and Grammar command is stored under the legacy name 'ToolsProofing', referencing the old Tools menu from Word 2003 and earlier.
Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon, and click the 'Customize...' button next to Keyboard shortcuts.
In the Categories list on the left, scroll down and select 'All Commands'. Then, scroll through the Commands list on the right and select 'ToolsProofing'.
Place your text cursor inside the 'Press new shortcut key' box and press the specific key combination you want to use for spell checking.
Check the 'Currently assigned to' field to ensure you are not overwriting a shortcut you rely on, then click the 'Assign' button to confirm.
Easily Check Spelling and Customize Shortcuts in WPS Writer
WPS Writer provides an intuitive and modern interface for document proofing. You can easily manage spell checks and customize your keyboard shortcuts to match your personal workflow without hunting for legacy command names.
- 1. Open Settings: Launch WPS Writer, click on the Menu in the top-left corner, and select Options.
- 2. Access Keyboard Customization: Navigate to the Customize Ribbon section and click on Keyboard Shortcuts to open the customization dialog.
- 3. Assign Spell Check Shortcut: Find the Spell Check command, enter your preferred key combination in the designated shortcut box, and click Assign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the default shortcut for Spell Check in Word?
The default keyboard shortcut for the manual Spelling and Grammar check is F7. Depending on your computer's keyboard configuration, you may need to press Fn+F7.
Why is the spell check command named ToolsProofing?
In the 'All Commands' list, commands use their complete internal names to uniquely identify them. 'ToolsProofing' refers to the legacy Tools menu from Word 2003 and earlier versions, where the proofing tools were originally housed.
How can I find out what an existing keyboard shortcut does?
Open the Customize Keyboard dialog, click inside the 'Press new shortcut key' text box, and press the shortcut in question. The dialog will display the name of the command it triggers in the 'Currently assigned to' field.
