How to Bulk Add Thousands of Words to a Microsoft Word Custom Dictionary
Question details
The user wants to add a very large list of custom words to the Microsoft Word spelling dictionary without having to enter them individually through the Word interface.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Importing a large list of correctly spelled industry-specific terms or names into the spelling checker so they are no longer flagged as misspelled.
- Observed behavior
- Entering words individually is too slow. If a spreadsheet list is pasted with incorrect delimiters, the text appears in the file but Word still marks the words as misspelled due to incorrect file formatting or line structure.
Ensure your large word list is prepared with strictly one word per line and stripped of any special characters, spaces, or commas. It is highly recommended to completely close Microsoft Word before editing the underlying dictionary file.
Edit the Custom Dictionary Text File Directly
Bypass the manual entry interface by locating the underlying plain-text dictionary file and pasting your entire list directly into it.
Microsoft Word custom dictionaries are simply plain-text files with a '.dic' extension. By opening this file in a basic text editor, you can paste thousands of words in seconds.
It is crucial that the file format remains plain text and adheres to a strict 'one word per line' structure with standard paragraph breaks.
In Microsoft Word, navigate to File > Options > Proofing, and click on 'Custom Dictionaries'. Select your dictionary (usually CUSTOM.DIC) and note the file path displayed.
Close Microsoft Word. Open Windows File Explorer, navigate to the noted file path, right-click the .dic file, and choose 'Open with > Notepad' or another plain-text editor.
Paste your large list of words into the file. Ensure there is absolutely no trailing punctuation and only one word occupies each line.
Save the file (File > Save) ensuring it remains a plain-text format. Close Notepad and reopen Microsoft Word to allow it to read the updated dictionary.
Prepare a Spreadsheet List for Plain Text Import
Use Notepad to clean up your spreadsheet data before moving it to the custom dictionary file.
Use WPS Writer to Easily Manage Custom Dictionaries
WPS Office provides an intuitive, lightweight word processor with robust proofing tools. It fully supports custom spelling dictionaries and seamlessly handles Microsoft Word file formats without compatibility issues.
- 1. Open Options: Launch WPS Writer, click the Menu button in the top left corner, and select 'Options'.
- 2. Navigate to Spell Check: In the Options dialog, click on 'Spell Check' from the left-hand navigation pane.
- 3. Manage Custom Dictionaries: Click the 'Custom Dictionaries' button to add, modify, or import your personal list of correctly spelled words.
- 4. Save Settings: Click 'OK' to save your new dictionary settings and continue editing your document with customized proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my bulk-added words still marked as misspelled in Word?
If your bulk-added words are still flagged, the dictionary file likely contains incorrect formatting. Word requires exactly one word per line. If the file contains commas, tabs, hidden spreadsheet delimiters, or is saved in a rich-text format instead of plain text, the spelling checker cannot read the entries.
Where is the default custom dictionary file located?
By default in Windows, the custom dictionary file (usually named CUSTOM.DIC) is typically located in the folder path: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\UProof. You may need to enable 'Show hidden files' in Windows Explorer to see the AppData folder.
Can I have multiple custom dictionaries active at once?
Yes. You can manage multiple dictionaries by going to File > Options > Proofing > Custom Dictionaries. From there, you can click 'New' to create separate dictionary files for different projects, subjects, or languages, and check the boxes to keep them all active simultaneously.
Does it matter if my custom dictionary list is in alphabetical order?
No, Microsoft Word does not require the words in the custom dictionary file to be alphabetized. As long as each word is correctly spelled and on its own separate line, the spelling checker will cross-reference it accurately.
