Office for Mac Issues

How to Create a Second Custom Dictionary in Word for Mac

Steve K Oct 10, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to create a new custom dictionary in Word for Mac because the application reports that the existing dictionary is full.

How to Create a Second Custom Dictionary in Word for Mac

Product: Microsoft Word for Mac
Device & OS: Mac
Scenario: Adding new custom words to the dictionary while typing or editing documents.
Observed behavior: Word for Mac reports that the custom dictionary is full, and standard Windows instructions (Tools > Options) do not apply to the Mac interface.

Before you start

Before modifying your dictionary settings, ensure you save any open documents and take note of your exact Microsoft Word for Mac version.

Solution 1Recommended

Add a New Custom Dictionary via Word Preferences

Use the built-in Mac Preferences menu to locate your dictionary files, remove any unnecessary ones, and add a new dictionary to bypass the size limit.

Microsoft Word limits the number of words a single custom dictionary can hold. When you hit this limit, the easiest solution is to create a secondary dictionary file.

Since the Mac interface differs significantly from Windows, you must access these settings through the application menu rather than the Tools menu.

Open Word Preferences

Click on 'Word' in the top Apple menu bar (next to the Apple logo) and select 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu.

Navigate to Spelling & Grammar

In the Word Preferences window, locate and click on 'Spelling & Grammar' under the Authoring and Proofing Tools section.

Open Dictionaries Settings

Click the 'Dictionaries...' button to open the Custom Dictionaries dialog box.

Manage Dictionary Files

Look at the list of dictionaries (often stored in the Group Containers/UBF8T346G.Office folder). Select any damaged or unused dictionaries and click 'Remove'. Then, click 'New' to create a second custom dictionary and make sure it is checked so Word actively uses it.

Add a New Custom Dictionary via Word Preferences

Check Your Word Version: If you continue to experience errors after adding a new dictionary, check your exact Word version by clicking 'Word > About Microsoft Word' for further troubleshooting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Word for Mac say my custom dictionary is full?

Microsoft Word enforces a maximum file size and word count limit for individual custom dictionary files. Once you reach this cap by saving too many new words, Word will prompt you that the dictionary is full. Creating a second custom dictionary allows you to continue saving new terms.

Where is the default custom dictionary stored on a Mac?

In modern versions of Microsoft Office for Mac, custom dictionaries are typically stored in the hidden User Library folder. The specific path usually includes the 'Group Containers/UBF8T346G.Office' directory.

Can I transfer my Windows custom dictionary to Word for Mac?

Yes, custom dictionaries in Word are saved as standard text files with a .dic extension. You can locate the custom.dic file on your Windows PC, copy it to your Mac via a USB drive or cloud storage, and then use the 'Add' button in Word for Mac's Dictionary preferences to import it.

How do I edit or delete words from my custom dictionary on Mac?

Go to Word > Preferences > Spelling & Grammar > Dictionaries. Select your custom dictionary from the list and click 'Edit'. This will open the dictionary file as a text document where you can manually delete or modify incorrect words. Save the text file and restart Word for the changes to take effect.

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