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How to Transfer AutoCorrect ACL Files to Microsoft Word 365
Question details
The user needs to migrate customized AutoCorrect entries and ACL files from an older version of Word to Microsoft Word 365.
- Product
- Microsoft Word 365
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Upgrading from an older version of Microsoft Word to Word 365 and transferring a large customized dictionary of AutoCorrect data.
- Observed behavior
- Users need a safe method to locate ACL files and migrate extensive AutoCorrect entries to the new Word 365 application without losing their previous configurations.
Ensure that Microsoft Word 365 is completely closed on your computer before attempting to locate, copy, or modify any Office configuration files.
Migrate AutoCorrect Entries using a Backup Utility
Use a specialized macro utility to safely extract and migrate custom AutoCorrect entries rather than directly overwriting the new system files.
For Windows desktop versions of Word, replacing the raw ACL file doesn't always merge correctly and can overwrite existing default entries. It is highly recommended to use a macro utility (like Jay Freedman's AutoCorrect tool) to backup and restore your customized shortcuts safely.
Please note that AutoCorrect files (ACL) are not supported by Word for the web, so this process only applies to the desktop application.
Press the Windows Key + R, type '%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Office', and press Enter. Look for the specific language file containing your entries, such as '1033.acl' for U.S. English.
Navigate to the Word MVP customization page (wordmvp.com/FAQs/Customization/AutoCorrect2007.htm) and download the provided AutoCorrect backup and restore macro template.
Open the downloaded utility document in your older version of Microsoft Word, enable macros, and run the backup command to generate a document containing all your custom entries.
Open the generated backup document using Microsoft Word 365 on your new setup, run the utility macro again, and select the option to restore the entries into your new environment.
Try WPS Office for a Hassle-Free Document Experience
If you are looking for a free, lightweight, and easy-to-use office suite that handles standard document formatting and customized spell-checking effortlessly, WPS Office is an excellent alternative to Microsoft Word 365.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the free installation package for Windows.
- 2. Access AutoCorrect Options: Open WPS Writer, navigate to Menu > Options, and select 'Spell Check' from the side panel.
- 3. Customize Your Entries: Click on 'AutoCorrect Options' to manually add, edit, or manage your frequently used text replacements without dealing with complex system files.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Word AutoCorrect files stored in Windows?
They are typically stored in the '%userprofile%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Office' directory. The file name usually corresponds to the language ID, such as '1033.acl' for U.S. English.
Can I use my custom ACL files on Word for the web?
No, Word for the web does not support custom ACL files. AutoCorrect features are only fully supported and customizable through the Windows desktop version of Word.
Will copying the ACL file directly overwrite my existing Word 365 AutoCorrect entries?
Yes, manually overwriting the '.acl' file will replace the current default entries in Word 365 rather than merging them. It is highly recommended to use a utility macro to backup and merge the entries to prevent any data loss.
