How to Use a Custom Word Dictionary on Another Mac
Question details
The user wants to configure a second Mac to recognize and use an existing Microsoft Word custom dictionary that is stored in a shared location.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Accessing and syncing a custom spelling dictionary across multiple Mac computers using a shared cloud folder like OneDrive.
- Observed behavior
- Needs the exact steps to add an external or shared dictionary file to Microsoft Word's spelling preferences on a new or secondary Mac.
Ensure that your custom dictionary file (.dic) is saved in a cloud storage folder (such as OneDrive or iCloud) that is actively syncing and fully accessible on your second Mac.
Add a Shared Custom Dictionary in Word for Mac
Follow these steps to link an existing custom dictionary file stored on a shared drive to Microsoft Word on your second Mac.
By keeping your custom dictionary in a synced cloud folder, any new words you add on one Mac will automatically be recognized on the other. Wait for the cloud drive to complete its initial sync before proceeding with these steps.
Launch Microsoft Word on your second Mac. Click on 'Word' in the top Apple menu bar and select 'Preferences'.
Under the 'Authoring and Proofing Tools' section, click on 'Spelling and Grammar'.
Click the 'Dictionaries...' button to open your list of dictionaries. Then, click 'Add' to open the Mac file browser.
Navigate to the synced folder (e.g., your OneDrive directory) where your custom dictionary (.dic) is stored. Select the file and click 'Open' or 'OK'.
Verify that the checkbox next to your newly added dictionary is ticked to enable it. Click 'OK' to save the changes, and fully quit and restart Word to apply the new spelling settings.
Experience a Faster Word Processor on Mac with WPS Office
If you are experiencing sync issues with Microsoft Word dictionaries or simply need a more streamlined word processor, WPS Office is an excellent free alternative. It offers full document compatibility, robust spell check features, and a highly responsive user interface optimized for Mac.
- 1. Download WPS Office for Mac: Visit the official WPS website and download the latest installation package for Mac.
- 2. Install the Software: Open the downloaded installer and drag the WPS Office icon to your Applications folder.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and open your existing Word documents. All your original text, formatting, and layouts will be perfectly preserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the default custom dictionary stored on a Mac?
By default, Microsoft Word for Mac stores its local custom dictionary deep in the library folder, specifically at `~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/Custom Dictionary`.
Can I share a custom Word dictionary between a Windows PC and a Mac?
Yes. Custom dictionaries are simple plain text files with a .dic extension. You can store this file in a cloud syncing service like OneDrive or Dropbox, and add it manually to the dictionary preferences in Word on both Windows and macOS.
Why is my custom dictionary grayed out when I try to add it?
The file might be saved in a read-only location or lacks the proper format. Ensure the dictionary file has read and write permissions on your current Mac and is formatted as a plain text file with a .dic extension.
