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How to Use Custom AutoCorrect Files in Word Online and Desktop
Question details
The user wants to use and retain their custom AutoCorrect entries across Word for the web and desktop versions.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Migrating or setting up custom AutoCorrect files (.acl and Normal.dotm) across different Microsoft Office environments.
- Observed behavior
- Word for the web does not support custom MSO1033.acl AutoCorrect files. Users must rely on Microsoft 365 Personal or Family desktop applications to retain and manage custom formatted and unformatted AutoCorrect entries.
Before migrating or modifying your AutoCorrect settings, locate and create a secure backup copy of your current Normal.dotm template and .acl (AutoCorrect List) files to prevent accidental data loss.
Manage and Migrate AutoCorrect Entries in Word Desktop
Since Word for the web does not support custom AutoCorrect files, use the desktop version of Microsoft 365 to manage and back up these entries.
Unformatted AutoCorrect entries are stored in language-specific .acl files (such as MSO1033.acl for US English), while formatted entries are stored in the Normal.dotm global template. Because Word Online operates in the cloud without access to local application data, it cannot read these local configuration files.
Launch your Microsoft Word desktop app. Go to File > Options > Proofing, and click on the 'AutoCorrect Options' button to view your current list.
In the AutoCorrect tab, type the abbreviation you want to replace in the 'Replace' box, and the full text in the 'With' box, then click 'Add'.
Press the Windows key + R, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Office, and press Enter. Copy your .acl files (like MSO1033.acl) to a secure backup folder.
Press the Windows key + R, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates, and press Enter. Copy the Normal.dotm file to your backup location to preserve your formatted AutoCorrect entries.
Try WPS Office for a Seamless Word Processing Experience
If you find the feature limitations of Word for the Web restrictive, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a robust, fully featured desktop client for free, ensuring you have complete access to advanced editing, proofing, and customization features locally without needing a premium subscription.
- 1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your operating system.
- 2. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing Word documents. Your .docx formatting will remain perfectly intact.
- 3. Configure Proofing Settings: Access the local settings menu in WPS Writer to customize your spell check and auto-text preferences directly on your desktop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are my custom AutoCorrect entries saved in Microsoft Word?
Unformatted text entries are saved in a language-specific AutoCorrect file (e.g., MSO1033.acl for US English) located in the user's AppData/Microsoft/Office folder. Formatted entries are saved within the Normal.dotm template file located in the Templates folder.
Can I sync my desktop AutoCorrect entries to Word Online?
No, Word for the web does not currently support custom AutoCorrect files or importing desktop .acl files. It relies solely on a standardized online proofing engine.
How do I back up my AutoCorrect files before reinstalling Office?
Press Win + R, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Office, and copy all .acl files to a flash drive or cloud drive. Next, type %appdata%\Microsoft\Templates and copy the Normal.dotm file to the same backup location.
Why are my AutoCorrect entries missing after upgrading Microsoft Office?
During significant upgrades or user profile changes, the software's connection to your custom .acl or Normal.dotm files might be reset. You can resolve this by replacing the newly generated files with your backed-up files in the AppData directory while Word is closed.
