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Office for Mac Issues

How to Use Word for Mac Custom Dictionaries in Word for iPad

Elise WilliamsElise Williams Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to import or synchronize large custom dictionary files created in Word for Mac into the Word application on an iPad.

Syncing Word for Mac Custom Dictionaries to Word for iPad
Product
Microsoft Word
Device & OS
Mac, iPad (iOS)
Scenario
Attempting to use a pre-existing custom spelling dictionary from a Mac on an iPad for consistent spell-checking.
Observed behavior
Word for iOS does not allow the importation or synchronization of custom dictionary files from Word for Mac, leaving custom words marked as misspelled.
Before you start

Ensure your iPad is updated to the latest version of iOS and that you have the most recent version of Microsoft Word installed to access all available spelling and feedback features.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Built-in iOS Spell Checking and Submit Feedback

Since direct import is unsupported, rely on the iPad's native dictionary feature to learn new words as you type.

Currently, Microsoft Word for iOS does not have the capability to import or synchronize custom .dic files from Word for Mac. Instead, the application relies entirely on the iPad's built-in Apple dictionary for spell-checking.

1
Add words to the iOS dictionary manually

When typing in Word for iPad, tap on a word marked as misspelled by the red squiggly line, and select 'Learn Spelling' from the pop-up menu to add it to your iPad's local dictionary.

2
Use iOS Text Replacement

Go to your iPad's Settings > General > Keyboard > Text Replacement to manually create shortcuts for complex custom words you use frequently.

3
Submit feature feedback to Microsoft

Open Word on your iPad, tap your profile icon or the Settings gear, select 'Help & Feedback', and choose 'Tell Us What Can Be Better' to request custom dictionary synchronization.

Use Built-in iOS Spell Checking and Submit Feedback
Device-Specific Learning: Words added via 'Learn Spelling' are saved to your iPad's local dictionary and will apply to all apps on that device, not just Microsoft Word.
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  1. 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the App Store on your iPad and the Mac App Store to download WPS Office for free.
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Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, just like with the Mac version, Word for iOS does not support importing custom dictionary files from Word for Windows. It relies exclusively on the iPad's native iOS dictionary.

How do I remove a word I accidentally added to my iPad dictionary?

To reset your iPad's custom dictionary words, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset, and tap 'Reset Keyboard Dictionary'. Note that this will erase all custom words you have saved on the device.

Does WPS Office support spell check on iPad?

Yes, WPS Office for iOS utilizes built-in spell-checking capabilities to ensure your documents are error-free while providing high compatibility with Microsoft Word files.