How to Fix the No Dictionaries Found Error in Adobe Acrobat on Mac
Question details
The user is unable to use the spelling feature in Adobe Acrobat because of a missing dictionaries error.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat DC
- Device & OS
- macOS 10.13.6
- Scenario
- Using the spell-check feature in Acrobat DC after an older version of Acrobat was removed.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat displays a 'No spelling dictionaries were found' error message because the required dictionary files are missing from the support folder.
Ensure you have administrative privileges on your Mac, as fixing this error requires accessing the hidden Library folder or running a system-level cleaner tool to reinstall the application.
Restore Dictionary Files to the Acrobat Linguistics Folder
Copying the missing dictionary files from a working Acrobat installation can quickly resolve the error without requiring a full software reinstallation.
When an older version of Acrobat is removed, the uninstaller may inadvertently delete shared linguistics files. Restoring these files manually points Acrobat back to the correct spelling libraries.
Find another Mac running the exact same version of Adobe Acrobat DC where the spelling check feature is functioning correctly.
On the working Mac, open Finder and navigate to Library > Application Support > Adobe > Acrobat > DC > Linguistics. Copy all the dictionary files inside this folder to a USB drive or transfer them via network.
On your Mac experiencing the error, open Finder, click 'Go' in the top menu, hold the 'Option' key to reveal the hidden 'Library' option, and navigate to Library > Application Support > Adobe > Acrobat > DC > Linguistics.
Paste the dictionary files you copied earlier into this Linguistics folder.
Quit Adobe Acrobat if it is currently open, relaunch the application, and run a spelling check on a PDF to confirm the error is resolved.
Use the Adobe Cleaner Tool and Reinstall Acrobat
If restoring the dictionary files manually fails or you do not have access to another working installation, a clean reinstallation using Adobe's official cleaner tool is the most reliable fix.
Edit and Spell-Check PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
Instead of spending time troubleshooting complex software directory errors, try WPS Office. It includes a powerful, built-in PDF editor that allows you to easily edit text, check spelling, and manage PDF documents without missing dictionary errors.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office on your Mac and drag your PDF document into the main workspace to open it.
- 2. Access the Edit Tab: Click on the 'Edit' tab located in the top ribbon menu to enter the comprehensive PDF editing mode.
- 3. Edit Text and Check Spelling: Click on 'Edit Text' to modify the content directly. The software will automatically highlight potential spelling errors as you type, allowing for quick and hassle-free corrections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Adobe Acrobat lose its spelling dictionaries?
This typically occurs when an older version of Acrobat is uninstalled or updated. The uninstaller might accidentally remove shared dictionary files located in the central Adobe Application Support folder on macOS.
Where are the Acrobat dictionary files located on a Mac?
The spelling dictionaries for Acrobat DC are stored in the user or system library directory, specifically at Library/Application Support/Adobe/Acrobat/DC/Linguistics.
Can I use the macOS built-in spell checker in Adobe Acrobat?
No, Adobe Acrobat relies on its own proprietary linguistic dictionaries for spell-checking. This is why missing files in its specific Adobe support folder cause the feature to break completely.
Will using the Adobe Cleaner Tool delete my saved PDF files?
No, running the Adobe Cleaner Tool and reinstalling Acrobat will only remove the application files and corrupted settings. Your personal PDF documents saved on your Mac will remain untouched.
