The Problem:
Adding words to a custom dictionary one by one is fine for casual use, but I've got a whole list of terms that I'd like to lump into a custom dictionary all at once. Isn't there a faster way?
The Solution:
Indeed there is. A dictionary file is just a text file saved with the .dic extension that contains a list of acceptable words, one to a line. You can create a new dictionary file using a text editor such as Notepad, WordPad, or Word itself. For example:
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Choose Start » All Programs » Accessories » Notepad. Notepad opens with a new text document.
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If you have an existing list of words for the dictionary, paste it in. Alternatively, type the list of words. Either way, make sure there's only one word to a line.
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Choose File » Save, and then navigate to the folder in which you want to save the dictionary file.
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In the File Name text box, type the name for the dictionary, including the .dic extension, inside a pair of double quotation marksfor example,
"Icelandic Monarchs.dic". Then click the Save button. -
Load the custom dictionary in Word.
Unstick the Spelling Checker
The Problem:
Every now and then, the spelling checker has trouble with a particular word and checks it repeatedly until I cancel the spelling check.
The Solution:
This normally happens only when you click the Change All button in the Spelling and Grammar dialog box, the queried word isn't in the main dictionary or a custom dictionary, and the document contains multiple instances of the word.
The easiest solution is to cancel the spelling check and use Replace (Edit » Replace) to replace all the instances of the offending word. Alternatively, if the word is correct, add it to the main dictionary or a custom dictionary.