Proofing in Excel

Have you ever wondered how Excel corrects your spelling and sometimes even fixes typing errors on its own? For example, a typing error like ‘konw’ will automatically become ‘know’ (feel free to try this example in your Excel sheet).

This autocorrection happens because Excel is linked to a dictionary, which you can find under the Proofing section of the Excel options:

1. Go to “File” > “Options.”

2. Select “Proofing.”

3. Under “Custom Dictionaries,” you will see a checkmark next to the default English Dictionary.

Additionally, you may have observed that some words do not change automatically. This occurs because the default dictionary sometimes fails to recognize certain terms. However, when you check the spellings in the Excel sheet (by the way the shortcut of doing that is F7), you will notice an option called “Add to dictionary.” When you use this option, the word is automatically added to the custom dictionary rather than the default one.

This integration of a dictionary in Excel ensures that your documents maintain correct spelling and grammar, improving overall document quality and readability.

Now, you might be wondering about the practical benefits of this feature. Well, it’s nothing short of magic because you can add and CUSTOMIZE a wide range of entries in this Custom Dictionary. For example, I’ve added ‘Kp’ to automatically replace it with ‘Karishma Popli.’ Now, I no longer need to type my lengthy name every time; I simply type ‘kp,’ and I’m good to go.

Here’s how you can do it:

1. Go to “File” > “Options.”

2. Select “Proofing.”

3. Choose “AutoCorrect Options…”

4. A dialog box will open where you can specify what you want to replace and with what. You can refer to the screenshot for an example.

This functionality allows you to add not just your name initials but anything you frequently type. Furthermore, it’s not limited to Excel; you can use this feature in Word, Outlook, and other Microsoft products as well. For instance, in Outlook, if you frequently write “Hope you are doing great,” you can add this entire phrase to your custom dictionary for added convenience.

By leveraging these customization options, you can streamline your work and make your interactions with Microsoft applications more efficient and tailored to your needs.