Google Docs has a built-in spell checker that allows you to easily check the spelling in your documents. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to use this feature effectively.
Enable the Spell Checker
The spell checker is enabled by default in Google Docs. However, if you have disabled it, here are the steps to turn it back on:
- Open the Google Docs document
- Click on Tools > Spelling and grammar
- Check the box next to Show spelling suggestions and/or Show grammar suggestions
Once enabled, Google Docs will underline potentially misspelled words with a red squiggly line and grammar issues with a blue squiggly line.
Use Automatic Spell Check
Google Docs checks the spelling automatically as you type. When it detects a potentially misspelled word, it underlines it red.
You have two options to correct the word:
- Right-click on the word and select the appropriate suggestion from the dropdown menu
- Ignore the suggestion by clicking Ignore next to the word
This way, you can correct spellings on-the-fly without having to run a manual spell check on the entire document.
Run a Manual Spell Check
To run a manual spell check on your Google Docs document:
- Click on Tools > Spelling and grammar > Spelling and grammar check
- The spell checker will go through your document flagging errors/issues
- Choose whether to Change or Ignore each suggestion
- Click Done once the spell check is complete
Running a manual spell check ensures no spelling or grammar errors slip through the cracks.
Add Words to Your Personal Dictionary
When Google Docs marks a word as misspelled that you spelled correctly, you can add it to your personal dictionary so that it does not flag it again in the future.
To do this:
- Right-click on the underlined word
- Select Add to dictionary
You can also add words directly to the dictionary without having to flag them first:
- Go to Tools > Spelling and grammar > Personal dictionary
- Enter the word and click Add
Building up your personal dictionary improves the accuracy of the spell checker.
Change the Spell Check Language
By default, Google Docs spell check works based on the default language set in your Google account preferences. To change it:
- Go to File > Language
- Select the desired language from the dropdown menu
This ensures you get an accurate spell check based on the language you are writing in.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Google Docs offers some handy keyboard shortcuts to quickly access the spelling and grammar tools:
- Ctrl + Alt + X – Show spelling and grammar suggestions
- F7 – Run spelling and grammar check
- Ctrl + . – Show spelling suggestions (if turned off)
Spell Check on Mobile
The Google Docs mobile app also includes spelling and grammar checks:
On Android:
- Tap the pencil icon
- Tap the 3-dot menu icon and select Spellcheck
- Review and choose suggestions
On iOS:
Unfortunately, iOS does not currently support spell check and grammar check. You will need to use the web version instead.
Troubleshooting Tips
Here are some things to try if you are facing issues with spell check in Google Docs:
- Refresh the browser
- Check if spell check is enabled in your Google Docs settings
- Try a different browser
- Clear cache and cookies
- Make sure you have no Google Docs add-ons enabled
- Update your browser/OS to the latest version
And that’s everything you need to know about effectively using spell check in Google Docs! Let the tool work its magic so you can focus on writing amazing content.
