This chapter describes how to import custom dictionaries and AutoText entries from Microsoft Office to OpenOffice.org. The author knows no easy way of importing Microsoft Office AutoCorrect entries into OpenOffice.org.

Custom dictionaries
Dictionaries are used when checking any document for spelling errors. Custom dictionaries are enhanced dictionaries that contain words applicable to particular industries or pursuits, unique words, or custom spellings.

OpenOffice.org does not provide a way to import Microsoft Office’s custom dictionaries. However, a macro has been developed to import Office’s custom dictionaries into OpenOffice.org. A link to download the file is at http://ooomacros.org/user.php#114694. To import Microsoft Office’s custom dictionaries, follow the steps below. (Details are given in the following sections.)
1) Create a new dictionary in OpenOffice.org (optional).
2) Download the file that contains the macro.
3) In Microsoft Word, locate where the custom dictionaries are stored.
4) Import the dictionary into OpenOffice.org.

Create a new dictionary in OpenOffice.org
This step is optional. You can add the words to an existing custom dictionary in OOo.
1) Tools > Options > Language Settings > Writing Aids > New.
2) New Dictionary dialog (Figure 1): Give the dictionary a name.

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