Check and correct spelling

Last updated on Oct 25, 2026

Learn how to check spelling, correct misspelled words, and manage your custom dictionary in Adobe Illustrator.

Illustrator provides two ways to check spelling:

Both methods use language dictionaries to identify spelling errors. Assign languages to text and set hyphenation and line breaks before running a spell check.

Note

Auto spell check isn't available for text with effects applied.

Check spelling manually

Use Check Spelling to review spelling errors one at a time.

Do one of the following:

When Illustrator identifies a misspelled word, choose one of the available suggestions in the Check Spelling dialog box, and then select Done.

Use Auto Spell Check to identify misspelled words as you type.

Select Edit > Spelling > Auto Spell Check, or right-click the text and select Spelling > Auto Spell Check.

Continue typing. Illustrator underlines potential spelling errors with a red line.

In the Check Spelling dialog box, review the highlighted word and the suggestions.

Select a Suggestions word from the list or type the correct spelling in the text field at the top of the dialog box.

Choose one of the following:

Select Done.

Tip

Select Options in the Check Spelling dialog box to customize spell-check rules and behavior.

Right-click any word with a red underline.

Do one of the following:

Manage words you've added to your custom dictionary.

Select Edit > Edit Custom Dictionary.

Perform any of the following actions:

Select Done.

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