Word Import and Export Custom: A Complete Guide

This article answers the question: “Word import and export custom?” In short, Microsoft Word does not have a built-in feature to import or export custom dictionaries, styles, or settings directly. However, you can manually transfer these customizations by copying specific files and registry entries, and you can use Word’s built-in options to import and export custom dictionaries, styles, and building blocks.

Formula

The calculator above computes your average pace and speed for a run or ride. The formula is simple: pace equals time divided by distance, and speed equals distance divided by time. In symbols:

pace (min/km) = t / d

speed (km/h) = d / (t / 60)

Where:

• t = finish time in minutes
• d = distance in kilometers

Worked Example

Using the default values: t = 50 minutes, d = 10 km.

1. pace = 50 / 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. speed = 10 / (50 / 60) = 10 / 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

So the average pace is 5 minutes per kilometer, and the average speed is 12 km/h.

What Does “Word Import and Export Custom” Mean?

When users search for “Word import and export custom,” they usually want to move their personalized Word settings—like custom dictionaries, styles, autocorrect entries, or keyboard shortcuts—to another computer or share them with a colleague. Microsoft Word does not offer a single “Export All Customizations” button. Instead, you must locate the relevant files and folders manually. This guide explains what can be exported, what cannot, and how to do it safely.

What Can Be Exported and Imported in Word?

Word allows you to export and import several types of custom content:

• Custom dictionaries – .dic files that contain your added words.
• Styles – you can copy styles from one document to another using the Organizer.
• Building blocks – reusable pieces like headers, footers, and cover pages stored in the Building Blocks template.
• AutoText – a type of building block.
• Macros – stored in templates or the Normal.dotm file.
• Keyboard shortcuts – stored in the Normal.dotm template.

However, some settings like the ribbon layout, recent files list, and trust center settings are stored in the Windows registry and are not meant to be exported directly.

How to Export Custom Dictionaries

Custom dictionaries are plain text files with a .dic extension. To export them:

1. Close Word.
2. Open File Explorer and navigate to %APPDATA%\Microsoft\UProof (on Windows) or ~/Library/Preferences/Microsoft (on Mac).
3. Look for files like Custom.dic or any file with a .dic extension.
4. Copy those files to a USB drive or cloud storage.
5. On the new computer, paste them into the same folder, overwriting the existing files if needed.

If you want to import a dictionary from a colleague, simply copy the .dic file into the same UProof folder. Word will recognize it after restart.

How to Transfer Styles and Building Blocks

Styles and building blocks can be moved using the Organizer, a built-in tool in Word.

To export styles:

1. Open the document that contains the styles you want to export.
2. Go to the Home tab, click the dialog launcher in the Styles group, then click Manage Styles.
3. Click Import/Export to open the Organizer.
4. On the left, select the styles you want to copy, then click Copy to move them to the right side (which shows the target template or document).
5. Save the target file (like Normal.dotm) to make the styles available globally.

To export building blocks:

1. Go to Insert > Quick Parts > Building Blocks Organizer.
2. Click Import to bring in a building blocks file, or use the Export button (in some versions) to save a copy.
3. If you don’t see an Export button, you can copy the Building Blocks.dotx file from %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Document Building Blocks.

How to Transfer Macros and Keyboard Shortcuts

Macros and keyboard shortcuts are stored in the Normal.dotm template (or a global template). To move them:

1. Locate the Normal.dotm file at %APPDATA%\Microsoft\Templates (Windows) or ~/Library/Group Containers/UBF8T346G9.Office/User Content/Templates (Mac).
2. Copy the entire Normal.dotm file to the new computer, replacing the existing one.
3. Alternatively, open the Visual Basic for Applications editor (Alt+F11) and export each macro module as a .bas file, then import them on the other machine.

Be careful: replacing Normal.dotm will overwrite any existing customizations on the target machine. It’s wise to back up the existing file first.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Many users expect a single “Export Settings” button, but Word doesn’t have one. Here are common pitfalls:

• Misconception: “Word can sync settings across computers.” Word does not have a built-in sync feature for all settings. You must manually copy files.
• Problem: Custom dictionaries not appearing after copying. This happens when the .dic file is placed in the wrong folder or Word is still running. Always close Word before copying.
• Problem: Styles not showing up after import. Styles are often stored in the document, not in Normal.dotm. Use the Organizer to copy them to the correct template.
• Problem: Macros are blocked on the new computer due to security settings. You may need to unblock the file (right-click > Properties > Unblock) or adjust macro settings in Trust Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I export my entire Word configuration (ribbon, quick access toolbar, etc.)?

No, Word does not provide a direct way to export the ribbon or Quick Access Toolbar customization. These are stored in the Windows registry. You can manually export the registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Word (the version number may differ) using Regedit, but this is risky and not recommended for most users. A safer approach is to recreate the customizations manually on the new computer.

Where are custom dictionaries stored in Word?

On Windows, custom dictionaries are stored in %APPDATA%\Microsoft\UProof. On Mac, they are in ~/Library/Preferences/Microsoft. The default file is named Custom.dic.

How do I import a custom dictionary from a colleague?

Copy the .dic file from your colleague into your UProof folder (Windows) or the Preferences folder (Mac). Then restart Word. Go to File > Options > Proofing > Custom Dictionaries to verify it’s active.

Can I transfer my styles to another computer?

Yes. Use the Organizer (Home > Styles > Manage Styles > Import/Export) to copy styles from a document to your Normal.dotm template, then copy that template to the new computer. Alternatively, save the document as a template (.dotx) and use the Organizer on the new machine.

Is it safe to copy Normal.dotm?

Yes, but only if you back up the existing Normal.dotm on the target computer first. Replacing it will overwrite all existing macros, styles, and keyboard shortcuts on that machine. Always keep a backup.

Why don’t my macros work after transferring them?

Macros may be blocked by security settings. Check File > Options > Trust Center > Macro Settings. Also, if the file was downloaded from the internet, right-click the file and choose “Unblock” in Properties. Digital signatures may also be required.

Alternatives to Manual Export/Import

If manual file copying seems tedious, consider these alternatives:

• Use a cloud service – store your Normal.dotm and .dic files in OneDrive or another cloud folder and sync them across devices. This works if you always work on the same machine.
• Use the Microsoft 365 roaming settings – some settings (like the most recent files list and some user preferences) roam with your Microsoft account, but not all customizations do.
• Use a third-party tool – some software claims to export Word settings, but be cautious and only use trusted sources.

Final Thoughts

Exporting and importing custom Word settings is possible but requires a bit of manual work. The key is to know which files hold your customizations: .dic for dictionaries, Normal.dotm for macros and shortcuts, and the Organizer for styles and building blocks. Always back up existing files before overwriting. With these steps, you can successfully move your Word customizations to another computer.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2