Spell check in iDesign works through the built-in proofreading tools in Microsoft 365, not as a standalone feature you turn on separately

iDesign is a design tool within Microsoft 365 that lets you create graphics, layouts, and visual content. Unlike Word or Outlook, iDesign does not have a dedicated spell-check button or menu option. Instead, spell checking happens automatically as you type text into your designs, and you catch errors the same way you would in any other 365 process — by looking for red underlines beneath words.

The spell checker in iDesign catches misspelled words, but it does not catch grammar issues or suggest rewording. It only flags words it does not recognize in its dictionary. If a word is spelled correctly but used in the wrong context, iDesign will not catch it.

Key Takeaways

  • iDesign shows spelling errors as red underlines under words as you type, the same way Word does.
  • Right-clicking a red-underlined word shows you suggested corrections and the option to add the word to your personal dictionary.
  • iDesign does not have a "Check Spelling" button like Word — you must catch errors by reading your text or using the right-click menu.
  • Words you add to your dictionary in iDesign will also appear in your dictionary across other 365 apps like Word and Outlook.

Finding and fixing spelling errors as you type

When you type text into an iDesign canvas, the spell checker runs in the background. Any word that does not match the 365 dictionary appears with a red wavy underline beneath it. This happens whether you are typing a headline, body text, or a caption.

To fix a misspelled word, right-click directly on the red-underlined word. A small menu appears with three options: suggested corrections at the top, "Ignore All" to skip that word for the rest of your design, and "Add to Dictionary" to teach 365 that this word is correct. Click the correction you want, and the word updates when ready in your design.

If you do not see a red underline under a word you believe is misspelled, the spell checker may have already learned that word from your previous designs or from your personal dictionary. You can still right-click the word and choose "Add to Dictionary" to remove it, though this is rarely necessary.

Adding words to your personal dictionary

When you right-click a red-underlined word and select "Add to Dictionary," that word stops appearing as an error in iDesign and in all your other 365 apps. This is useful for proper nouns, brand names, technical terms, or words in other languages that you use regularly in your designs.

Once a word is in your dictionary, it stays there across all devices where you sign into the same Microsoft account. If you add "Acme Corp" to your dictionary on your work computer, it will not show as an error when you use iDesign on your tablet either.

If you add a word by mistake, you cannot remove it from within iDesign. You must go to your Microsoft account settings online to manage your personal dictionary, though most people never need to do this.

Why some correctly spelled words still show red underlines

The 365 spell checker has a fixed dictionary that does not include every word in English. Proper nouns like people's names, place names, and company names almost always show red underlines, even though they are spelled correctly. Specialized terms in medicine, law, science, or technical fields may also appear as errors.

Informal words, slang, and words from other languages will show red underlines unless you add them to your dictionary. If you are designing for an international audience or using industry-specific language, you may see many red underlines that are not actually errors.

Copying text from other sources and checking it

If you paste text from a website, email, or document into iDesign, the spell checker runs on that text when ready. Any misspelled words in the pasted text will show red underlines. This is helpful for catching errors before they appear in your final design.

However, if you paste text that contains formatting or special characters, iDesign may strip some of that formatting when it pastes. The spell checker will still work on the text itself, but the visual appearance may change. Always review pasted text in your design to make sure it looks the way you intended.

When spell check does not catch errors

The spell checker in iDesign only catches misspelled words. It does not catch words that are spelled correctly but used in the wrong context — for example, "their" instead of "there," or "its" instead of "it's." You must read your text yourself to catch these mistakes.

The spell checker also does not catch punctuation errors, missing words, or awkward phrasing. If you need help with grammar and style, you would need to copy your text into Word, which has a more advanced grammar-checking tool called Editor. iDesign is designed for visual content, not for deep proofreading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off spell check in iDesign?

No, spell check runs automatically in iDesign and cannot be disabled. If you do not want to see red underlines, you can ignore them and proceed with your design. The underlines do not print or export with your final image.

Does iDesign check spelling in multiple languages?

iDesign uses the spell checker from your 365 account language setting. If your account is set to English, it checks against an English dictionary. If you need to check text in another language, you would need to change your 365 language settings, though this affects all your 365 apps.

Will spell-check errors show up when I share my design with someone else?

No. Red underlines are only visible to you while you are editing in iDesign. When you export your design as an image, print it, or share a link to it, the red underlines do not appear. Only the text itself is visible to others.

What if I want to check spelling before I export my design?

Read through your text carefully and look for any red underlines. Right-click each underlined word and choose the correct spelling. Once all red underlines are gone, your spelling is as correct as the 365 dictionary can make it. For grammar and style feedback, copy your text into Word and use the Editor tool there.