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Spell Checking in Web Browsers



Many current web browsers support spell checking in text fields via native features or plugins. This article discusses how to enable or use spell checking in Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer.

Firefox

Beginning with version 2.0, the Firefox browser supports both dynamic (i.e., "as you type") and context-based spell checking, enabled automatically. Firefox will check any text you enter and alert you to possible errors by adding a dashed red underline to any potentially misspelled words.

Right-clicking the underlined word (or on a Mac, press and hold the [CONTROL] key while left-clicking) will bring up a context menu such as the one below, including one or more possible corrections. Highlight the proper word and Firefox will replace it in the text field.

    Firefox spell check menu

If the word is spelled correctly but still marked as a potential mistake, you can ignore it and move on, or choose "Add to dictionary" to add the word to Firefox's dictionary.



Safari

The Safari browser also supports both dynamic and context-based spell checking. To activate the browser's native support for dynamic spell checking:

  1. Place the cursor in a text entry field.
  2. Click Edit on the menu bar and select Spelling -> Check Spelling as You Type.

A small checkmark should appear to the left of the Check Spelling as You Type option, indicating that spell checking is now active. From this point forward, Safari will check any text you enter and alert you to possible errors by adding a dashed red underline to any potentially misspelled words. Press and hold the [CONTROL] key while left-clicking the indicated word. A context menu (similar to the one illustrated below) will open and should present one or more possible corrections; highlight the proper word and Safari will replace it in the text field.

Safari spell check menu

If the word is spelled correctly but still marked as a potential mistake, choose "Ignore Spelling" to skip the word or "Learn Spelling" to add the word to Safari's dictionary.

Note: The Check Spelling as You Type feature only remains active as long as Safari is open; it must be reactivated each time the browser starts.

Safari also supports context-based spell checking. To use this feature on a single word or phrase:

  1. Highlight the text to be checked.
  2. Press and hold the [CONTROL] key while left-clicking the indicated word(s).
  3. Select the correct word from the context menu or choose "Ignore Spelling" or "Learn Spelling" as necessary.

To use context-based checking on every word in a text area (such as a large text box):

  1. Place the cursor in the text area to be checked.
  2. Press and hold the [CONTROL] key while left-clicking inside the text area.
  3. Choose Spelling -> Check Spelling from the menu.
  4. Correct, ignore, or add each potential misspelling by [CONTROL] left-clicking the marked words in turn.

Both of these context-based methods of spell checking are also available by clicking Edit on the menu bar and selecting one of the options under Spelling.



Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer requires additional software to spell check text areas. ieSpell is a free plugin that can be added to the Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000/XP versions of Internet Explorer 5.0 and later. Full installation and use instructions are available on the ieSpell web site.



Current Record: 2143

Create Date: 11-04-2004
Last Reviewed: 03-17-2009
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