Have you ever sent out a spreadsheet, only to realize later that it’s riddled with embarrassing spelling errors? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Thankfully, Google Sheets has a built-in spell check function that can save you from such mishaps. In this article, I’ll show you three simple ways to use the spell check feature in Google Sheets, along with some tips and tricks to make the most of it. So let’s dive in!
How to Spell Check on Google Sheets
Unlike word processors that automatically spell check your work as you type, Google Sheets requires you to manually run the spell check. But don’t worry, it’s a straightforward process. Here’s how you can do it:
- Select the data on which you want to run the spell check.
- Click on the “Tools” option in the menu.
- Choose “Spelling” from the dropdown menu.
- Click on “Spell check”.
A separate pop-up box will appear in the top right part of the sheet, showing you the spelling errors it finds. You can choose from the suggested spelling options or enter the correct spelling manually.
Accessing Spell Check on the Mobile App
If you’re using the Google Sheets mobile app, you won’t find the spell check option in the tools menu. However, there’s still a way to check for typos on your phone. Here’s what you can do:
- Open your spreadsheet in a browser window on your phone.
- Choose the “desktop site” option from your browser settings.
After switching to the desktop version, you’ll have access to all the same options as you do on a desktop. Simply go to the tools menu and select “Spell check”.
Google Sheets Spell Check Shortcut for Keyboards
If you’re a fan of keyboard shortcuts, you’ll be glad to know that Google Sheets has one for spell check too. However, before you can use it, you need to enable the compatible shortcuts option. Here’s how:
- Click on the “Help” option in the menu.
- Choose “Keyboard shortcuts” from the dropdown menu.
In the Keyboard Shortcuts dialog box, enable the “Enable compatible spreadsheet shortcuts” option. Once enabled, you can use the keyboard shortcut “F7” to quickly run spell check in Google Sheets.
Understanding Spell Check Options
When you run a spell check in Google Sheets, you’ll come across a few options that can help you fine-tune the process. Let’s take a closer look at them:
Change
You can change a misspelled word with a suggested spelling option or enter the correct spelling manually. You can choose to change each cell individually or apply the change to all instances of the word.
Ignore
If the spell check highlights a word that is not misspelled, you can choose to ignore it. You can also use the “Ignore all” option to ignore all instances of the word.
Add to Dictionary
If the spell check flags a correct word that you intend to use in the future, it’s best to add it to your personal dictionary. This is particularly useful for names or company names that may be flagged as misspelled words by Google Sheets.
How to Check Spelling in Google Sheets With an Add-On
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive spell-checking solution that also checks grammar, you can install an add-on. One popular option is the Scribens Spell Checker and Grammar add-on for Google Sheets. Here’s how you can install and use it:
- Navigate to “Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons” in the menu.
- Search for “spell checker” in the pop-up window.
- Download and install the Scribens Spell Checker and Grammar add-on.
Once installed, you can highlight the cells you want to check, go to “Extensions > Spell checker and Grammar checker by Scribens > Check”, and click “Start Correcting”. You’ll then be able to choose from the suggested corrections for spelling and grammar errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does Spell Check Not Work in Google Sheets?
Spell check does work in Google Sheets, but you have to manually run it on the cells you want to check. Unlike word processors, Google Sheets doesn’t automatically spell check your work due to the presence of non-standard words and abbreviations commonly used in spreadsheets.
Does Google Sheets Have Auto Correct?
No, Google Sheets doesn’t have an auto-correct feature. This is because auto-correct could potentially change important entries in a spreadsheet, leading to unintended errors.
How Do I Spell Check and Grammar Check in Google Sheets?
The built-in spell check feature in Google Sheets allows you to check spelling. However, if you also want to check grammar, you can install add-ons like the Scribens Spell Checker and Grammar add-on.
Learn More About Google Sheets
Google Sheets spell check is an invaluable tool for avoiding embarrassing spelling mistakes in your spreadsheets. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your data is error-free and professional. If you’re eager to learn more about Google Sheets and maximize your skills, be sure to check out our other tutorials at Crawlan.com.
Remember, taking the time to spell check your work can save you from potential headaches and help you present your data with confidence. Happy spell checking!
