Where to find spell check settings in the programs you use

Spell check is usually on by default, but you can turn it off in seconds. The location depends on which program you're using — Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, and others each hide the setting in a different menu. Once you know where to look, you can disable it entirely or just for one document.

Some people turn spell check off because they're writing code, working in another language, or using specialized vocabulary that the program flags as errors. Others find the red underlines distracting while drafting. You can turn it back on whenever you need it.

Key Takeaways

  • In Microsoft Word, spell check lives under File > Options > Proofing, where you can turn it off for all documents or just the current one.
  • Google Docs spell check is in Tools > Spelling and Grammar, and you can disable it with a single click.
  • Apple Pages users find the setting under Edit > Spelling and Grammar or in the Format panel on the right side.
  • Turning spell check off does not delete your document or change any text — it only stops the program from marking errors.
  • You can turn spell check back on at any time using the same menu, even if you've already disabled it.

Microsoft Word: Desktop and online versions

In Word on Windows or Mac, go to File in the top left, then select Options (Windows) or Preferences (Mac). From there, click Proofing on the left side. You'll see a checkbox that says "Check spelling as you type" — uncheck it to turn spell check off.

If you only want to disable spell check for one document, you can do that too. Go to the same File > Options > Proofing menu, but look for the option that says "Ignore words in UPPERCASE" or "Ignore internet and file addresses." Below those, you'll find settings specific to the current document. Uncheck "Check spelling as you type" there instead.

In Word Online (the version you use in a web browser), the process is slightly different. Click File, then Options, then Proofing. The spell check toggle is in the same place, but the menu layout is simpler because you have fewer options overall.

Google Docs: Web and mobile

Open your document and click Tools in the menu bar at the top. Select Spelling and grammar, then click the toggle next to "Spelling" to turn it off. The red underlines will disappear when ready.

On a phone or tablet, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner, then scroll down to Spelling and grammar. Tap it to open the same toggle. Google Docs will remember your choice for future documents, so you only have to do this once unless you want to turn it back on later.

Apple Pages: Mac and iPad

On a Mac, click Edit in the menu bar, then find Spelling and Grammar. A submenu will appear with options to check spelling, check grammar, or turn both off. Select the option you want.

On an iPad, the setting is in the Format panel on the right side of the screen. Tap the paintbrush icon at the top of that panel, then scroll down until you see "Spelling and Grammar." Toggle it off to disable spell check for that document.

Other programs: LibreOffice, Outlook, and email clients

In LibreOffice Writer, go to Tools > Spelling and uncheck "Check spelling as you type." The setting applies to all documents you create in LibreOffice going forward.

In Microsoft Outlook, spell check is usually tied to your Word settings. If you've turned it off in Word, it will be off in Outlook too. If you want to control it separately, go to File > Options > Mail > Spelling and adjust the settings there.

Most email clients like Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Outlook.com use the same spell check as their document editors. Gmail's spell check is part of the compose window and can be toggled on or off the same way as Google Docs — through the three-dot menu in the compose box.

Turning spell check back on when you need it

If you've turned spell check off and later want to turn it back on, use the exact same menu you used to turn it off. In Word, go back to File > Options > Proofing and check the box again. In Google Docs, go to Tools > Spelling and grammar and toggle it back on. The process is identical whether you're re-enabling it for one document or all documents.

Some people turn spell check off while drafting and turn it back on before sharing the document with others. This workflow lets you write without distraction and then catch errors before you send the file. You can also run a one-time spell check by going to the same menu and selecting "Check spelling now" or "Check document" instead of toggling the setting.

Why you might want spell check off

If you're writing in a language other than English, spell check will flag words as errors even though they're correct. Turning it off prevents constant red underlines. The same applies if you're using technical terms, brand names, or specialized vocabulary that the program doesn't recognize.

Some writers find the visual feedback distracting while they're in the flow of drafting. Turning spell check off removes the red underlines and lets you focus on getting words on the page. You can always turn it back on later to catch typos before you publish or share.

If you're writing code or markup inside a document, spell check will flag almost everything as an error. Disabling it keeps the document clean and readable while you work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does turning off spell check delete my document or change any text?

No. Turning spell check off only stops the program from marking errors with red underlines. Your document and all its text remain exactly as they are. You can turn spell check back on at any time without losing anything.

Can I turn spell check off for just one document instead of all my documents?

Yes, in most programs. In Word, you can disable it for the current document only through File > Options > Proofing. In Google Docs and Apple Pages, the setting applies to each document separately, so you can turn it off for one and leave it on for others.

Will turning off spell check affect how other people see my document?

No. Spell check is a feature that only you see on your screen. When you share the document with someone else, they won't see any difference. They can turn spell check on or off on their own copy without affecting yours.

What's the difference between turning spell check off and ignoring a word?

Turning spell check off disables it for the entire document or all documents. Ignoring a word tells the program to stop flagging that specific word as an error, but spell check stays on for everything else. Use "ignore" if you want to keep spell check running but stop seeing errors for words like proper names or technical terms.

Can I turn spell check off just while I'm drafting and turn it back on later?

Yes. You can turn spell check off, write your document, and then turn it back on using the same menu before you share or publish. Some writers use this workflow to avoid distraction while drafting and catch errors before sending the final version.