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DIC File - What is a .dic file and how do I open it?
Learn about .DIC files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a DIC file? A DIC file is a dictionary file that stores a list of words used by various software, such as word processors or email clients, for spelling and language-related features. It contains standard vocabulary, technical terms, proper names, or user-defined words that are not part of a default dictionary. DIC files are typically saved in a plain text format, with one word per line, making them easier for software to read and update.
More Information Spell-checking systems commonly use DIC files to identify misspelled words and suggest correct alternatives. Some applications ship with built-in DIC files for different languages, while others allow users or organizations to add custom dictionaries to support specialized terminology. Writers, editors, students, and professionals often rely on these files to improve the accuracy and consistency of their documents.
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DeveloperMicrosoft
Popularity2.3 | 6 Votes
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.DIC File Extension
3 file types use the .dic file extension.
Dictionary File
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity |
3.2 | 35 Votes |
What is a DIC file?
A DIC file is a dictionary file that stores a list of words used by various software, such as word processors or email clients, for spelling and language-related features. It contains standard vocabulary, technical terms, proper names, or user-defined words that are not part of a default dictionary. DIC files are typically saved in a plain text format, with one word per line, making them easier for software to read and update.
More Information
Spell-checking systems commonly use DIC files to identify misspelled words and suggest correct alternatives. Some applications ship with built-in DIC files for different languages, while others allow users or organizations to add custom dictionaries to support specialized terminology. Writers, editors, students, and professionals often rely on these files to improve the accuracy and consistency of their documents.
How to open a DIC file
You can open a .DIC file with a basic text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad or Apple TextEdit , to view or edit its contents. However, to use the dictionary for spell-checking, you must load or reference the file within the application that supports it, such as a word processor or writing tool.
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Programs that open or reference DIC files
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Program Name
Platform
Reset
X
Windows
Microsoft Word 365
Free Trial
Canvas GFX Canvas X Pro
Free Trial
Apache OpenOffice
Free
IBM Lotus Notes
Paid
JGsoft EditPad Pro
Free Trial
Microsoft Windows
Paid
LibreOffice
Free
Kingsoft Writer
Free +
Mac
Microsoft Word 365
Free Trial
Apache OpenOffice
Free
LibreOffice
Free
Linux
Apache OpenOffice
Free
LibreOffice
Free
Category: Misc Files
Updated: December 19, 2025
DICOM Image
| Developer | NEMA |
| Popularity |
2.8 | 9 Votes |
A DIC file may also be an image created in the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format. It contains an image such as an MRI, ultrasound, or CT scan. DIC files can also store patient identification data to link the image to a specific individual.
More Information
The DICOM format used in DIC files was developed by the NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) for exchanging and viewing medical images, such as CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound images. DIC images more commonly use the .DCM extension.
Programs that open DIC files
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Program Name
Platform
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X
Windows
RadiAnt Dicom Viewer
Free Trial
Adobe Photoshop 2025
Free Trial
ezDICOM
Free
MicroDicom viewer
Free
Mac
OsiriX
Free Trial
Adobe Photoshop 2025
Free Trial
MeVisLab
Free Trial
XnViewMP
Free
GIMP
Free
Linux
MeVisLab
Free Trial
ImageMagick
Free
XnViewMP
Free
GIMP
Free
Category: Raster Image Files
Updated: December 4, 2018
Windows 10 Custom Spelling Dictionary
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Popularity |
2.3 | 6 Votes |
A DIC file may also be a custom spelling dictionary used by Microsoft Windows 10. It contains a list of words you have added to Windows 10's dictionary, to prevent Windows from marking those words as being misspelled. Windows 10's default DIC file is named default.dic . It is located in C:/Users/YourUserName/AppData/Roaming/Microsoft/Spelling/en-US .
More Information
DIC file open in Microsoft Notepad 2004
By default, Windows 10 uses one or more .LEX files to check a user's spelling in Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Office, and other Microsoft applications. These files contain a spelling dictionary that is organized as a wordlist. If a word's spelling does not match a word in the wordlist, Windows marks the word as being misspelled.
While users cannot edit Windows' primary LEX files, they can add words to the system's spelling dictionary. To do so, users typically right-click a "misspelled" word and select Add to dictionary . This adds the word to default.dic , which is Windows' primary custom spelling dictionary.
Words listed in default.dic will not be marked as misspelled in Microsoft applications. If a user wants to manually add a word to their custom spelling dictionary, they can do so by opening and editing default.dic in a text editor.
How to open a DIC file
You can open default.dic in Microsoft Notepad (Windows) or any other plain text editor. Doing so allows you to add or remove words from the custom dictionary your DIC file represents. When adding words, be sure to add each word on a separate line, and do not use capital letters.
Programs that open or reference DIC files
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Platform
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Windows
Microsoft Windows
Paid
Microsoft Notepad
Included with OS
Any text editor
Mac
Apple TextEdit
Included with OS
Any text editor
Linux
Vim
Free
Any text editor
Category: System Files
Updated: July 6, 2021