Support website: https://www.wordfinder.com/en/support/

Support e-mail: support@wordfinder.com

WordFinder for Windows – Summary Guide (v2024-3)

A full version of the WordFinder for Windows manual can be downloaded from the Manuals section of the WordFinder website.

Introduction

WordFinder for Windows is a professional dictionary and translation tool designed for linguists, translators, and writers who require fast and reliable terminology lookup. It supports efficient searching across multiple dictionaries and integrates seamlessly with applications such as Microsoft Word.

The application streamlines multilingual communication by enabling users to search, manage, and create dictionaries tailored to domain-specific language. It is particularly valuable for users in technical, medical, legal, and corporate environments where precise terminology is essential.

Key Features

• Integrated Dictionary Search: Search across selected dictionaries with support for offline use and dictionary groups.
• Hotkey Activation: Perform lookups directly from other applications using a customisable keyboard shortcut.
• Machine Translation: Translate text in over 30 languages using WordFinder Translator with credit-based usage.
• User Dictionary Management: Create, import, export, and edit dictionaries in Excel, TBX, or legacy WFCML formats.
• Copy and Paste with Formatting: Copy or paste entries while preserving custom formatting, including pastable and non-pastable segments.
• Custom Menu Links: Add personalised links to frequently used online resources.

Technical Requirements

• Supported OS: Windows 10 and above
• Dependencies: Internet connection for cloud features; WordFinder Unlimited account
• Permissions: File system access for local dictionary storage; optional integration with word processors

Installation

For Individual Users

1. Visit the Downloads page.
2. Download and run the installer.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

For IT Departments

• Refer to the deployment guide for technical instructions.

First-Time Use

1. Launch the application.
2. Sign in using your WordFinder Unlimited account.
3. Navigate to Settings > Dictionaries to select dictionaries.
4. Return to the main application window to begin using WordFinder.

Dictionary Management

Selecting Dictionaries

• Use Settings > Dictionaries to choose active dictionaries.
• Filter by language direction or subject matter.

Activating and Managing Dictionaries

• Click the checkmark icon to activate.
• Click the cloud icon to download dictionaries for offline use.
• Create groups of dictionaries and assign keyboard shortcuts.

My Dictionaries

• The currently active dictionaries form your “My Dictionaries” list.
• This selection can be updated at any time.

Searching

In-App Search

• Supports the following search options:
  • * – matches any number of characters
  • ? – matches a single character
  • ^ – full-text search
  • = – exact match

From Other Applications

• Highlight a word in an external application.
• Activate WordFinder using the hotkey to search immediately.

Copy and Paste

• Double-click or press Enter to paste entries into the source document.
• Single-click to copy entries to the clipboard.

Quick Access

• Press Esc to minimise WordFinder without closing the application.

Legacy and User Dictionaries

Legacy Dictionaries

• Supports formats: .WFD, .WFI, .WED, .WEI
• Store files in:
  • %appdata%\WordFinder\lexica\legacy
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\Wfwin

User Dictionaries

• Create, import, export, and edit dictionaries.
• Supported formats: Excel, TBX (2.0/3.0), WFCML

Import and Export Formats

Excel

• Without headers: languages must be selected manually.
• With headers: ISO 639-1 codes are automatically recognised.
• Use > and < markers to designate pastable text.

WFCML

• Traditional plain-text format with special markup.
• Supports formatting, pastable segments, and dictionary structure.

Creating or Updating User Dictionaries

• Import a new dictionary via Settings > Dictionaries > User Dictionaries.
• Update an existing dictionary using the Import terms icon.
• Export user dictionaries to Excel or WFCML using the Export terms icon.

WordFinder Translator

Overview

• Integrated secure machine translation service supporting over 30 languages.
• Translate text manually or via hotkey-triggered lookups from other applications.

Credits

• Translation is billed per character.
• Remaining credits are shown below the source text input field.

Preferences and Settings

Hotkeys

• Default activation: Ctrl + Shift (Left)
• Configure hotkeys via Settings > Preferences

Capitalisation

• Optionally preserve initial capital letters when pasting translated terms.

Translator Trigger

• Set the minimum number of words required to trigger automatic translation on hotkey use.

Custom Menu Links

• Add personal web links to the application’s main menu.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Support and Account

• Access help via the Support option in the Settings menu.
• Open your personal account page using My Account from the same menu.