The Thesaurus: Free InCopy Tutorial
Master InCopy's Built-in Thesaurus for Better Writing
This tutorial covers how to access and effectively use InCopy's built-in thesaurus feature to find synonyms and improve your writing workflow.
InCopy Thesaurus Benefits
Integrated Workflow
Access synonyms directly within your InCopy document without switching between applications. Maintain your writing flow while enhancing vocabulary.
Quick Word Replacement
Replace words instantly with a simple double-click or using the Change Word button. No copy-paste required for seamless editing.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Speed up your workflow with dedicated keyboard shortcuts. Access the thesaurus panel quickly without navigating through menus.
Mastering InCopy's Thesaurus Feature
InCopy's built-in thesaurus is more than just a synonym finder—it's a powerful editorial tool that can help you refine word choice, avoid repetition, and elevate your writing. Whether you're polishing a feature article or fine-tuning marketing copy, knowing how to leverage this feature efficiently can significantly improve your editorial workflow.
Access the Thesaurus panel by navigating to Window > Thesaurus or use the keyboard shortcut Command–Option–F7 (Mac) or Control–ALT–F7 (Windows). Pro tip: memorizing this shortcut will save you countless clicks during intensive editing sessions.
Position your cursor within any word in your text or select the entire word you want to analyze. The thesaurus works with individual words, so partial selections won't yield results.
Click the Load Word button
at the bottom of the panel to capture your selected word.
Your selected word will now appear in the Lookup field at the top of the panel, ready for analysis. This two-step process ensures you're working with exactly the word you intended to examine.
Click the Lookup Word button
at the bottom of the panel to generate a comprehensive list of synonyms and related terms.- To replace your selected word with a more precise alternative:
- Browse the synonym list and click on your preferred replacement. Take time to consider context and tone—not all synonyms are interchangeable in professional writing.
- Click the Change Word button
at the bottom of the panel, or simply double-click your chosen synonym for faster execution.
Remember that effective word substitution goes beyond finding synonyms—consider your audience, publication style, and the specific nuance each word carries. The thesaurus is a starting point for better word choice, but your editorial judgment remains the final arbiter of what works best in context.
Key Takeaways