Troubleshoot Offline Dictionary

Start with the message or symptom you can see. Change one thing at a time, then repeat a small test lookup in Preview: Offline Dictionary.

Definer asks you to choose a dictionary

Choose a dictionary means the source does not have a package selected.

1. Open Definer Options → Sources → Content sources and choose the Offline Dictionary source.
2. Open Settings → Main.
3. Choose an installed package under Dictionary package, or import one.
4. Enter a familiar headword in Test query and press Enter.

Dictionary needed means the source expects a package that is not installed on this device. Import the same package again, choose it under Dictionary package, and repeat the test lookup.

Import is rejected

Match the message to the next action:

• This dictionary format isn't supported yet. Compare the package with the supported formats. Obtain or convert the dictionary to a supported format before retrying.
• These files cannot form a dictionary package. Select all required companion files together, or use Choose folder so Definer receives their original arrangement.
• This folder does not contain one valid dictionary package tree. Choose the folder that directly contains the dictionary's main file and its companions.
• This package contains more than one dictionary. Import each dictionary separately.
• We recognized the format, but couldn't read this dictionary. Download a fresh copy and check the format-specific limits. The package may be damaged or use an unsupported variation.

Encrypted ZIP and 7z archives are not supported. Use an unencrypted copy, or extract the archive and import the supported raw files or folder.

After correcting the package, return to the import workflow and verify it with a familiar headword.

Import does not finish

Keep Definer Options open while the progress panel is visible. If the stage or percentage continues to change, allow the import to finish.

If you need to stop, select Cancel import and wait for the progress panel to close. Retry with one dictionary package. For a companion-file format, select the complete matching file set or choose its folder.

No entries are found

Try these checks in order:

1. Enter a common headword that you know exists in the dictionary.
2. Open Settings → Main and change Match mode from Exact to Prefix if you entered only the beginning of a headword.
3. Confirm that the intended package is selected under Dictionary package.
4. Repeat the lookup in Preview.

If the preview remains empty, try a different known headword. A package can support a narrower vocabulary or language than its filename suggests.

The dictionary is unavailable

Select Retry in the result. If the message remains, open the source's Settings → Main, select Refresh beside Dictionary package, and confirm that the intended package is still installed and selected.

If Definer says the package needs to be rebuilt or is not installed, import the same dictionary again.

Colors or layout look wrong

Open Settings → Main → Appearance and test Match current theme and Keep dictionary colors. If you added Custom CSS, remove it temporarily and repeat the Preview lookup. See adjust colors and Custom CSS for the available choices.

If a saved lookup loses dictionary media or styling after you remove a package, import the same package again. The saved lookup text remains available even when the package is missing.

A package cannot be removed

Wait for any import to finish or cancel it, then reopen Dictionary package and try Remove from this device again. If Definer shows We couldn't remove this dictionary. Please try again. a second time, collect the support details below.

Collect details for support

If the problem continues, record:

• the exact message shown by Definer;
• the dictionary format and any version shown by its publisher;
• the main filename and companion filename extensions;
• whether you selected an archive, raw files, or a folder;
• your browser and Definer version; and
• whether a small known headword works in Preview.