Select your version and click on the link to go to the secure order form

PLEASE NOTE: If you want to order the software download version, you first need to try the program on your computer. Why? Windows 32 bit operating systems can run the program successfully but 64 bit operating systems can experience difficulty with installation. Most new computers come with 64 bit systems, although installation of a 32 bit system may be an option. To test the program on your computer, click here. A new version of Personal Best Spelling more compatible with modern computers is being developed.

   Spelling download version

   Spelling printable version

   Spelling site licence

Program download instructions and links

Which spelling program would you like to download—the adult version or the children's version?

Please note that:

  • these downloads are feature-limited trial versions. That is, you can see everything that the program can do by trying it out with some sample word lists that are included. However, until you purchase a registration code and register the program you will not be able to create or save your own word lists nor use the many word lists that come with the registered version of the program.

  • word lists are available in both US spelling and UK/Oz spelling.

Here are the download links:

     Adult spelling program

    Children's spelling program

When you click a download link, this is what should happen next:

  1. The File Download box appears. Check the file name is correct, either pbs16adu.exe (adult version) or pbs16kid.exe (child version).

  2. In answer to the question, "Would you like to open the file or save it, select Save - note which folder it is saved in because you will have to find the file later. "Download Complete" should show up when the download process if finished.

  3. Using Windows Explorer, locate the downloaded file and double click on it. The WinZip box appears. Follow the on-screen instructions.

  4. When all the program files have been extracted, the spelling program setup box should appear.

  5. Click "Setup Personal Best Spelling". Accept the installation folder (don't change it because when you later download and install the word lists they will go into the default folder - see item 9 below). Click OK.

  6. The next message should be "You have successfully installed Personal Best Spelling."

Spelling program registration

Start the program and go to the About Registration screen. Note the Installation Code and email that to us using the Contact Form. We will email your registration code, normally within 24 hours.

Spelling program word lists

Once registered, you can download and install hundreds of word lists (the unregistered trial or demo version only comes with two word lists). Download the compressed word list file, selecting your preferred version (adult or child) and your preferred spelling rules (USA or UK/Oz).

Here are the wordlist file download links: wordsallusadu.exe (US, adult); wordsalluskid.exe (US, child); wordsallukadu.exe (UK/Oz, adult); wordsallukkid.exe (UK/Oz, child).

Wordlists will unzip and install into the same default folder as the program itself, namely C:\windows\pbs16adu (adult) or C:\windows\pbs16kid (child). If you have changed the default program installation folder to something else you will have to transfer the word lists to that particular folder, otherwise the program will not find the word lists.

You can also create and edit your own word lists (keep lists short, say no more than 5 to 10 words). Instructions are contained within the program and are also on the website.