How to Use Custom Words on Skribbl.io
If you want to know how to use custom words on skribbl.io, the short answer is that you usually need to host or join a private room and enter your own word list in the room settings before the game starts. Custom words are not something you typically use in public matchmaking, so the setup depends on the room owner and the private game options.
What custom words are in Skribbl.io
Custom words let the host replace the game’s default drawing prompts with a word list they choose. This is useful for private games with friends, classrooms, stream groups, or any session where you want themes that fit the players better than the built-in word pool.
Instead of getting random words from the standard list, players see words from the custom list when it is their turn to draw. The rest of the game works the same way, people still guess the word in chat, and points are awarded the usual way.
How to use custom words on skribbl.io
The process is straightforward, but it only works in the right room type. Follow these steps to set up a custom word game.
- Create or enter a private room. Custom words are generally used in private rooms, not public lobbies. If you want full control over the word list, start your own room.
- Open the room settings. As the host, look for the settings or customization area before starting the match.
- Enter your custom word list. Type or paste the words you want the game to use. In many cases, you can separate words with commas or line breaks, depending on the room input field.
- Check the list for errors. Make sure the words are spelled correctly and do not contain extra spaces, duplicates, or unsupported characters.
- Start the game. Once the room is ready, launch the match. The custom words should then appear during drawing turns.
- Test one round. If you are not sure the setup worked, begin with a short session and confirm that the drawing prompts come from your list.
Can you use custom words in public rooms?
Usually, no. Public games are meant to use the standard game flow, while custom words are mainly a private room feature. If your goal is to control the prompts, you should host your own room or ask the host to set the word list.
This is the most common point of confusion. Players often look for a custom word option inside public matchmaking, but the feature is generally tied to room ownership and private game settings.
How to format a custom word list
Formatting matters more than many players expect. If the list is not entered the way Skribbl.io expects, the game may ignore it or only partially use it.
- Use clear word separation. Commas or line breaks are common ways to separate items, depending on the input field.
- Avoid extra spaces. A space before or after a word can sometimes create messy results or duplicate-looking entries.
- Keep words readable. Use simple spelling and avoid characters that may not display well in the game interface.
- Do not repeat the same word too many times. Repeating entries can make the game less interesting and may feel broken even when the list technically works.
- Match the room’s word count expectations. Some hosts want a short themed list, while others prefer a larger pool so rounds stay varied.
Example of a clean list format:
- cat
- rocket
- piano
- pizza
- castle
If the room settings support comma-separated entries, the same list may also work as: cat, rocket, piano, pizza, castle.
What to do if custom words are not working
If your custom words do not appear, the problem is usually one of a few common issues.
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Default words still appear | The room is not set to use your custom list | Check the host settings before starting the game |
| Words look wrong or incomplete | Formatting issue, such as extra spaces or bad separators | Re-enter the list using clean commas or line breaks |
| Only some words appear | Duplicate entries or an input limit | Simplify the list and remove repeated words |
| Nothing changes after setup | The room may not have been restarted after editing settings | Save the settings and start a fresh round or new room |
If the list still does not work after checking the formatting, the issue may be that the room type does not support custom prompts in the way you expect. In that case, create a new private room and test again with a very short list.
Quick checklist before you start
- Use a private room or host your own room.
- Enter the word list before starting the game.
- Check spelling and spacing.
- Use simple separators.
- Remove duplicates.
- Start a test round to confirm the words appear correctly.
Tips for making custom word games more fun
Custom words work best when they fit the group. A good list keeps the game moving and makes guessing more enjoyable.
- Choose a theme. Movies, animals, food, games, and inside jokes all work well.
- Mix easy and harder words. A balanced list keeps every round interesting.
- Keep the words appropriate for the group. This matters especially in classrooms or family rooms.
- Use a moderate list size. Too few words can make the game repetitive, while too many can feel random.
- Tell players what theme to expect. It helps them guess faster and keeps the session organized.
Common mistakes to avoid
Most custom word problems come down to setup mistakes rather than a broken game.
- Trying to use custom words in public matchmaking.
- Entering the list after the game has already begun.
- Using extra spaces or messy formatting.
- Forgetting to save the room settings.
- Using words that are too similar to each other.
- Assuming every room behaves the same way without checking the host controls.
Frequently Asked Questions About how to use custom words on skribbl.io
How do you add custom words in Skribbl.io?
Host a private room, open the room settings, and paste or type your word list before starting the game. The exact formatting depends on the input field, but commas or line breaks are commonly used.
Can you use custom words in public Skribbl.io games?
Usually not. Custom words are mainly a private room feature, so you generally need to host your own room or play in a room where the host has set the list.
Why are my custom words not working on Skribbl.io?
The most common reasons are incorrect formatting, missing room settings, or trying to use the list in a room type that does not support it. Recheck the list, save the settings, and test it in a fresh private room.
How many custom words can you add in Skribbl.io?
The practical limit depends on the room setup and how the game handles the list. A moderate-sized list usually works best. If the list is very large, trim it down and test again.
Do players need to do anything special to see custom words?
No. If the host sets the room correctly, players just join the game normally. The custom words should appear automatically when it is a player’s turn to draw.
What is the best format for custom words on Skribbl.io?
The safest approach is a simple list with one word per line or comma-separated words, with no extra spaces. Clean formatting reduces the chance of setup problems.
Conclusion
To use custom words on Skribbl.io, the key step is hosting or joining a private room and entering the word list before the match begins. If the words do not show up, check the room type, clean up the formatting, and test with a small list first. Once the setup is correct, custom words are an easy way to make each round feel more personal and more fun.