Customisable or Customizable: Common Spelling Mistakes

If you have ever been unsure whether to write customisable or customizable, the answer depends on which variety of English you are using. Both spellings are correct, and they have the same meaning. The difference is regional: customisable is commonly used in British English, while customizable is the standard spelling in American English.

Both words describe something that can be changed, adjusted, or personalized to suit a person’s preferences or requirements. You might see them used to describe website layouts, software settings, product designs, clothing, or online orders.

Understanding the spelling difference helps you choose the right form for your audience. If you are writing for readers in the United Kingdom, customisable is generally the better choice. For an American audience, use customizable. The meaning remains the same regardless of the spelling.

Customisable or Customizable: Which Is Correct?

Both customisable and customizable are correct spellings. The main difference is the variety of English in which each is preferred.

• Customisable: The usual British English spelling.
• Customizable: The usual American English spelling.

The difference comes from the spelling conventions used to form adjectives ending in -able from the verb customise or customize. British English commonly uses -ise, while American English generally uses -ize. Consequently, the adjective follows the same regional pattern.

For example:

• British English: The website has a customisable layout.
• American English: The website has a customizable layout.

Both sentences communicate exactly the same idea. Neither spelling is inherently more correct than the other.

When choosing between them, consider your audience and maintain consistency throughout your writing. If your website uses British English, write customisable alongside forms such as personalise and organise. If you follow American English, use customizable alongside personalize and organize.

Is Customisable British English Spelling?

Yes. Customisable is the standard British English spelling of the adjective meaning capable of being customised or adapted.

British English generally favours customise, customisable, and customisation. These forms are commonly encountered in British publications, product descriptions, business communications, and software documentation.

Here are some examples:

• The app offers a customisable dashboard.
• Customers can choose a customisable gift box.
• Our service includes a fully customisable website.
• The software provides customisable privacy settings.

In each sentence, customisable describes something that allows changes according to individual needs.

The spelling is also used in other English-speaking regions that commonly follow British spelling conventions, including Australia. However, spelling preferences can vary by organisation, publisher, and industry, so it is worth following the relevant style guide when one is provided.

Remember that the British spelling of the verb is usually customise, not customize, and the related noun is generally customisation.

Customisable or Customizable in UK English

If you are writing specifically for a UK audience, customisable is generally the preferred form.

The same spelling pattern appears in other words derived from verbs ending in -ise. For example:

These pairs have the same meanings. Their differences reflect regional spelling preferences rather than differences in grammar or definition.

For example, a British online shop might advertise a customisable phone case, while an American retailer might describe the same product as a customizable phone case.

If you are publishing a UK-focused article, product page, or website, use customisable consistently. If the content is intended for an international audience, either spelling may be understandable, but choosing one regional style and applying it throughout makes your writing more professional.

What Does Customisable Mean?

Customisable means capable of being changed, adjusted, or adapted to meet someone’s preferences or needs.

It is an adjective formed from the verb customise. It describes a product, service, feature, or system that allows users to make changes rather than accept a completely fixed arrangement.

For example, a customisable website template may allow you to change its colours, fonts, images, and page layout. A customisable order may let you choose the size, colour, material, or additional features of a product.

Consider these examples:

• Customisable software: Software whose settings or features can be adjusted.
• Customisable clothing: Clothing that can be altered or personalised.
• Customisable design: A design that allows changes to its appearance or structure.
• Customisable menu: A menu that can be adapted to suit particular preferences.
• Customisable settings: Options that users can modify to control how something works.

The adjective does not necessarily mean that every possible change is available. The extent of customisation depends on the product or service.

For instance, a customisable application might let you change its theme and notification preferences but not its underlying functionality.

Customisable in a Sentence

Here are natural examples showing how customisable is used in everyday English:

1. The company offers a customisable website template for small businesses.
2. Customers can select a customisable gift box for special occasions.
3. This software includes a customisable dashboard.
4. We purchased a customisable desk to suit our office space.
5. The app provides customisable notifications.
6. Each customer receives a customisable order form.
7. The online store features a customisable product page.
8. Our team created a customisable presentation template.
9. The device comes with several customisable display settings.
10. The service provides a customisable package for different budgets.

In these sentences, the word describes something that can be adapted or changed. It does not mean that the item has already been customised; it means that customisation is possible.

What Is a Synonym for Customizable?

A synonym for customizable is a word that conveys the idea of something being adjustable, adaptable, or capable of being personalised.

The best alternative depends on the context. Some synonyms emphasise the ability to change settings, while others suggest tailoring a product to an individual’s preferences.

These words are related, but they are not always interchangeable.

For example, adjustable is especially suitable for something with settings or movable parts, such as a chair or screen. Configurable is common in technical contexts involving software or systems. Adaptable often describes something that can work under different conditions.

If you want a direct substitute for customizable in a product description, adaptable, configurable, or personalizable may work, depending on what customers can actually change.

How to Pronounce Customisable or Customizable

Both customisable and customizable are generally pronounced the same way in English. Their spelling differs, but their meaning and usual pronunciation do not.

A common pronunciation is:

KUS-tuh-my-zuh-buhl

The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) representation is approximately /ˈkʌstəmaɪzəbəl/.

The word has five syllables:

cus-tom-is-a-ble

The primary stress falls on the first syllable, cus. The middle part sounds like my, and the ending is usually pronounced as zuh-buhl.

You can practise the word by breaking it into smaller parts:

• KUS: Start with the stressed first syllable.
• tuh: Continue with a short, unstressed sound.
• MY: Pronounce this part clearly.
• zuh-buhl: Finish with the softer ending.

Although the British spelling contains s and the American spelling contains z, the corresponding sound is normally /z/ in both forms.

For example, the pronunciation of customisable website is essentially the same as that of customizable website. The choice of spelling does not require a different pronunciation.

What Does Customized Design Mean?

A customized design is a design that has been modified or created to suit particular requirements, preferences, or specifications.

For example, a business might request a customised logo that reflects its brand colours, or a customer might order furniture designed to fit a particular room.

Examples include:

• A customised website designed around a company’s branding.
• A customised invitation featuring a person’s name and event details.
• A customised kitchen layout designed for a specific space.
• A customised product label created for a particular business.

There is a useful distinction between customisable and customised.

Customisable describes something that can be changed. Customised describes something that has already been changed or tailored.

Compare these sentences:

• The company sells customisable phone cases. You can choose their colours and designs.
• The company sells customised phone cases. The cases have already been personalised according to the selected specifications.

The first sentence emphasises the available options, while the second emphasises the result of customisation.

The regional spelling difference still applies. British English generally uses customised design, while American English generally uses customized design.

What Does Customize Order Mean?

The phrase customize order usually refers to changing an order’s specifications to suit a customer’s preferences. It commonly appears in online shopping, food ordering, manufacturing, and other services that allow buyers to select options.

For example, when ordering a product online, you might be able to select its size, colour, material, engraving, or accessories. In a restaurant, you might request changes to ingredients or toppings.

However, the phrase customize order is not always the most natural wording in a complete English sentence. More commonly, you will see expressions such as:

• Customize your order: Change the available options before submitting the order.
• Customise an order: The British English equivalent.
• Customized order: An order that has been modified to meet particular requirements.
• Custom order: An order made or prepared according to a customer’s specifications.

Examples:

• Click here to customize your order.
• You can customise your order before checkout.
• The customer requested a customized order with special packaging.
• We accept custom orders for handmade furniture.

In American English, customize your order is the usual spelling. In British English, customise your order is generally preferred.

The exact options depend on the seller. Some businesses allow only a few changes, while others offer extensive personalisation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Customisable or Customizable More Correct?

Neither is universally more correct. Customisable is standard in British English, whereas customizable is standard in American English. Choose the spelling that matches your intended audience.

Is Customisable a Real Word?

Yes. Customisable is a recognised English adjective meaning capable of being customised or adapted to particular needs. It is commonly used in British English.

Is Customisable the Same as Customizable?

Yes. Both words have the same meaning and are normally pronounced alike. The difference is spelling, with customisable favoured in British English and customizable favoured in American English.

What Is the Verb Form of Customisable?

The verb is customise in British English and customize in American English. For example, a user can customise or customize a website’s appearance.

What Is the Noun Form of Customisable?

The related noun is customisation in British English and customization in American English. It describes the process of adapting something to particular preferences or requirements.

Does Customisable Mean the Same as Personalized?

Not exactly, although the words overlap. Customisable means that something can be changed or adapted. Personalized usually emphasises changes made to suit a particular person, such as adding a name to a gift.

Can I Use Customisable in American English?

Readers in the United States will generally understand customisable, but customizable is the standard American spelling. For American publications, businesses, and websites, use customizable unless a particular style guide specifies otherwise.

How Do You Spell Customisable in Australia?

Customisable is the usual spelling in Australian English, which generally follows British spelling conventions for words of this type. Australian usage may still vary according to a publisher’s or organisation’s style guide.

Conclusion

Both customisable and customizable are correct, and they express the same idea: something can be changed or adapted to suit particular needs.

Use customisable when following British English spelling conventions, including the conventions generally used in Australia. Choose customizable for American English.

The same regional pattern applies to related forms such as customise/customize, customisation/customization, and customised/customized. Once you choose the appropriate variety of English for your audience, keep your spelling consistent throughout your writing.

Nathan Whitmore

Hi, I’m Nathan Whitmore, and I enjoy making English grammar easy for learners of all ages. I believe grammar should be practical, not confusing. I write simple, well-researched guides that help readers improve their writing, speaking, and overall communication skills.

I spend a lot of time studying grammar patterns, sentence construction, punctuation, and modern English usage. My goal is to create lessons that anyone can understand, whether they are students, teachers, or professionals.

Books

Clear English Grammar
The Smart Writer’s Grammar Handbook