Custom vs. Customize — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 30, 2024
"Custom" refers to something made or performed according to personal order, while "customize" is the verb form indicating the act of modifying something to fit personal preferences.
Difference Between Custom and Customize
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Custom" is an adjective or noun describing products or services tailored specifically to an individual’s requirements or tastes. In contrast, "customize" is a verb that describes the action of making these adjustments or modifications.
A custom item is already tailored when purchased, such as a custom suit made to fit a particular client’s measurements. On the other hand, to customize something like software settings or a vehicle means actively altering its features to meet one's specific needs or preferences.
Custom products often originate as standard items that are then modified during the manufacturing process to meet specific demands. Conversely, customize involves the end-user making modifications or specifying preferences during or after the purchase.
Items described as custom are usually unique and carry a sense of exclusivity, whereas customize refers to the process that grants this unique status, often allowing for ongoing alterations or updates.
The concept of custom goods aligns with high-end, luxury, or artisanal markets, reflecting a higher level of craftsmanship or specialized service. Meanwhile, customize emphasizes the user’s role in the personalization process, applying to a broader range of contexts and products.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective, noun
Verb
Definition
Tailored to individual needs
To tailor something to needs
Usage Context
End product description
Process of altering something
Typical Applications
Clothing, furniture, software
Software, vehicles, settings
Associated with
Exclusivity, craftsmanship
Personal choice, modifications
Compare with Definitions
Custom
Made according to the specifications of an individual.
He ordered a custom guitar with his initials on the fretboard.
Customize
To modify something to suit a particular individual or task.
She decided to customize her laptop with more memory and a faster processor.
Custom
A usual or expected manner of doing something.
As per custom, the conference opened with the national anthem.
Customize
To alter features of a product according to user preferences.
He customized the settings of the app to minimize data usage.
Custom
Tailored to fit personal needs or requirements.
They enjoyed the luxury of custom upholstery in their new car.
Customize
To design or adjust something to meet specific needs.
The software allows users to customize their workflows for greater efficiency.
Custom
A duty or tax on imports and exports.
The goods were held at the border until the custom duty was cleared.
Customize
To personalize an item as per individual tastes.
They customized their home décor by adding hand-painted details.
Custom
A traditional or habitual practice.
It is a custom in their family to have dinner together every Sunday.
Customize
To tailor content or functionality for a particular user or audience.
The website’s interface can be customized to accommodate different languages.
Custom
A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something that is specific to a particular society, place, or time
Custom demanded that a person should have gifts for the child
The old English custom of dancing round the maypole
Customize
Modify (something) to suit a particular individual or task
The software can be customized to the developing needs of your students
Custom
Regular dealings with a shop or business by customers
If you keep me waiting, I will take my custom elsewhere
Customize
To make or alter to individual or personal specifications
Customize a van.
Custom
Made or done to order; custom-made
A custom guitar
Customize
To build or alter according to personal preferences or specifications.
Custom
A traditional practice or usual way of doing something followed by a social group or people.
Customize
To make to specifications.
Custom
The tradition or body of such practices
The respect that is by custom accorded to the king.
Customize
To make according to requirements.
Custom
A habitual practice of a person
My custom of reading a little before sleep.
Customize
Make to specifications;
I had this desk custom-made for me
Custom
Habitual manner or practice
I am not by custom a coffee drinker.
Customize
Make according to requirements;
Customize a car
Custom
(Law) A common tradition or usage so long established that it has the force or validity of law.
Custom
Habitual patronage, as of a store
Tried to obtain the custom of the wealthiest shoppers.
Custom
Duties or taxes imposed on imported and, less commonly, exported goods.
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The governmental agency authorized to collect these duties.
Custom
(used with a sing. verb) The place where goods and baggage entering a country are inspected by this agency
Go through customs.
Custom
Tribute, service, or rent paid by a feudal tenant to a lord.
Custom
Made to order
Custom suits.
Custom
Specializing in the making or selling of made-to-order goods
A custom tailor.
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same behavior; way of behavior common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; method of doing, living or behaving.
Custom
Habitual buying of goods from one same vendor.
Custom
(collectively) The habitual patrons (i.e. customers) of a business; business support.
Custom
(legal) Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent. Compare prescription.
Custom
Traditional beliefs or rituals.
The Ancient Egyptian culture had many distinctive and interesting beliefs and customs; one custom was the mummification of the dead.
Custom
A custom (made-to-order) piece of art, pornography, etc.
Custom
(obsolete) Familiar acquaintance; familiarity.
Custom
Toll, tax, or tribute.
Custom
Created under particular specifications, specially to fit one's needs: specialized, unique, custom-made.
My feet are very large, so I need custom shoes.
Custom
Own, personal, not standard or premade.
We can embroider a wide range of ready designs or a custom logo.
Custom
(archaic) Accustomed; usual.
Custom
To make familiar; to accustom.
Custom
To supply with customers.
Custom
To pay the customs of.
Custom
To have a custom.
Custom
Frequent repetition of the same act; way of acting common to many; ordinary manner; habitual practice; usage; method of doing or living.
And teach customs which are not lawful.
Moved beyond his custom, Gama said.
A customMore honored in the breach than the observance.
Custom
Habitual buying of goods; practice of frequenting, as a shop, manufactory, etc., for making purchases or giving orders; business support.
Let him have your custom, but not your votes.
Custom
Long-established practice, considered as unwritten law, and resting for authority on long consent; usage. See Usage, and Prescription.
Custom
Familiar aquaintance; familiarity.
Age can not wither her, nor custom staleHer infinite variety.
Custom
The customary toll, tax, or tribute.
Render, therefore, to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom.
Custom
Duties or tolls imposed by law on commodities, imported or exported.
Custom
To make familiar; to accustom.
Custom
To supply with customers.
Custom
To have a custom.
On a bridge he custometh to fight.
Custom
To pay the customs of.
Custom
Accepted or habitual practice
Custom
A specific practice of long standing
Custom
Money collected under a tariff
Custom
Habitual patronage;
I have given this tailor my custom for many years
Custom
Made according to the specifications of an individual
Common Curiosities
What are some common items that can be customized?
Common items that can be customized include clothing, vehicles, software interfaces, and home décor.
How do you customize a product?
You customize a product by modifying its features or design to better suit personal preferences or specific requirements.
Is customizing expensive?
Customizing can be expensive, depending on the extent of modifications and the nature of the product being customized.
Can custom items be returned or changed?
Typically, custom items cannot be returned or changed once made, as they are specifically designed for an individual.
What does it mean when something is custom?
When something is custom, it means it has been made or tailored specifically to meet an individual’s specific needs or preferences.
Does custom mean the same as handmade?
Custom means tailored to individual preferences, which may or may not be handmade, whereas handmade specifically refers to something made by hand, not by machine.
How does customizing software improve user experience?
Customizing software can improve user experience by making the software more intuitive, efficient, and better aligned with the user’s specific needs.
Are customized products only available for physical items?
No, customization is also widely available for digital products, such as software applications, where users can alter settings, layouts, and functionalities.
What skills are necessary to customize a product?
Skills necessary to customize a product vary widely but can include technical knowledge, artistic ability, or specific tool handling capabilities, depending on the product.
Why would someone choose a custom product over a standard one?
Someone might choose a custom product for better fit, unique design, or personalization that standard products do not offer.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
