While installing the desktop version of Word, you have the option to choose the default language. Users from the US, for example, have English set as a default language for both commands and edits. This tutorial focuses on how to change the language in Word online.
Change office Display language in Word Online
The display language in a Word document is the language in which all the menus and commands are displayed. It is like the main interface language of the Word program on your computer. Follow these steps to make changes in the display language of your Word document.
- Start by clicking on File on the Ribbon on top of your screen for either a new file or a pre-created document.
- once you are on the home screen of the document, scroll down to More
- You will now have two options: Feedback and Options
- Click on Options for an extended menu.
- The popup menu has various options for extended commands. To change the language, click on Language in the menu.
- The topmost section deals with office display language.
- The list has a few default languages. You can, however, add languages of your choice to the list.
- You can also move the languages up and down depending on your preferences.
- To add a language to the list, click on Add a Language.
- You will have a list of languages to choose from.
- Choose the language you need to add and click on the install option.
An option at the bottom is to set the language selected as an office display language. Another thing to note while selecting a language is that the language first on the list will be the default display language.
Read How to sign a document in Word Online?
Word and the display language can change the language you type text. The authoring language can be changed as and when required. Here is how it is done
- Click on File in the document you are working on and go to the menu.
- scroll down to more and select options
- You will now have a popup menu with various options
- Select language
- In the bottom half, you will see Office Authoring Languages and Proofing.
- You can add different languages by clicking on the Add a Language section
- Languages can be set as preferred by clicking on the option.
How to change the display language in Word online?
In Word online, the settings are a little different from those in the desktop application. Here is how you can change the language on your device
- Start by selecting the document you would like to work with. You can do this by logging in to office.com or using the OneDrive application.
- Once you have the document open, click on settings – the flower-like icon on the right of the screen.
- Come down to Language and time zone. This is where all the language change options are.
- Click on Change your Language
- You will see a list of languages in front of you. Click on the language of your choice to add it to the list.
- Once you have the language of your choice, click on Select.
- You will get a prompt confirming the language. Select OK when it’s done.
Read How to separate pages in Word Online?
Changing the proofing language of documents in Word online
When it comes to changing the authoring and proofing language in Word online, it’s easier than you think. Follow these steps to know how it’s done.
- Start by opening the document that you need to be translated or proofread.
- Once you have the text in front of you, select the text. This can be done by clicking the first word and dragging the mouse across the text. If you want to select the entire text, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + A.
- After the text is selected, click on the document
- From among the options, click on Set Proofing Language.
- You will now have a list of languages in front of you. Select the one you require.
- Here, you can choose to use a portion of your text or the entire document.
- Once you have made your selection, choose OK.
Read How to make an online form in Word
Frequently asked questions
As we know, Word has an option for changing the display language. This feature is online on the desktop application and the web version. The most straightforward reason why one would choose to change the display language is convenience. Imaging English is not your first language or you are trying to learn it, if all the commands are in it you will get confused. Changing the language to something you are familiar with will reduce stress.
Word is inclusive when authoring and proofing documents in different languages. All you need to do is add languages and move them up the list to make them a preferred language. Once that is done, all you need to do is install a keyboard using the install additional keyboards section. This does not require installing a new physical keyboard by enabling all the phonetic symbols associated with the language selected.
There is no option to change the language of Word documents on handheld devices like phones and tablets. You can, however, change the language of your device itself. This will help insert text and proofread it using your Android or iOS device.
I hope you found this article helpful, it took you through
- Changing office Display language
- Changing Office authoring language and proofing
- How to change the display language in word online?
- Changing the proofing language of documents in Word online
- Why would I want to change the display language in Word?
- Will I need to change settings on my keyboard after I change the language in Word?
- Can you change the language using an Android or iOS device?
Check out some of our other tutorial articles here
- How to insert a line in word online?
- How to insert text box in word online?
- How to insert a cover page in word online
- How to merge cells in word online?
- How to make a graph in word online?
My name is Carissa Gudino and I am an expert in word online, using Word Online in my day-to-day tasks. In this blog, I will share with you tips and tutorials on how to use word online to its fullest potential. I work for various clients in various countries like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, etc. My tutorials are designed to help beginners, as well as more experienced users, learn new tricks and tips on Microsoft word online. Check out more.