People who require juggling multiple languages to suit their professional needs can often find a single language inadequate for their PPT and the interface. This might mean switching between the proofing language to check spelling and grammar, as well as the interface language to adjust it to editing needs. Below are instructions on how to change language in PowerPoint.
If you are a Google Slides user looking for this solution, please refer to our article on how to change language in Google Slides.
Should I change Proofing Language or Interface Language?
PowerPoint enables using multiple languages that you can switch between to match your presentation needs. Most commonly, users require to change the proofing language in PowerPoint, which means changing the grammar checker assigned language.
In case you are working at a remote location with a borrowed computer, you may be required to change the interface language of PowerPoint, as it would feel uncomfortable to locate menus or specific tools.
Check below for the instructions to change both the language interface and proofing language in PowerPoint.
How to Change PPT Language Interface in PowerPoint
To change the language of the PowerPoint interface on a PC, go to Review > Language > Language Preferences.
Note: Follow the following instructions for other devices:
- Mac: If you are using Mac, you can change the interface language via the Apple menu from System Preferences > Language & Region.
- iPhone/iPad/Android: iOS and Android users, by default, will see the language set for their device as the default language in PowerPoint.
- PowerPoint for the Web: If you are using PowerPoint for the Web, it uses the same language as the host app of your documents, such as OneDrive, SharePoint, Dropbox, etc.
The Language Preferences option provides a menu from which you can choose the language you intend to use from the Office display language menu. The menu allows adding the new and preferred language and the one to be used if the text is unavailable for the primary language. To remove a specific language from the list, select it from the Office authoring languages and proofing menu at the bottom and click Remove.
If you are installing a new language, it will take a few minutes before it is installed and ready for use.
You can switch between languages anytime by following the same steps and managing your preferred list for the interface.
The selected language will become available for PowerPoint and other Office apps such as Word and Excel. The default preferences you set will also be applied across your Office apps.
How to Change Proofing Language in PowerPoint
Whether you’re using PowerPoint on a PC or an Android or iOS device, you might have multiple keyboards installed to type in various languages when creating PPTs for different audiences. To set and change the proofing language, go to Review > Language > Set Proofing Language on a PC or Tools > Language on Mac. If you’re using PowerPoint for the Web, go to Review > Spelling & Grammar > Set Proofing Language.
In the dialog box, select the language for checking spelling and grammar. When selecting a proofing language, you can also set a default language.
Once selected, PowerPoint will check the spelling and grammar in your desired proofing language. PowerPoint provides the utility to choose between specific languages and the version of the language preferred by the user (e.g., European or Latin American versions of Spanish).
