How to Change the Typing Language in Google Docs

Google Docs is used by millions of people worldwide to collaborate across borders. Because of this, it has robust support for writing in hundreds of different languages. Changing the language in Google Docs is crucial because it directly controls two essential features: spellcheck and special character input. If you are typing a document in French while Google Docs expects English, every single word will be underlined with a red squiggly line indicating a spelling error. Here is how to easily switch the language for your current document.

Changing the Document Language

This process will change the language dictionary that Google Docs uses to check your spelling and grammar for the specific document you are currently editing.

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the Google Docs document you are working on.
2. Locate the main menu bar at the very top of the screen (below the document title).
3. Click on the word File to open the dropdown menu.
4. Scroll down towards the bottom of the menu and hover your mouse cursor over Language.
5. A large secondary menu will slide out, displaying a long alphabetical list of all supported languages.
6. Scroll through the list and click on the language you wish to use (e.g., Español, Français, Deutsch).

Immediately, Google Docs will reload its internal dictionary. If you had red squiggly lines under correctly spelled foreign words, those error indicators will vanish as the system now understands the language you are writing in.

Using Special Input Tools (Keyboards)

For many languages, simply changing the spellcheck dictionary is not enough. If you are writing in a language that uses a completely different alphabet (like Russian, Hindi, or Japanese) or requires specific accent marks not found on your physical keyboard, Google Docs provides virtual input tools.

1. Once you have selected a new language using the steps above, look closely at the main toolbar (where the font and formatting options are).
2. On the far right side of the toolbar, you will see a new icon appear. It usually looks like a small keyboard, a pencil, or a specific character from the language you selected.
3. Click the small downward-facing arrow next to this new icon.
4. You can now choose your preferred input method:
   • Virtual Keyboard: A small keyboard will pop up on your screen, allowing you to click the specific characters with your mouse.
   • Phonetic Input: You can type the word phonetically using English letters on your physical keyboard, and Google will automatically convert it into the correct script (e.g., typing “namaste” to get “नमस्ते”).
   • Handwriting: A small canvas will appear where you can use your mouse or trackpad to draw the character.

To turn the input tools off and return to typing normally, simply click the main icon on the toolbar to toggle it off.