Figma Text Language: How To Change It?

Nov 3, 2025 by Team 39 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered how to change the text language in Figma? Maybe you're collaborating with an international team, or perhaps you just prefer working in a different language. Whatever the reason, Figma makes it pretty straightforward to switch things up. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to change the text language in Figma, ensuring a smooth and efficient design process. So, let's dive in and get those linguistic gears turning!

Understanding Figma's Language Settings

Before we jump into the how-to, it's important to understand how Figma handles language settings. Unlike some other design tools, Figma doesn't have a built-in, universal language setting that changes the entire interface at once. Instead, the text language you see in your designs primarily depends on the fonts you're using and the input method you've configured on your operating system. This means that if you're typing in, say, French, you'll need to have French enabled as an input language on your computer. Figma will then recognize and display the French characters correctly, provided that the font you're using supports them. Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, but what if I want to change the language of the Figma interface itself, like the menus and buttons?" Unfortunately, as of now, Figma doesn't offer direct customization of the interface language within the application. However, there are workarounds and alternative approaches we can explore to manage text in different languages effectively. One important thing to note is that Figma's auto-layout feature is language-agnostic. Auto-layout adjusts the size of elements based on their content, regardless of the language being used. This is super helpful when designing for multiple languages because you don't have to manually adjust the layout for each language version. Another factor to consider is the use of plugins. Figma has a rich ecosystem of plugins, some of which are designed to help with translation and localization. These plugins can automate the process of translating text within your designs, making it easier to create multilingual projects. So, while Figma's language settings might seem a bit limited at first, there are plenty of ways to work with different languages effectively. By understanding how Figma handles text and leveraging the available tools and plugins, you can create designs that resonate with a global audience. We will explore these options further in the following sections.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Text Input Language

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of changing the text input language in Figma. As mentioned earlier, Figma relies on your operating system's input settings to determine the language you're typing in. So, the first step is to ensure that the language you want to use is enabled on your computer. Here’s how you can do it on different operating systems:

On Windows:

Open Settings: Click on the Windows Start button and select the Settings icon (it looks like a gear).
Go to Time & Language: In the Settings window, click on "Time & Language."
Select Language: In the left sidebar, click on "Language."
Add a Language: Under the "Preferred languages" section, click on the "Add a language" button.
Choose Your Language: A list of languages will appear. Search for the language you want to add and select it. You might be prompted to select a specific regional variation (e.g., French (France) or French (Canada)).
Install Language Pack (if needed): After selecting a language, Windows might need to download and install a language pack. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Switch Input Language: Once the language is installed, you can switch between different input languages by pressing the Windows key + Spacebar. A small pop-up will appear, allowing you to choose your desired language.

On macOS:

Open System Preferences: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select "System Preferences."
Go to Keyboard: In the System Preferences window, click on "Keyboard."
Select Input Sources: Click on the "Input Sources" tab.
Add a Language: Click on the "+" button at the bottom of the list to add a new input source.
Choose Your Language: A list of languages will appear. Search for the language you want to add and select it. You might also need to select a specific keyboard layout.
Switch Input Language: Once the language is added, you can switch between different input languages by clicking on the input menu in the menu bar (it looks like a flag or language abbreviation) or by using the keyboard shortcut Command + Spacebar.

Using the Correct Font:

Once you've enabled the desired language on your operating system, the next step is to make sure you're using a font that supports the characters of that language. Not all fonts include glyphs for every language, so it's important to choose one that does. To do this in Figma:

Select the Text Layer: In your Figma design, select the text layer you want to modify.
Open the Text Panel: In the right sidebar, you'll see the Text panel. This is where you can adjust the font, font size, and other text properties.
Choose a Font: Click on the font name to open the font selection menu. Browse through the available fonts and choose one that supports the language you're using. Some popular fonts that support a wide range of languages include Arial, Helvetica, and Open Sans. You can also use Google Fonts, which offers a vast library of free fonts with multilingual support.

By following these steps, you can easily change the text input language in Figma and ensure that your designs display the correct characters. Remember to always double-check that the font you're using supports the language you're working with, and don't be afraid to experiment with different fonts to find the perfect one for your project.

Utilizing Plugins for Translation and Localization

Okay, so you've got your input language sorted, and you're typing away in your chosen tongue. But what if you need to translate large chunks of text, or create multiple versions of your design in different languages? That's where Figma plugins come to the rescue! Figma has a vibrant community of developers who have created plugins specifically designed to help with translation and localization. These plugins can automate many of the tedious tasks involved in creating multilingual designs, saving you time and effort. Let's explore some of the most popular and useful translation plugins for Figma.

Popular Translation Plugins:

Google Translate: This plugin is a no-brainer if you're already familiar with Google Translate. It allows you to translate text directly within Figma using the Google Translate API. Simply select the text you want to translate, choose the target language, and the plugin will automatically replace the original text with the translated version. It’s super convenient for quick translations and getting a general idea of how your design will look in another language.
Lokalise: Lokalise is a powerful translation management platform that integrates seamlessly with Figma. It's designed for teams working on large-scale localization projects. With Lokalise, you can easily manage translations, collaborate with translators, and ensure consistency across all your designs. The plugin allows you to push and pull translations between Figma and Lokalise, making it easy to keep your designs up-to-date with the latest translations.
Crowdin: Similar to Lokalise, Crowdin is another popular translation management platform that offers a Figma plugin. It provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing translations, including translation memory, glossary management, and quality assurance. The Crowdin plugin allows you to connect your Figma designs to your Crowdin project, making it easy to collaborate with translators and manage the translation workflow.
Translate Me: This plugin is a simple and straightforward translation tool that uses the Yandex Translate API. It's similar to the Google Translate plugin, but it offers a different translation engine. If you're not satisfied with the results from Google Translate, you can try Translate Me to see if it provides better translations for your specific language pair.

How to Use Translation Plugins:

Using translation plugins in Figma is generally pretty easy. Here's a general outline of the steps involved:

Install the Plugin: Go to the Figma Community and search for the plugin you want to install. Click on the plugin and then click the "Install" button.
Select the Text: In your Figma design, select the text layer or layers you want to translate.
Run the Plugin: Right-click on the selected text and choose the plugin from the context menu. Alternatively, you can find the plugin in the Figma menu under "Plugins."
Configure the Plugin: The plugin will open a panel where you can configure the translation settings. This usually includes selecting the target language and choosing a translation engine.
Translate the Text: Click the "Translate" button to translate the selected text. The plugin will automatically replace the original text with the translated version.

By using these plugins, you can significantly streamline the translation process and ensure that your designs are accessible to a global audience. Remember to always review the translations carefully to ensure accuracy and cultural appropriateness. And don't be afraid to experiment with different plugins to find the one that works best for you.

Tips for Designing Multilingual Text

Designing with multilingual text can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips and tricks, you can ensure that your designs look great in any language. Here are some things to keep in mind when working with multilingual text in Figma:

Choose Fonts Wisely: As mentioned earlier, it's crucial to choose fonts that support the languages you're working with. Some fonts have limited character sets, which means they might not display certain characters correctly. Before you start designing, make sure to check that the font you're using includes all the necessary glyphs for your target languages. Google Fonts is a great resource for finding fonts with multilingual support.
Consider Text Length: Different languages have different average word lengths. For example, German words tend to be longer than English words, while Spanish words tend to be shorter. When designing for multiple languages, it's important to consider how text length will affect the layout of your design. You might need to adjust the size of text containers or use responsive design techniques to accommodate different text lengths.
Pay Attention to Line Height and Spacing: Line height and letter spacing can significantly impact the readability of text. When designing for multiple languages, it's important to adjust these settings to ensure that the text is easy to read in each language. Some languages might require more line height or letter spacing to improve readability.
Use Auto Layout: Figma's Auto Layout feature is a lifesaver when designing for multiple languages. Auto Layout automatically adjusts the size and position of elements based on their content, which means you don't have to manually adjust the layout for each language version. This can save you a lot of time and effort.
Test Your Designs: Before you finalize your designs, it's important to test them with real users who speak the target languages. This will help you identify any potential issues with the text, layout, or overall design. You can also use online tools to check the readability and cultural appropriateness of your text.
Be Mindful of Cultural Differences: Design is not just about aesthetics; it's also about communication. When designing for multiple languages, it's important to be mindful of cultural differences. For example, certain colors or symbols might have different meanings in different cultures. It's important to do your research and make sure that your designs are culturally appropriate for your target audience.

By following these tips, you can create multilingual designs that are both visually appealing and culturally relevant. Remember to always prioritize readability and user experience, and don't be afraid to experiment with different design techniques to find what works best for your project.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Changing the text language in Figma might seem a bit roundabout at first, but with the right understanding of operating system settings, font choices, and the power of plugins, you can easily create designs that speak to a global audience. Remember to leverage those handy translation plugins to streamline your workflow, and always keep in mind the nuances of multilingual design. With these tips and tricks in your arsenal, you'll be crafting beautiful, inclusive designs in no time. Happy designing!