Set language for text frames and styles

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to apply language settings to text for correct spell-checking and hyphenation across your Adobe InDesign documents.

You can assign languages to selected text, text frames, or character and paragraph styles in InDesign. The Adobe World-Ready Paragraph composer supports multiple languages, including Indic, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian scripts. Language settings determine which dictionary and hyphenation rules InDesign uses. Style-based language settings apply to all formatted text but can be overridden for specific selections.

Set language for selected text

Select the Type tool and highlight the required text.

Open the Properties panel (Window > Properties).

In the Character section, locate the Language drop-down menu.

Select the appropriate language from the list.

Set language in paragraph or character styles

Character styles with language settings override the language specified in paragraph styles when applied to text selections.

Select Window > Styles > Paragraph Styles or Window > Styles > Character Styles.

Select the panel menu icon.

Double-click an existing style or create a new one.

Select Advanced Character Formats from the category list.

Locate the Language drop-down menu and select the appropriate language.

Select OK.