How to Change the Language in Canva (Account and Designs)

Maybe Canva opened in the wrong language after you travelled, a colleague changed the settings on a shared computer, or you simply prefer to design in your first language. Whatever the reason, switching takes about thirty seconds. There are two different language settings in Canva, though, and mixing them up is where people get confused.

How to change Canva's language when you're logged in

1. Select your profile icon on the Canva homepage.
2. Choose Your account.
3. Select Your profile.
4. Scroll to the Language section.
5. Open the dropdown and choose your language.

There's no save button. Canva saves the change automatically and reloads the app in the new language.

How to change the language before you log in

1. Go to the Canva homepage and scroll right down to the footer.
2. Select the language option next to the globe icon.
3. Choose your language in the window that opens.

The page reloads straight away. This is handy if the login screen is in a language you can't read.

If Canva is in a language you can't read

It's stressful when every menu is in a language you don't know. Look for your profile picture or initial in the corner first, because that's always where the account menu starts. From there, the account option is usually near the top of the menu, and the language dropdown shows each language in its own script, so you'll recognise yours. If you're stuck, log out and use the globe icon in the footer instead.

The two language settings in Canva

Setting	What it changes	Where it lives
Account language	Canva's menus, buttons and the templates and fonts you're shown	Your account, then Your profile, then Language
Design locale	The language screen readers use for a specific design	In the editor: File, Settings, Locale settings

The catch: changing the language also changes what you see

Canva's help centre says designing in your local language unlocks local fonts and design templates. That's useful, but it means templates and font suggestions may look different after you switch. If your team works across countries, someone in another language may see different template suggestions from you. Your existing designs stay exactly as they were; it's the browsing experience that changes.

Canva also notes that some apps are only available in English, so if you use Canva in another language, you may see a warning when you open one of those apps.

Setting the language for screen readers

This one's about accessibility rather than your menus. If you publish designs that people might read with a screen reader, such as PDFs, presentations or websites, set the design's locale so the screen reader uses the right pronunciation:

1. Open the design and go to File.
2. Select Settings, then Locale settings.
3. Choose the language the design is written in.
4. Click Select locale to confirm.

Canva says this doesn't change your own Canva language. It's set per design. My post on inclusive design and accessibility explains why small details like this matter.

Translating the text in a design

Changing Canva's language doesn't translate your design. If you need a version of a post or brochure in another language, duplicate the design and translate the text, ideally with a native speaker checking it. Canva has its own translation tools, but always get a human to read anything customer-facing before it goes out.

How many languages does Canva support?

Canva says it's available in more than 100 languages. If yours isn't in the dropdown, pick the closest language you're comfortable with, and remember that you can still type and design in any language using fonts that support it.

Why you might switch languages on purpose

It isn't only about fixing a mistake. If you sell into another country, switching your account language for a session lets you browse the templates and fonts Canva shows people there, which is a quick way to see what's popular in that market. Teachers working in bilingual schools often switch to find local-language templates. And if your team includes people who are more comfortable in another language, each person can set their own account language without changing anyone else's, because it's a personal setting rather than a team one.

Quick fixes if the language keeps switching back

• Make sure you changed it in the account you're logged into, not another team or account.
• Clear your browser cache if the old language sticks after reloading.
• On a shared computer, check whether someone else is logged in.
• On the mobile app, change it in your account settings there too.

My verdict

Change Canva's language from Your account, then Your profile, then Language, or use the globe icon in the footer if you're logged out. Remember there's a separate locale setting for screen readers on each design, and that switching languages changes the templates and fonts Canva suggests. If you work with an international audience, have a look at my guide to brand content for social media for keeping things consistent across markets.

Frequently asked questions

How do I change Canva back to English?

Select your profile, go to Your account, then Your profile, and choose English from the Language dropdown.

Where is the language setting in Canva?

In Your account, under Your profile, in the Language section. If you're logged out, use the globe icon in the homepage footer.

Does changing the language in Canva translate my designs?

No. It changes Canva's menus and the templates and fonts you see. Your designs stay unchanged.

What is locale settings in Canva?

A per-design setting under File, Settings, Locale settings that tells screen readers which language the design uses.

How many languages is Canva available in?

Canva says it's available in more than 100 languages.

Why do some Canva apps show an English-only warning?

Some apps are only available in English, so Canva warns you if you use it in another language.