Fix Word for Mac Changing Spell Check Language When Switching Keyboard Layouts
Question details
Microsoft Word for Mac automatically changes the proofing language based on the macOS keyboard layout, ignoring manual language settings.
- Product
- Microsoft Word for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS
- Scenario
- Typing in a specific language (such as French) while needing to switch keyboard layouts (such as US International or German) for specific characters without altering the spell checker language.
- Observed behavior
- Word automatically shifts the spell checking language to match the newly selected macOS keyboard layout, even if automatic language detection is disabled and the preferred language was manually selected.
Ensure you have administrator access to your Mac, as creating and installing custom keyboard layouts requires saving files to the system's Library folders.
Create a Custom Tagged Keyboard Layout Using Ukelele
By creating a custom macOS keyboard layout that features your preferred key arrangement but is tagged with your desired proofing language, Word will retain the correct spell check settings.
Microsoft Word for Mac directly reads the language tag of the active macOS input source. Because standard templates, styles, and disabling 'Detect language automatically' do not override this system-level behavior, the most effective workaround is modifying the input source itself using a free tool called Ukelele.
Download the free Ukelele keyboard layout editor for macOS and install it by dragging the application into your Applications folder.
Switch your Mac to the physical keyboard layout you prefer to type on (e.g., US International). Open Ukelele, go to the top menu, and select File > New From Current Input Source.
In Ukelele, locate the language settings for your new layout. Change the language tag to your target proofing language (e.g., French). This tricks Word into thinking a French keyboard is active.
Save the newly created .keylayout file to your Mac's Keyboard Layouts folder. You can place it in ~/Library/Keyboard Layouts/ (for your user only) or /Library/Keyboard Layouts/ (for all users).
Open Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard. Under the 'Text Input' section, click 'Edit', then click the '+' button to add your newly created custom keyboard layout. Select this layout when typing in Word.
Apply Language Settings Post-Typing
If you prefer not to install third-party software to modify keyboard layouts, you can manually reapply the correct proofing language after you finish typing.
Try WPS Office for Independent Language Control
If Microsoft Word's automatic system-level language switching disrupts your multilingual workflow, consider trying WPS Office. It provides robust, independent language control that isn't forcefully tied to your macOS keyboard layout, along with full compatibility with Word documents.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website, download the macOS version, and drag the app into your Applications folder.
- 2. Open Your Document: Launch WPS Writer and open your existing .docx files without losing any formatting.
- 3. Set Proofing Language Independently: Go to the Review tab, click on Spell Check > Set Language, and lock in your preferred language regardless of your keyboard layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Word for Mac ignore my manual spell check language settings?
Microsoft Word for Mac is designed to integrate tightly with macOS input sources. When you change the macOS keyboard layout, Word automatically assumes you want to type in the primary language associated with that specific layout, overriding manual document settings.
Does disabling 'Detect language automatically' fix this keyboard layout issue?
No. In Word for Mac, disabling the 'Detect language automatically' setting only stops Word from guessing the language based on the words you type. It does not prevent Word from changing the language when you physically switch the macOS input source.
Is there an official fix from Microsoft for the keyboard language switching?
As of current versions, Microsoft considers this behavior a feature rather than a bug, as it aligns with system input source tags. Users are encouraged to submit feedback directly through the Word app (Help > Feedback) to request independent language locking features.
Can I use Ukelele safely on macOS?
Yes, Ukelele is a widely used and safe utility created by SIL International. It simply provides a graphical interface to generate standard XML-based .keylayout files that macOS natively understands and supports.
