'%3e%3cpath%20d='M8%200C12.4183%200%2016%203.58172%2016%208C16%2012.4183%2012.4183%2016%208%2016C3.58172%2016%200%2012.4183%200%208C0%203.58172%203.58172%200%208%200ZM11.6162%204.38379C11.2257%203.99337%2010.5927%203.99338%2010.2021%204.38379L8%206.58594L5.79785%204.38379C5.40732%203.99334%204.77429%203.99329%204.38379%204.38379C3.99331%204.77429%203.99335%205.40733%204.38379%205.79785L6.58594%208L4.38379%2010.2021C3.99348%2010.5927%203.99341%2011.2257%204.38379%2011.6162C4.77426%2012.0066%205.40734%2012.0065%205.79785%2011.6162L8%209.41406L10.2021%2011.6162C10.5927%2012.0066%2011.2257%2012.0067%2011.6162%2011.6162C12.0067%2011.2257%2012.0066%2010.5927%2011.6162%2010.2021L9.41406%208L11.6162%205.79785C12.0066%205.40735%2012.0066%204.77429%2011.6162%204.38379Z'%20fill='%23080E17'%20fill-opacity='0.46'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3cdefs%3e%3cclipPath%20id='clip0_3761_713'%3e%3crect%20width='16'%20height='16'%20fill='white'/%3e%3c/clipPath%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
How to Fix Excel Changing Hebrew Input to English on Mac
Question details
The user needs to prevent Excel from automatically switching the keyboard input language from Hebrew to English while typing inside a spreadsheet cell.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel for Mac
- Device & OS
- macOS Sonoma 14.7.1
- Scenario
- Entering Hebrew text data into Excel spreadsheet cells on a Mac.
- Observed behavior
- When typing in a cell, the first character correctly appears in Hebrew, but the input method automatically switches to English for all subsequent characters.
Before modifying your macOS system preferences, ensure your Mac keyboard layout currently includes both Hebrew and English input sources, and save your open Excel workbooks.
Disable Automatic Input Source Switching on macOS
This is the most effective solution for language switching issues on Mac. It stops the operating system from forcing an input method based on what it detects in the document.
macOS includes a feature that tries to automatically match the keyboard language to the active document. However, this often conflicts with Excel's cell editing mode, causing the language to abruptly switch back to the system default.
Click the Apple menu () in the top-left corner of your screen and select 'System Settings'.
Scroll down the left sidebar and click on 'Keyboard'.
Under the 'Text Input' section on the right, click the 'Edit...' button next to 'Input Sources'.
Find the toggle or checkbox labeled 'Automatically switch to a document's input source' and turn it off, then click 'Done'.
Return to your Excel workbook, manually select the Hebrew keyboard layout from the top Mac menu bar, and begin typing in a cell.
Verify Language Settings in Excel Preferences
Excel has specific language preferences that might override your macOS system settings. Verifying these can resolve right-to-left formatting conflicts.
Update macOS and Microsoft Office
Bugs related to right-to-left (RTL) language inputs are frequently patched in system or application updates. Keeping your software updated ensures maximum compatibility.
Experience Seamless Multilingual Typing with WPS Office
If Microsoft Excel continues to disrupt your workflow by switching input languages automatically, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative that natively supports right-to-left languages like Hebrew without frustrating auto-switching bugs.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS website and download the macOS version.
- 2. Install the Application: Open the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office on your Mac.
- 3. Edit Seamlessly: Launch WPS Spreadsheets, open your .xlsx files, and enjoy uninterrupted typing in Hebrew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Mac automatically switch languages when typing in Excel?
macOS includes a feature that automatically switches the input source based on the active document's language history. When Excel's cell editing mode does not properly report the language state, the Mac defaults back to your primary language (usually English). Disabling this auto-switch in System Settings resolves the issue.
Does right-to-left (RTL) language direction affect typing in Excel for Mac?
Yes, RTL languages like Hebrew or Arabic require specific formatting. If the cell direction or application language preferences aren't correctly configured to support RTL, Excel may default back to English formatting. Ensuring your Office settings support RTL input helps maintain the correct language.
How do I quickly switch between English and Hebrew on a Mac?
You can quickly toggle between your installed input languages by pressing the Globe (Fn) key or using the keyboard shortcut Control + Spacebar. Ensure both English and Hebrew are added in your Mac's Keyboard settings under Text Input.
