> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://da-home-studio.gitbook.io/elementary-os-user-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://da-home-studio.gitbook.io/elementary-os-user-handbook/get-started/explore-system-settings/set-language-and-formats.md).

# Set Language & Formats

Let the system speak the same language to you

During the process of elementary OS installation, you are to set the system language. If necessary, you can change the system language any time after elementary OS is installed.

In the **Language & Region** section of the System Settings, not only you can change the language, but select formats for displaying the date, time, temperature, money and numeric values.

<figure><img src="https://785535311-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FWJaNOvR4IPrjs8m32E3P%2Fuploads%2F0j9rdhwKaAPLhlOFOyKx%2Flanguage-and-region.png?alt=media&amp;token=6b42fa09-cf41-429d-9b2c-f0dbcb3ce45a" alt=""><figcaption><p>Language &#x26; Region Settings</p></figcaption></figure>

## Change System Language and Formats

To change the system language and formats for displaying measurement values:

1. [Open the System Settings](/elementary-os-user-handbook/get-started/explore-system-settings.md#entering-system-settings) and navigate to **Language & Region**.
2. On the left, select the language from those installed.
3. On the right, select the region that corresponds the language and reflects its specifics. E.g. for English, you can select United States, United Kingdom, and so on.
4. From the **Formats** drop-down list, select the region for displaying measurement values. You can preview the selected formats beneath the drop-down selectors.
5. Choose the temperature scale between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
6. In the bottom, click **Set System Language**.

The changes will be applied the next time you log in to the system. The settings are applied to the Login screen, guest account, and new user accounts.

{% hint style="success" %}
If there is no necessary language among those installed (step 2 above), click ➕ icon below, find the language you need, and click **Install**.
{% endhint %}

## Set Language and Formats per User

Not only can you change the language and formats for the entire system, but any other user can set the language and measurement formats individually for their account.

To do that, a currently logged in user should follow almost the same procedure as for the changing the system language and formats:

1. [Open the System Settings](/elementary-os-user-handbook/get-started/explore-system-settings.md#entering-system-settings) and navigate to **Language & Region**.
2. On the left, select the language from those installed. If you cannot find the one in the list, click ➕ icon, find and install the language you need.
3. On the right, select the region that corresponds the language and reflects its specifics.
4. From the **Formats** drop-down list, select the region for displaying measurement values.
5. Choose the temperature scale between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
6. In the bottom, click **Set Language**.

The changes will be applied the next time you log in to the system under this account.

{% hint style="info" %}
The next time you log in after the language change, you will be offered to rename the standard folders (Documents, Downloads, Music, etc.) in accordance with the set language.
{% endhint %}