{
  "id": 771709,
  "title": "PSA: Setting different default languages in different Mac apps",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/psa-setting-different-default-languages-in-different-mac-apps",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-13T14:01:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "9to5Mac",
    "slug": "9to5mac",
    "url": "https://9to5mac.com/2026/08/13/psa-setting-different-default-languages-in-different-mac-apps/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A hidden feature within the System Settings app on Mac computers allows users to assign different default languages for individual applications. For those who frequently switch between languages throughout the day, such as bilingual individuals, this capability can be quite useful. The reporter, who primarily requires switching between British English and US English, discovered this feature and found it helpful in resolving issues with spellcheck when using the incorrect language version. To access this setting, one must navigate to System Preferences > General > Language & Region and then explore the Applications section. Although Apple's US-centric approach is evident, as British English is labeled \"English (UK)\" while US English is labeled \"English – English,\" the reporter found this solution to be a partial answer to their language switching needs. However, it is important to note that this feature is only applicable to apps that support macOS's localization/language APIs, meaning not all applications will appear in the list.",
  "summary": "I today discovered a feature tucked away in the System Settings app that I never knew existed: you can set different default languages for individual Mac apps. If you already knew this, then there’s nothing to see here, move right along. But otherwise, this is how it does (and doesn’t) work …",
  "key_points": [
    "Hidden feature assigns different default languages to individual Mac apps.",
    "Navigate to System Preferences General Language & Region Applications section.",
    "Applicable only to apps supporting macOS localization/language APIs."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}