Archicad 26 Change Language _verified_ Today
In Archicad 26, you cannot change the user interface language through internal settings or preferences because the language is deeply embedded in the program's structural code
. To use the software in a different language, you must download and install the specific language version you need from the Graphisoft downloads page Key Considerations for Language Changes Installation Requirements
: Each language requires a complete, separate installation of the software. License Compatibility
: Your ability to run a specific language version depends on your license. While most licenses allow you to run the International (INT) version, regional versions (like GER for Germany) may be locked to specific regional licenses. Running Multiple Versions
: You can have multiple language versions on the same computer by installing them into different folders. Library Localization
: While the interface is fixed, you can sometimes adjust library object languages using the Library Localization Preferences Window > Toolbars > Edit GDL Library Parts File Compatibility
: Projects created in one language version (e.g., English) can generally be opened in another (e.g., Greek), though some library part names or attributes may remain in the original language. exact installation steps for a specific language or checking if your current license supports the version you need? Unable to change the language in Archicad? – Support site archicad 26 change language
Changing the language in Archicad 26 is not as simple as flipping a switch in the settings. Because the language is deeply embedded in the software's program structure, you generally cannot change it through any internal preferences menu once installed.
Instead, you must install the specific language version you need. Here is the breakdown of how to handle this. 1. Identify Your Current Version Before starting, confirm your current language code: Open Archicad 26.
In Archicad 26, the user interface language is hard-coded into the software package and cannot be changed through internal settings. To use a different language, you must download and install the specific language version from the Graphisoft downloads page Graphisoft Community If your query refers to "Story Settings"
(the vertical levels of a building) and how they are labeled or managed: Changing Story Names and Levels
You can modify the name, elevation, and height of your stories to match your local language or project standards: Accessing Settings Design > Story Settings (Windows) /
: Click directly on the story name in the "Name" column to type a new one. Modifying Levels In Archicad 26, you cannot change the user
: Adjust the "Elevation" or "Height to Next" values to change the vertical positioning of each story. Changing Language in the Project (Text & Labels)
To change the language of annotations, labels, and autotext on your layouts: Master Layouts : Edit the text in your Master Layouts to translate title blocks.
: Some autotext strings (like dates or file names) may follow your computer's system locale settings rather than Archicad's internal language.
to set a new default font or language-specific character set by going to the Tool Settings dialog. Graphisoft Community installer link for a specific language or instructions on how to copy settings between different language versions? languages in AC - Graphisoft Community 12 Feb 2019 —
Changing the Language in ArchiCAD 26
ArchiCAD 26 allows users to switch between different languages, making it easier to work with international teams or in multilingual environments. Follow these steps to change the language in ArchiCAD 26: Close ArchiCAD
Advanced: Registry Edit for Windows Users (Power Users)
Warning: Back up your registry before proceeding. This is for legacy users transitioning from ArchiCAD 24/25 habits.
In some rare bugged installations of ArchiCAD 26 (Update 3000 or older), the License Manager Tool fails to overwrite the registry. You can force the change manually:
- Close ArchiCAD.
- Press
Win + R, typeregedit, and hit Enter. - Navigate to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Graphisoft\ArchiCAD\AC26\International - Find the
"Language"string value. - Change the value to the code of your language:
INT= International EnglishUSA= US EnglishGER= GermanFRA= FrenchJPN= JapaneseSPA= SpanishITA= Italian
- Press F5 to refresh. Launch ArchiCAD 26.
Scenario A: You have an Educational License
Graphisoft Educational licenses are sometimes region-locked. If you are in Italy with an Italian student license, the License Manager Tool may grey out the "English" option. Workaround: Download the International English trial from Graphisoft’s website and re-activate your student license on top of it. The language restriction usually lifts.
Step 4: Select "User Interface Language"
Inside the Preferences window, you will find a drop-down menu labeled "User Interface Language." Here, you can select from any of the installed languages (English, German, French, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, etc.).
5. What remains unchanged
- Element data (IDs, names, user text) – these stay as typed.
- Layer/Combo names (unless they were translated in the template – templates are language‑specific).
- Your custom workspace (toolbars, shortcuts) – these are stored per language version; you may need to re‑import saved workspaces.
Step 2: Access the Graphisoft License Manager Tool
- Windows: Go to your Start Menu and type "Graphisoft License Manager Tool." Open it.
- macOS: Navigate to
Applications > Graphisoft > License Manager Tool.app.
The "Resource Switching" Workaround (Advanced Users)
Some users replace language resource files without full reinstallation. This involves:
- Renaming or swapping folders inside
Archicad 26\Resources(e.g.,INTfor English,GERfor German). - Editing a
.lcfor registry key (for Windows) orInfo.plist(for macOS).
⚠️ Warning: This is not supported by Graphisoft. It can cause crashes, corrupted menus, or template mismatches (e.g., German UI with English default shortcuts). Only attempt if you are technically confident and have a full backup.
4. What language change affects
- Interface: Menus, palettes, dialog boxes, status bar.
- Default tooltips and messages.
- Report & schedule field names (e.g., zone categories, element properties).
- Units & conventions: Some languages affect dimension/decimal separators (you can override these separately in Options → Project Preferences → Working Units).
1. Language is set during installation
When you run the Archicad 26 installer, you choose a language. That language becomes the default for menus, tooltips, dialogs, and reports.
➡️ To change it afterward, you must reinstall or modify the installation.