If you purchased SAI directly from the official website (www.systemax.jp), you likely have the Japanese version by default. However, SYSTEMAX provides a separate English build for international customers.
A: You are using an early beta of Ver. 2 (pre-2020). Update to the latest version from the SYSTEMAX portal. The language feature was added in 2021.
language.conf and restart SAI v2.So, how do you change language in Paint Tool SAI?
The golden rule of SAI language switching is this: SAI Ver. 1 is a language-locked fossil. SAI Ver. 2 is modern software. If you draw professionally or hate technical headaches, spend the $15 to upgrade. You will save hours of frustration.
For everyone else, use Method 2 (file swapping) or Method 3 (locale change). And always, always back up your sai.exe before renaming anything.
Now, go draw something – in whatever language works for you.
Word count: ~1,800 words. Last updated: October 2024. For official support, visit SYSTEMAX Corp's help desk (Japanese/English).
Depending on whether you are using the classic Version 1 or the newer Version 2, the process for changing the language in PaintTool SAI involves either editing configuration files or downloading specific localized versions. For PaintTool SAI 1 (Classic)
In Version 1, the language is primarily controlled by a specific configuration file in the application folder. DeviantArt Locate the Folder
: Navigate to the folder where PaintTool SAI is installed (usually C:\PaintToolSAI Find the Config File : Look for a file named language.conf Edit the File : Open it with a text editor like Notepad. Change the language setting (e.g., from for Japanese to
for English) or replace the entire file with a community-provided English version. Restart SAI
: Save the file and restart the program for changes to take effect. DeviantArt For PaintTool SAI 2 (Technical Preview)
SAI 2 handles languages differently. The official version from is typically released in English and Japanese. Download the Right Version
: Unlike Version 1, you often need to download the installer that matches your preferred language from the official site.
: If you are trying to force a change, some users find a language setting within the
file located in the program directory or the Systemax folder. Community Patches paint tool sai change language
: For languages other than English or Japanese, you may need to download a "localized" version or a language patch from community sites like DeviantArt Troubleshooting "Strange Symbols"
If your interface shows strange symbols or "Unicode" characters instead of letters, this is often a conflict with your system's locale. DeviantArt : Ensure your Windows "Language for non-Unicode programs" (found in Region settings) is set to English, or edit the language.conf file to ensure it is targeting the correct character set. DeviantArt Are you using Version 1 or Version 2 , and which are you trying to switch to? PAINT TOOL SAI HELP!!!! by Pein-Sempai on DeviantArt
Changing the language in Paint Tool SAI depends entirely on which version you are using, as the software lacks a built-in "Language" menu for immediate switching. Version 1 (SAI Ver.1)
In Version 1, the user interface language is controlled by an external configuration file. You can change it by modifying this file or replacing it with a community-made translation.
Locate the Configuration File: Navigate to the folder where Paint Tool SAI is installed (usually C:\PaintToolSAI). Look for a file named language.conf.
Manual Modification: Open language.conf with a text editor like Notepad. You can manually edit the strings to your preferred language, though this is tedious.
Using Translation Packs: Most users download a pre-translated language.conf from community sites like DeviantArt. To install: Download the ZIP file containing the translation. Extract the language.conf file.
Copy and paste it into your SAI application folder, replacing the existing one. Version 2 (SAI Ver.2)
SAI 2 does not use external .conf files for text strings; instead, the interface language is hard-coded into the executable (.exe) file.
Official Versions: Ensure you download the specific English or Japanese version from the official SYSTEMAX Software Development website.
Third-Party Patches: Because the strings are hard-coded, "changing" the language often requires a modified executable provided by unofficial translation groups.
Caution: Editing the .exe yourself is not recommended unless you are experienced with hex editing or software modification. Common Troubleshooting
"Gibberish" Text: If the menu text appears as strange symbols or squares, it often means your system lacks the necessary Japanese language support (Unicode) or the language.conf file is corrupted.
License Issues: Software licenses for SAI are generally not language-locked. A license purchased on the English site should work on a Japanese version and vice-versa. Are you using SAI 1 or the SAI 2 technical preview, and PAINT TOOL SAI HELP!!!! by Pein-Sempai on DeviantArt
Changing the Language in Paint Tool SAI: A Step-by-Step Guide If you purchased SAI directly from the official
Paint Tool SAI is a popular digital painting and editing software that has gained a significant following worldwide. Developed by Systemax, SAI is known for its user-friendly interface, powerful features, and versatility. While the software is primarily used by artists and designers, it's also widely used by hobbyists and beginners. One of the most frequently asked questions about Paint Tool SAI is how to change the language. In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide on how to change the language in Paint Tool SAI.
Why Change the Language in Paint Tool SAI?
Paint Tool SAI is available in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, French, German, Italian, and many others. While the software's default language is set to English, some users may prefer to use it in their native language. Changing the language can be helpful for several reasons:
How to Change the Language in Paint Tool SAI
Changing the language in Paint Tool SAI is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few steps. Here's how:
Method 1: Changing the Language through the Software's Settings
Method 2: Changing the Language through the Windows Registry
If you're using a Windows computer, you can also change the language in Paint Tool SAI by modifying the Windows Registry. Here's how:
List of Language Codes for Paint Tool SAI
Here are some common language codes used in Paint Tool SAI:
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues while changing the language in Paint Tool SAI, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Conclusion
Changing the language in Paint Tool SAI is a simple process that can enhance your overall experience with the software. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily switch to your preferred language and take advantage of the software's powerful features and tools. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, Paint Tool SAI is an excellent choice for digital painting and editing, and changing the language can help you get the most out of the software.
How to Change the Language in PaintTool SAI: A Quick Guide If you've ever opened PaintTool SAI Save language
only to find the interface in a language you don’t speak—or if you’re simply looking to switch between versions—you’ve likely noticed there isn't a simple "Language" button in the settings menu.
Changing the language depends entirely on which version of the software you are using. Here is how to handle it for both For PaintTool SAI 1 (Ver. 1.x)
In the original version of SAI, the language is controlled by a configuration file. This makes it relatively easy to modify manually if you have the right text. Locate the Config File
: Go to your PaintTool SAI installation folder and look for a file named language.conf Edit the File : Open this file using a simple text editor like Windows Notepad Update the Strings
: Users often swap this file with a pre-translated version found online (e.g., on DeviantArt or community forums) to change the UI labels. Official Downloads
: The easiest way is often to download the specific language version you need (such as English, Spanish, or Russian) directly from official or reputable distribution sites For PaintTool SAI 2 (Ver. 2.x)
SAI 2 handles things differently. Because it is still technically a "Technical Preview" or beta, the language strings are often "hard-coded" into the program's executable ( PAINT TOOL SAI HELP!!!! by Pein-Sempai on DeviantArt
Pretty late, I had the same problem, from what it looks like is that the language is called "Unicode" so just go to a file named " DeviantArt Pein-Sempai - Student, Digital Artist
Important Note: Paint Tool SAI does not have a built-in language switcher in its menu. You cannot simply click "Settings" > "Language." The language is determined by external files. Therefore, changing the language requires replacing those files manually.
Paint Tool SAI (often stylized as PaintTool SAI) is one of the most beloved lightweight digital painting programs in the world. Praised for its stabilizer engine and intuitive interface, it has been a staple for illustrators, manga artists, and concept artists for nearly two decades.
However, there is one persistent headache that plagues both new and experienced users: changing the language.
Unlike modern software (Photoshop, Krita, Clip Studio Paint) that includes a simple drop-down menu in "Preferences," SAI was built differently. It does not have an internal language switcher. So, if you accidentally installed a Japanese version, bought a copy from a foreign marketplace, or downloaded a repack that defaults to Chinese, how do you switch it to English?
This guide will walk you through every possible method to change language in Paint Tool SAI, covering the official v1, v2, and common misconceptions.
You followed the steps, but SAI still looks like a foreign alphabet soup. Here is the diagnosis:
If you see both sai.exe and sai_en.exe: