Language - Paint Tool Sai Change

After restarting SAI, check these areas:

After reboot, launch SAI. If the menus are still foreign, you must also reinstall SAI after changing the locale so it reads the correct language strings during installation.


Sometimes, even if you have the English files, SAI will still display Japanese text. This is because SAI reads your computer's Unicode language settings.

If your system locale is set to Japan, SAI assumes you want Japanese menus. If it’s set to China, it may display garbled Chinese characters.

Version 1 does not have a built-in language switcher in the settings menu. To change the interface from Japanese to English, you usually have to perform a "file swap."


How to Change the Language in Paint Tool SAI If you’ve opened Paint Tool SAI only to find it in a language you don’t recognize—or if you're trying to install a fan-made translation—getting the interface right is essential for your workflow. Because Paint Tool SAI (v1) and SAI 2 handle language files differently, the fix depends on which version you’re using. Paint Tool SAI (Version 1)

In the original version of SAI, the language settings are stored in a simple configuration file. Locate the installation folder: Typically found at C:\PaintToolSAI or wherever you originally extracted the program. Find "language.conf": Look for a file named language.conf in the root folder. Edit the file:

Open it with a text editor like Notepad. You can manually edit the strings here, or more commonly, replace this file with a pre-translated version. Replace with a translation: Many artists use community-made translations, such as the Alternate English UI found on DeviantArt, by simply dropping the new language.conf into the folder. Paint Tool SAI 2

Changing the language in SAI 2 is more restricted because the text is often hard-coded into the executable file ( ) rather than a separate config file. Official English Version:

The most reliable way to get SAI 2 in English is to download it directly from the official English Development Room Manual Translation: Unlike Version 1, there is no language.conf

for SAI 2. Translating it usually requires advanced modification of the program's strings, which is not recommended for most users. Troubleshooting: "Gibberish" Text

If your menus look like strange symbols or "gibberish," it usually means your computer is struggling to read Japanese characters without the proper system locale. 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 paint tool sai change language

Bridging the Language Barrier: Changing Language in PaintTool SAI

PaintTool SAI is a powerhouse in the digital art community, cherished for its lightweight performance and smooth brush stabilization. However, because it was developed by Japan’s Systemax Software, international users often find themselves navigating a language barrier. Interestingly, the process for changing the language varies significantly between the classic Version 1 and the modern Version 2 Technical Preview. Version 1: The "language.conf" Method

PaintTool SAI 1 is uniquely friendly to translations because it uses an external configuration file for its interface strings. This architecture allows users to manually modify or replace the language data without touching the core executable file.

Locating the File: Users can find a file named language.conf in the main application folder.

Manual Editing: By opening this file in a text editor (like Notepad), you can theoretically edit the text strings to your preferred language.

Translation Patches: Most users prefer to download pre-translated language.conf files from community hubs like DeviantArt. Swapping the original file with a translated one instantly converts the menus and tooltips into English or other community-supported languages. Version 2: Hard-Coded Complexity

In contrast to its predecessor, PaintTool SAI 2 presents a greater challenge. The interface strings in this version are largely "hard-coded" into the program's executable (.exe), meaning there is no simple text file to swap.

Official Versions: The developer, Koji Komatsu, typically releases the software in Japanese and English. Users are encouraged to download the specific language version they need directly from the official Systemax website.

Unofficial Patches: For languages other than English or Japanese, artists often rely on unofficial community patches. These often involve replacing the entire executable or using a specialized installer that modifies the program's internal data.

Configuration Limitations: While files like sai2.ini allow for some minor adjustments, they generally do not offer a toggle for the entire UI language. A Global Community Effort

The ability to use PaintTool SAI in various languages is a testament to the dedication of the global art community. While Version 1 offers a simple file-swap solution, Version 2 requires more specialized versions or patches. Regardless of the version, ensuring your software is in a familiar language is the first step toward mastering its vast array of digital tools. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

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) After restarting SAI, check these areas: After reboot,

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

How to Change the Language in PaintTool SAI: A Quick Guide If you've ever opened PaintTool SAI Sometimes, even if you have the English files,

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.


If you try to change the language and the menu is still in Japanese, or the option isn't there:


Note: This is the only official method. If you have a pirated copy or an old repack, this won't apply to you.


Verdict: While Paint Tool SAI is a legendary lightweight digital art program, its language settings are not entirely intuitive. Depending on which version you are using (SAI 1 or SAI 2) and where you downloaded it, changing the language can range from a simple menu click to a manual file replacement.

Here is a breakdown of the process, the difficulties users might face, and a final verdict on the user experience.