Sub OnClick(ByVal Item)
    Dim tag
    Set tag = HMIRuntime.Tags("LanguageIndex")
    tag.Read
Select Case tag.Value
    Case 0
        tag.Value = 1
        HMIRuntime.Language = "en-US"
    Case 1
        tag.Value = 2
        HMIRuntime.Language = "zh-CN"
    Case 2
        tag.Value = 0
        HMIRuntime.Language = "en-US"
End Select
tag.Write

End Sub

Changing the Interface and Project Language in WinCC Flexible SMART V3

Navigating the multilingual environment of modern industrial automation requires a flexible software interface. In SIMATIC WinCC flexible SMART V3, users often need to switch languages to accommodate different regional engineers or to design HMI (Human Machine Interface) projects for international markets. This process is categorized into two main actions: changing the Workbench (User Interface) language and configuring Runtime Project languages. Changing the User Interface Language

The user interface language—which affects menus, title bars, and help texts—can be adapted within the engineering tool via the following steps:

Access Settings: Navigate to the menu command Options > Settings.

Locate Workbench: In the dialog box, double-click the Workbench entry and select the sub-entry User Interface Language.

Select Language: Choose the required language from the dropdown menu (e.g., English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, or Chinese).

Confirm: Click OK to close the dialog; the interface will update immediately to the selected language.

Note: If the desired language is missing from the list, it may need to be reinstalled by running the original setup and selecting "Modify Program" to add specific language features. Configuring Runtime Language Switching for HMIs

To allow machine operators to switch languages during runtime on an actual HMI panel, designers must explicitly enable and configure these languages within the project. 17 - WinCC Flexible - Multi Language Capability

Here is the step-by-step guide to setting up and switching languages in your HMI project.

To describe the steps required to configure and switch between multiple languages (e.g., Chinese, English, German) on a Siemens WinCC Flexible Smart V3 HMI panel without purchasing additional language packages – the feature is built-in and free.

Before we change a single text field, ensure you have these three things:

Note: Unlike older ProTool or high-end WinCC Advanced, Smart V3 handles runtime language switching natively. No DLLs, no scripts, no API fees.

| Feature | Availability | |---------|--------------| | Max number of project languages | Up to 32 | | Runtime language switching | Yes, via script or system function | | License cost | Free (included in standard Smart V3 engineering software) | | Required software | WinCC Flexible Smart V3 (official Siemens version for Smart line) |

⚠️ Note: Smart V3 does not support Unicode for all fonts; East Asian languages require setting correct font types.

Now you need to tell the panel what to say in Chinese.

Pro Tip: For large projects, use the "Export/Import" function under the "Options" menu. Export to Excel, translate for free in Excel (using a local LLM or free translation tool), and import back. This saves hours.