Set the default date format and language

Owned by Helen Gosper
Last updated: Nov 13, 2023 by Denise McGettigan
2 min read

The dates in Phocas are formatted according to the selected language or, if no language is selected, the location settings in each user's browser. 

For example:

  • The English (United Kingdom) language uses dd/mm/yyyy formatting.

  • The English (United States) language uses mm/dd/yyyy formatting.

It is strongly recommended that the language is set in Phocas rather than relying on the web browser.

Default (global) language settings

Administrators can select a Default Language on the Configuration page. By default, this setting is blank.

  • If you select a default language here, it becomes the global default, which overrides any browser settings. However, individual users can still select a language through their account settings page.

  • If you do not select a language here, and the individual user does not select one, the system will use the browser location settings to determine the date format.

  • This setting is session-based. When it is changed, users who are currently signed in (including the administrator) are required to sign out and back in for the changes to take effect.

User language settings

The language selected by each individual user on their Account settings page overrides both the global default and browser settings. 

Browser language settings

If a language is not set globally nor by an individual user, all dates will be formatted according to the location settings in each user's web browser. The setting options for Chrome and Internet Explorer are outlined below. Information about setting languages in other browsers can usually be found under the browser settings.

Chrome

In the browser, type chrome://settings/languages into the address field to view the browser language settings. The language at the top of the list is the one used for formatting. Use the Add button or drag and drop to reorder the list.

  • English uses the dd/mm/yyyy format

  • English (United States) uses mm/dd/yyyy.

Internet Explorer

In the browser, select Tools > Internet options. On the General tab > Appearance section, select Languages. The language at the top of the list determines the formatting. Use the Add or Move Up/Down buttons to select the preferred language.