Internationalizing a translation app for Android and iOS is one the tasks most programmers do not have any experience with as it supposed to really...
4 min read
11/10/2013
What are the most common formats for a translation? Can you translate my document in my format? What file formats can I use for translation?
We are often asked this question before receiving a translation job. As a professional translation company, we must provide the highest compatibility with all the formats our clients use for publication. Our responsibility as professional translators that offer translation solutions is to know your formats and provide a translation in the same format in which you send us the text. You will see a table with the most common formats below. Whether you need translation for your mobile apps, software strings, websites, documents or the translation of images (jpg, jpeg, png, gif, bmp, eps, tiff, psd, etc.) or audiovisual format for subtitling, we are ready to help! Here is a summary of the most common translation formats and platforms we work with.Mobile Platforms
Only around 25% of smartphone users are native English speakers - and that figure includes the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, etc. Just as an example, the Apple App Store is available in 120 countries and the Android Market, in 130. Nonetheless, many mobile applications are available in English only. Thus, localizing a mobile application to several foreign languages can greatly expand customer reach. Several market studies and statistics show that the translation of a mobile app to the top 13 common languages will extend the reach to at least 80% of international mobile users. The top languages belong to several EU and BRIC countries: Spanish (for Spain and Latin America), German, French, Portuguese (Brazil), Italian, Russian, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Dutch and Swedish.Mobile platform supported file formats:
xml, strings, rrc, Symbian resource, resx, ts, android, IOS, blackberry, Windows phone... whichever format your file may be encapsulated in, our technical team is here to make your translation process as smooth as possible, into all the languages you need! |
XML files for Android devices |
.xml |
 |
.strings files for AppleTM |
.strings |
 |
rrc files for BlackBerryTM devices |
.rrc |
 |
.strings format files for WindowsTM devices |
.strings |
 |
ts format files for cross-platform application framework and widget toolkit (classic and embedded graphical user interfaces), and applications |
.ts |
Other mobile app formats upon request |
Document translation and website translation
Remember that translation processes are different from publishing processes. If you are wondering "What file formats can I use for translation?", do not despair: we are the professional translation company you can trust. We use translation industry technologies to recycle your previous texts, develop terminology lists, make use of your previous translations and thus be consistent in style and terminology again and again. These technologies are known as "translation tools" (computer assisted translation, not machine translation) and will save you time and money by re-using previously translated segments.Document and website translation supported file formats:
XLIFF, XML, HTML, txt, csv, odt, ott, ots, odg, otg, odp, otp and Microsoft TM family formats such as docx, dotx, xslx, xlts, pptx, potx, Microsoft TM family legacy formats such as doc, ppt, xls, pdf, dot, mlf, idml and more.... whichever the original format of your file, our technical support team and desktop publishing specialists will provide a true version of your document in any language you need!  |
xml and xliff files for translation program interface |
.xliff |
 |
Website translation: WordPress, Joomla, eCommerce sites, dynamic website content, etc. |
.html, .htm, .xhtml, .xht |
 |
Microsoft OfficeTM format files |
.docx, .dotx, .xlsx, .xltx, .pptx, .potx, |
 |
OpenOffice file format |
.odt, .ott, .ods, .ots, odg, .otg, odp, .otp |
 |
LibreOffice file format |
.odt, .ott, .ods, .ots, odg, .otg, odp, .otp |
 |
RTF files from any word-processing package |
.rtf |
 |
AdobeTM FrameMaker files, including legacy |
.fm, .mif |
 |
AdobeTM InDesign files, including legacy |
.IDML, legacy .inx files, .indd |
 |
PDF and ePUB files |
.pdf, .pub, etc. |
Software translation and localization
If you need software translations, it is because you have developed an application, program or platform which you wish to translate into other languages for users in different countries. A great variety of documents in several formats which need to be translated is generated within the field of IT/ Computer Science/ Informatics: from on-screen messages on a company's website to PDFs, ebooks, the information the company provides about its applications and platforms, not to mention the translation of its technical manuals. Terminological coherence between all of these areas is paramount in order to ensure the user has a flawless experience while using the platform, software, video game or application.According to CSA, 72% of consumers say they would be more likely to buy a product with information in their own language.
The same report states that 52% of consumers say that the ability to obtain information in their own language is more important than price! 74% of multinational enterprises believe it is either important or most important to achieve increased revenues from global operations.
Software translation and localization file formats
  |
MicrosoftTM .NET |
.resx |
 |
Javascript, JavaProperties (Msg), Java server pages |
.strings, .js, .properties, .java |
 |
Windows file formats for translation (including resource compiler) |
.ersw, .resjson, .RC |
 |
GNU GetText file formats for translation |
.po, .pot |
|
GitHub DKLang file formats for translation |
.dklang .lng |
 |
Generic INI files |
.ini |
 |
Generic Portable Object |
.po |
 |
Ruby on Rails and YAML file formats for translation |
.yml |
   |
Mozilla strings, Chrome json, Joomla ini file formats for translation |
.strings, .json, .ini |
  |
Other software formats upon request |
Remember that translation processes are different from publishing processes. We are a professional translation company and we use translation industry technologies in order to provide the highest quality and efficiency. Our project managers will guide you through the process so that you never have to ask yourself "What file formats can I use for translation?", and you can translate and publish more and more in all languages that are a priority to you in order to reach your audience and potential markets. Document translation is obviously extremely important for all kind of corporations, legal firms, consultants, universities, institutions, etc. Pangeanic works for automotive firms, financial institutions, governments, and a myriad of organizations that require translation services. Proper translation of documents and digital content reduces the costs of international customer support, as the documents can be used on the web. And careful, professional document translation services increase customer loyalty. Click here to ask about other formats you want to translate or to request a translation quote.