Simplify your XLIFF translation process 

Struggling with XLIFF translation? This guide is here to help. In this blog post, we will explore the two most common approaches to translating XLIFF files. Additionally, we'll highlight common pitfalls in XLIFF file translation and offer practical tips to improve and streamline your translation process.

Exploring different ways to translate XLIFF files 

There are two common approaches to translating XLIFF files. The first involves using general-purpose text editors that support the XLIFF format, such as Notepad, Notepad++, or TextEdit. The second approach uses specialized translation software, which is specifically designed for managing and processing translation files.

To better understand the differences between these options, consider the following:

Text editors are versatile tools that can modify a wide variety of file types. However, they are not tailored for any specific format or task, making them more suitable for users with technical expertise. While it is possible to translate XLIFF files with a text editor, this requires a solid understanding of the XLIFF structure and the ability to identify and edit the appropriate sections for translation.

Specialized translation software, on the other hand, is purpose-built for handling translation tasks. These tools offer features such as translation memory, glossary management, screenshot support, and more, enhancing translation efficiency, streamlining workflows, and reducing the likelihood of errors.

Common mistakes in XLIFF file translation 

Here, we outline some of the most common errors encountered when manually translating XLIFF files:

• Invalid file syntax: Since XLIFF files are XML-based, editing them can be challenging for non-technical users, such as translators. Common syntax errors include missing closing tags, incorrectly nested elements, and other XML-related issues.
• Invalid placeholders: Translating placeholders can result in errors when the file is used in the application. It is crucial to distinguish between content that should be translated and content that must remain unchanged.
• Use of unsupported tags: There are two commonly used versions of the XLIFF file format: 1.2 and 2.0. Make sure you are only using tags that are supported in your XLIFF file version.

Using specialized translation tools helps prevent the errors mentioned above, as these tools automatically generate valid XLIFF files and include features that protect you from making accidental mistakes during translation.

Translate XLIFF files online 

Online translation tools facilitate seamless collaboration between translators and other team members, significantly enhancing both the speed and quality of translations. Additionally, these tools support the automatic generation of XLIFF files, which effectively reduces errors typically associated with manual editing and file exchanges, thereby accelerating overall development.

Moreover, online translation tools offer multiple methods to streamline translation workflows. Below are some of the most commonly used techniques:

Delegating translation tasks 

Online translation tools enable the creation and assignment of translation tasks to translators. This approach makes it easy to track translation progress, optimize workflows to meet specific needs, and allows team members to focus on other critical aspects of the product.

Below, you can see an example of an assigned translation task in Localizely.

Utilizing Machine Translation 

Online translation tools support machine translation, enabling the rapid translation of XLIFF files, often within seconds. When machine translation is complemented by a quick post-translation review, it ensures that the translated XLIFF files are ready for use in a very short time.

Below is an example of utilizing machine translation in Localizely.

Placing translation orders 

In some cases, you may require professional translation services. Online translation tools support this as well, allowing you to create translation orders and assign them to skilled professionals who can deliver translations of XLIFF files within specified timeframes.

Below is an example of placing a translation order in Localizely.

Selecting the right XLIFF translator tool for your project 

Identifying the best XLIFF translator tool for your project can sometimes be challenging. The decision will mainly depend on factors like your project requirements, workflow, team size, and other similar considerations. As a general rule, if you’re working independently, are comfortable handling the technical aspects of XLIFF files, and only need to make small adjustments or update some translations, a simple text editor should suffice. On the other hand, if you require more advanced capabilities from your XLIFF translator tool, such as integrated machine translation, translation memory, a glossary, team collaboration features, and mechanisms to maintain consistency across multiple languages while keeping your work well organized, a specialized XLIFF translator tool would be the better option.

Conclusion 

In this blog post, we provided a concise overview of XLIFF file translation. We discussed two common methods for translating these files and introduced techniques to enhance workflow efficiency using advanced localization tools.

Localizely stands out as a localization platform that streamlines XLIFF file translation and offers a variety of features specifically designed for software localization. Localizely also offers a free plan (no credit card required), which is ideal for smaller projects, and is completely free for open-source projects.

Try Localizely for free.