LocalizApp User Guide
Your comprehensive guide to efficient app localization and translation
Introduction
LocalizApp is a powerful macOS application designed to streamline the localization process for Apple platform applications. It supports modern localization workflows, handling both traditional .strings/.stringsdict files and the new .xcstrings format introduced by Apple.
Getting Started
Opening Your Project
LocalizApp supports three main ways to open your localization files:
- Open XCStrings Project: For modern Xcode projects using the .xcstrings format
- Open Xcode Project: For traditional projects using .strings and .stringsdict files
- Open Folder: For standalone localization files in a directory structure
Note: Large project strings require Premium version.
Key Features
Basic Features
- Visual editor for all localization file types
- Search functionality across all strings
- Missing translations highlighting
- Direct editing of string keys and values
- Support for comments and context
Advanced Features
- Support for plural variations
- Device-specific variations
- Batch operations for multiple strings
- Export capabilities
- Integration with translation services
Project Types
XCStrings Projects
Modern Xcode projects use the .xcstrings format, which offers several advantages:
- Built-in support for plural rules
- Device-specific variations
- Better organization of translations
- Improved conflict resolution in source control
Traditional Projects
For projects using .strings and .stringsdict files:
- Full compatibility with older Xcode versions
- Support for complex plural rules through .stringsdict
- Direct file system access
Translation Services
Supported Services
- Google Translate: Wide language support and reliable translations
- DeepL: High-quality translations with support for formal/informal variants
- ChatGPT: AI-powered translations with context awareness
Setting Up Translation Services
- Open LocalizApp Preferences
- Select the Translation tab
- Choose your preferred service
- Enter your API key
- Configure additional service-specific options
Important: You'll need to obtain API keys from the respective services before using their translation capabilities.
Advanced Features
Plural Handling
LocalizApp provides comprehensive support for plural rules:
- Zero, One, Two, Few, Many, and Other variations
- Visual editor for plural rules
- Automatic plural form suggestion
- Preview of plural variations
Device Variations
Create device-specific translations for:
- iPhone
- iPad
- Mac
- Apple Watch
- Apple TV
- Apple Vision
Batch Operations
Efficiently manage multiple strings:
- Copy translations between languages
- Batch translate missing strings
- Export selected strings
- Import translations
Best Practices
Organization Tips
- Use meaningful key names for easier maintenance
- Add contextual comments for translators
- Regularly check for missing translations
- Use device variations only when necessary
- Keep plural rules consistent across languages
Translation Workflow
- Start with a complete set of strings in your primary language
- Use automatic translation for initial drafts
- Review machine translations for accuracy
- Test translations in context
- Regular export and backup of translations
Pro Tip: Use the "Show Missing" feature regularly to ensure complete coverage of all translations.
Common Tasks - Step by Step Guides
Adding a New String
- Click the "+" button in the toolbar
- Enter a unique key for your string
- Add translations for each language
- Optionally add a comment for context
- Click "Save" to add the string
Creating Device Variations
- Right-click on an existing string
- Select "Vary by Device" from the context menu
- Choose the device type (iPhone, iPad, etc.)
- Enter the device-specific translations
- The variation will appear nested under the main string
Note: Device variations can't be added to strings that already have plural variations at the root level.
Adding Plural Variations
- Right-click on a string
- Select "Vary by Plural" from the context menu
- Choose which plural form to add (Zero, One, Two, Few, Many)
- Enter translations for each plural form
- The "Other" form will be automatically added as it's required
Translating Missing Strings
- Click the language in the sidebar
- Click the "Translate" option
- Select the source language to translate from
- Choose whether to translate only missing strings
- Enable "Use Comments" for better context-aware translations
- Confirm to start the translation process
Copying Translations Between Languages
- Select the target language in the sidebar
- Click "Copy From"
- Select the source language
- Choose whether to copy only missing translations
- Confirm to copy the translations
Searching and Filtering
- Use the search bar to find specific strings
- Toggle "Show Missing" to focus on incomplete translations
- Click the eye icon next to languages to show/hide columns
- Use the language selector to focus on specific languages
Exporting Translations
- Click the "Export" button in the toolbar
- Select which files to export
- Choose between:
- "Export to Project" to update the source files
- "Export to Folder" to save to a custom location
- Review and confirm the export
Setting Up Translation Services
- Open LocalizApp Preferences
- Go to the Translation tab
- Choose your service:
- Google Translate: Enter your API key from Google Cloud Console
- DeepL: Enter your API key and configure formality options
- ChatGPT: Enter your API key and select the model
- Test the connection
- Save your settings
Pro Tip: ChatGPT often provides more context-aware translations when you include string comments.