Within the Localize dashboard we provide you with an ability to import and export phrases and translations in various file formats.
You can also import/export Glossary terms.
To import or export simply go to the File Import / Export page in your dashboard.
UTF-8 FIle Format
Be sure that you are using the UTF-8 file format when working with the external files you are creating for importing purposes.
Importing Phrases
Importing your source language phrases into the Localize platform and translation workflow allows you to invite your translators to add/edit translations or to order professional translations from one of our third party providers directly through our platform. You can also import phrases and translations that were done outside of Localize.
To import, simply go to this link: File Import / Export: Import. You can follow detailed instructions for a specific file type below.
Results of Importing Translations
When you import translations, your Localize library gets updated:
- existing translations will be overwritten
- new translations will be added from the file that you upload
- phrases will have the Import tag applied, and will be marked as a human translation
Import with Pluralized Phrases
Note, if a phrase is pluralized, then it will have multiple translations for a single source phrase. Unless otherwise noted in a specific file format, all translations will be imported together, separated by 4 vertical bars ||||.
Source phrase:
Your trial ends in <var count=""></var> days
Translation:
Su prueba termina en <var count=""></var> día||||Su prueba termina en <var count=""></var> días
Import History
After your import has completed, you can view the status under Import History.
- If your import is successful, you can view
- The date uploaded
- The name of the file uploaded
- File format
- Language
- State: how many phrases were created/updated/duplicates
- If your import fails, you can view the error in the State column


Exporting Phrases
Localize detects all the content found in your application. You can export your translations for backup purposes, to send to your translators (who can translate your content using a third party tool) or to delegate the translation process to a translation service of your choice.
To export, simply go to this link: File Import / Export: Export.
Alternatively, you can filter exactly which phrases that you want to export on the Phrases page. Find out how... You can follow detailed instructions for a specific file type below.
Export with Pluralized Phrases
Note, if a phrase is pluralized, then it will have multiple translations for a single source phrase. Unless otherwise noted in a specific file format, all translations will be exported together, separated by 4 vertical bars ||||.
Translators working in the exported file will need to be made aware of, and maintain these separating bars.
Source phrase:
Your trial ends in <var count=""></var> days
Translation:
Su prueba termina en <var count=""></var> día||||Su prueba termina en <var count=""></var> días
File Types and Formatting
The following file formats are currently supported. Click on a specific file format to see details for importing/exporting data using that format.
If you have more questions or want to suggest a file format contact us.
Website / Web App Project File Formats
CSV
JSON
PO
RESX
Strings
XLIFF
XML
Mobile App Project File Formats
Android XML
CSV
gettext PO
iOS Strings
iOS Stringsdict
JSON
Simple JSON
Strings
YAML
Text Import
Localize will automatically import content on your website in a web-based project. However, manually importing phrases can be useful for translating content before it's live on your website.
To manually import phrases in text or HTML format, navigate to Phrases > Resources > Quickstart > Text Import. You will see the following screen.


Security Warning
Do not copy and paste text from an untrusted source into the box below. Malicious Javascript contained in your submission may compromise the security of your account. Do not proceed if you do not accept and understand this security advisory.
You can import plain text phrases separated by line breaks, or raw HTML.
- Select the Text or HTML choice.
a. If pasting text: phrases should be separated by line break (inline HTML allowed)
b. If pasting HTML: phrases will be extracted from the HTML - Paste in the text or HTML
- Select Add Phrases
- A pop-up dialog will be seen showing whether the import was successful or not.
a. Note: this type of import will not show up in the Import History page. - To view the imported phrases, go to your
a. Pending bin for a web-based project.
b. Published bin for a Mobile / Files-based project.
c. Needs Review bin if using the In-Progress workflow.
Supported Browsers
The Text Import feature has been verified to work in the latest versions following browsers:
- Windows: Chrome, Firefox
- Macintosh: Chrome, Firefox, Safari
It does NOT work in the following browsers:
- Windows: Internet Explorer, Edge
Text Import not available for Mobile App Projects
The Text Import feature is not available in Mobile App projects because new phrases are added via the file import feature instead.
Updated 2 months ago