Understanding Localization & Supported File Formats

Localization is the process of adapting software, apps, or websites to a specific language and culture. Unlike simple translation, localization includes formatting dates, currencies, UI layout adjustments, and more.

How Localization Differs from Regular Translation

Translation: Converts text from one language to another.
Localization: Goes beyond translation to adapt all cultural and functional elements of a product.

Purpose of This Estimation Form

This form provides a per-string estimation for localizing your product, so you can budget efficiently before starting the full project.

Accepted File Types

We currently support the following localization file formats:

.json — Common for web and app UI strings
.xml — Used in Android or software config
.po — Portable Object used in gettext-based localization
.xliff — Industry standard format for localization exchange
.txt — Plain text with strings separated by lines or tabs

For Estimation Purposes

If you are unsure of the format, upload any text-based file with clear string structure. We will review it manually for estimation.

Examples: File Preparation by Platform

Laravel (PHP)

resources/lang/en/*.php – Translation files
resources/lang/en.json – JSON-based frontend strings

WordPress (PHP)

.po and .mo files – Typically located in wp-content/languages
Export using tools like PoEdit or Loco Translate plugin

Joomla (PHP)

.ini files – Located in /language/en-GB/ and extension folders
Example: en-GB.mod_login.ini

Django (Python)

.po files – Located under locale/en/LC_MESSAGES/
Use django-admin makemessages to extract strings

Static HTML Website

Manual extraction of text content from `.html` files
Recommended: convert to `.txt` or structured `.json` for estimation

Mobile Apps

Android: res/values/strings.xml
iOS: Localizable.strings files
Can be converted/exported to .xliff for bulk localization

Desktop Software

Depends on the framework (e.g., Qt uses .ts, .NET uses .resx)
Convert or export to standard formats: .po, .xliff, or .json

Unsure what to upload? You may also send a sample file or contact us. We’ll help you extract the content properly for localization.

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