Localization

Overview

Localization is the process of translating and adapting your app into multiple languages and regions. Localize your app to provide access for users who speak a variety of languages, and who download from different App Store territories.

First, internationalize your code with APIs that automatically format and translate strings correctly for the language and region. Then add support for content that includes plural nouns and verbs by following language plural rules to increase the accuracy of your translations.

Translate and adapt your app

In Xcode, localization refers specifically to the set of resources for a specific language and region that you support.

You add a localization to your project and select the resources you want to include for that language and region. Export the localization and send the files to localizers, who translate the user-facing text and adapt resources for particular cultures and regions. Finally, you import the localized files and test the app in that language and region directly in Xcode.

When you release a localized version of your app, you can also localize the App Store information in App Store Connect for the specific territories where you offer your app.

For other localization tips, tools, and resources, see Expanding Your App to New Markets.

Topics

Essentials

• Supporting multiple languages in your app
• Localizing and varying text with a string catalog
• Using generated localizable symbols in your code
• Localizing Landmarks

Strings and text

• Preparing your interface for localization
• Preparing your app’s text for translation
• Preparing dates, currencies, and numbers for translation

Layouts and views

• Preparing views for localization
• Autosizing views for localization in iOS
• Localization-friendly layouts in macOS

Languages and regions

• Adding support for languages and regions
• Choosing localization regions and scripts

Resources and assets

• Adding resources to localizations
• Localizing assets in a catalog

Translation and adaptation

• Creating screenshots of your app for localizers
• Exporting localizations
• Editing XLIFF and string catalog files
• Importing localizations
• Locking views in storyboard and XIB files

Testing

• Previewing localizations
• Testing localizations when running your app

Legacy localization techniques

• Localizing strings that contain plurals
• Creating width and device variants of strings

See Also

Interface

• Asset management
• Accessibility Inspector