Localization

Overview

Localization is the process of translating and adapting your app into multiple languages and regions. Localize your app so it adapts for people who speak a variety of languages, and who download your app from different App Store territories.

First, use localizable APIs that format and translate strings correctly for the language and region setting on the device. For more information, see Supporting multiple languages in your app.

Then, you have several options for localizing your app that you can use separately or in combination:

• Let agents in the coding assistant add languages, string catalog files, and translations for you. For more information, see Localizing your app using agents.

• Add string catalogs to your app and manage languages, comments, and translations using the string catalog editor. For more information, see Localizing and varying text with a string catalog.

• Export localizations and send the files to localizers, who translate the strings and adapt resources. For more information, see Exporting localizations and Importing localizations.

Next, test your app in the languages and regions you support in Xcode previews and by running your app on simulated and physical devices. For more information, see Previewing localizations and Testing localizations when running your app.

To get the best feedback on your translations, distribute your app to native speakers in the languages that you support. For more information on using TestFlight, see Distributing your app for beta testing and releases.

Finally, when you release a localized version of your app, localize the App Store information in App Store Connect for the specific territories where you offer your app. For more information, see Localize app information.

For other localization tips, tools, and resources, see Expand your app to new markets.

Topics

Essentials

• Supporting multiple languages in your app
• Localizing your app using agents
• 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