How do I translate Magento interface? Magento localization tips

Magento interface can be translated with CSV localization files (installed as extension in Magento Connect Manager) or using buit-in Inline translation tool. To learn how to enable inline translation please refer to How do I enable Magento inline translation feature article. Translation via editing CSV files can be convenient if you are familar with editing CSV files and want to change a lot of strings at once, in a single place. Inline translation can be convenient to apply minor modifications in existing locale.

First of all, please make sure you have installed localization package for your locale. To install localization package simply navigate to System > Magento Connect > Magento Connect Manager in Magento backend and install the localization package entering extension key for your locale (see the table below). Check this article for detailed instructions on installing packages via Magento Connect.

When Localization package is installed, you can edit existing translation by changing CSV files in app/locale/xx_XX directory (where xx_XX is the language code, for english locale it is app/locale/en_US). You can always use files from English translation as a base.

If there are no localization package for your locale you can create it by simply copying localization directory from English or any other translation.

When editing CSV files please be aware of the following:

• The first message should be written exactly as it appears in English translation (case sensitive with all punctuation), the second message is a translated message
• The CSV editor should be capable to save file in UTF-8 encoding (Excel is not capable). It is possible to edit CSV files using Notepad, Notepad++, OpenOffice/LibreOffice
• Some strings contains %s or %d entries, these entries should be kept in the translated string as well

Another way of doing translation, probably more convenient when editing CSV files is not an option is to enable inline translation at System > Configuration > Developer > Inline Translation in Magento Backend. To learn how to enable inline translation please refer to How do I enable Magento inline translation feature article.

Magento translation extensions: