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Easy App Localisation Tips

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Easy App Localisation Tips

App localization, also known as app translation, is the process of adapting an app to work in different languages and cultures. This includes translating the app's text, adapting the user interface to local conventions, and testing the app in the target market. Localization is essential for making the app access to a global audience and increasing its potential user base.

The localization process typically involves the following steps:

  1. Identifying the languages and cultures that the app should support.
  2. Extracting the app's text and resources into a format that can be easily translated.
  3. Translating the text and resources into the target languages.
  4. Adapting the user interface to support right-to-left languages and other local conventions.
  5. Testing the app in the target languages and cultures to ensure that it works well and is culturally appropriate.
  6. Continuous updating of the localization as per the need and changing trends. Following the Mobile App Localization guide is a must.

Here are a few tips that help you get the most out of App Localization Services.


Start early: Localizing an app takes time and resources, so it's best to start the localization process as early as possible in the development cycle.


Use Unicode: Unicode is a universal character encoding that allows you to display text in multiple languages.


Use string resources: Instead of hardcoding text strings into the app's code, use string resources that can be easily translated.


Test for RTL languages: Right-to-left languages like Arabic and Hebrew require special handling in terms of layout and text alignment.


Consider cultural differences: Localization is not just about translating text, but also about adapting the app to local cultural conventions and user expectations.


Use machine translation: Machine translation can be used as a starting point for localization, but always have a native speaker review the translation to ensure accuracy.


Keep it simple: Avoid using idioms, colloquialisms, and complex grammatical structures that may not translate well.


Test in-country: Test your app in the target country or region to ensure that it works well and is culturally appropriate.


Use a professional translation company: Professional translation companies can help ensure that your app is translated accurately and culturally appropriately.


Continuously update: Make sure to constantly update your app's localization as per the need to give a seamless experience to your users.


P.S: Make sure that you avoid these App Localization Mistakes to Avoid in 2023


Apart from the above tips here are  a variety of services available for app localization, that you need to be aware of


Translation agencies: These companies specialize in translating text and can provide localization services for apps. They often have teams of professional translators who are fluent in multiple languages.


Localization platforms: These are online tools that automate the localization process. They often include features like translation memory, glossaries, and CAT tools that help to streamline the localization process.


Machine translation: There are a variety of machine translation services that can be used to automatically translate text. While machine translation can be a useful starting point, it's important to have a native speaker review the translation to ensure accuracy.


In-country testing: Some companies offer in-country testing services to help ensure that an app is culturally appropriate and works well in the target country or region.


Post-Release Localization: Some service providers help update the app post-release to keep the localization updated and in sync with the changing trends and languages.


Crowdsourced Translation: Some services provider allow users to contribute to the localization by allowing them to translate the app's text into their own language.


App localization goes beyond simple translation, it also considers cultural and linguistic nuances such as date and time formats, currency, images, and more to provide the best experience for users in different languages and cultures. It's important to choose a localization service that fits your budget, timeline, and language requirements.

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