Localization is the process of translating an application's text elements and adjusting the user interface for a specific language or region. In broader terms, localization is the adaptation of a software product, together with its online help and documentation, for use in one or more regions of the world. Localization of software can include translating user-interface text, resizing text-related graphical elements, and modifying images and sound to conform to local conventions. The following sections explain the steps of the localization process.

General View of the Localization Process

The following is a top level view of the Apple localization process.

This diagram illustrates the basic phases of localization: setting up the localization environment, translating and adjusting the UI (User Interface), and testing.

Here is a brief explanation of these steps:

1. Setting up the localization environment.
   The first step is to create the AppleGlot environment in which you will be working on your translation. The AppleGlot documentation explains how to do this.
2. Translating and adjusting the UI.
   Once you have set up your environment, you are ready to start on the translation. There are two types of resources that you need to translate: the localizable strings of the application and the .nib files (these are files containing the GUI pieces of the application.) We recommend that you use ADViewer for editing text. We also recommend that you use the glossaries we provide on the Localization Tools page as a starting point for your translations.
3. Testing.
   As you are translating, you should proofread and test your localization. The GUI Localization and Testing page has information about how to test while you are working on your localization and at runtime.
4. When your localization passes all the tests and you are satisfied with it, you are done!

Read on for a more detailed description of the localization process.

Detailed View of the Localization Process

This section provides more information on the localization process. It also briefly describes the tools you need to use at each step along the way. Detailed instructions for downloading and setting up the tools are on the Localization Tools page.

Here are the details of the localization process.

1. Setting up the localization environment.
   Setting up the localization environment consists of creating the AppleGlot environment in which you will be working on your translation. It also includes populating it with either the entire application bundle or with just a copy of the English.lproj file in this bundle. The AppleGlot documentation explains where you need to place these files. Once your environment is set up, you will use AppleGlot to create a first draft of the localized product, which contains the strings you need to translate and the GUI pieces which you may need to edit.
   
   The AppleGlot User's Manual (PDF) guides you through the entire setup and string translation process.
2. Translating and adjusting the UI.
   Once you have the first draft (created automatically by AppleGlot), you need to translate the localizable strings extracted by AppleGlot and edit the .nib files.
   
   Refer to the AppleGlot User's Manual for information on how to translate strings and how to incorporate these translations into your localization.
   
   Refer to GUI Localization & Testing for information about how to translate the .nib files of the application.
3. Testing.
   Refer to the GUI Localization and Testing page.
4. When your localization passes all the tests and you are satisfied with it, you are done!

Posted: 2006-01-18