Downloading and uploading translations

You can export files from a translation, make changes, and import them again. This allows working offline, and then merging changes back into the existing translation. This works even if it has been changed in the meantime.

Note

The available options might be limited by Access control.

Downloading translations

From the project or component dashboard, translatable files can be downloaded using the Download original translation file in the Files menu, producing a copy of the original file as it is stored in the upstream Version Control System.

You can also download the translation converted into one of widely used localization formats. The converted files will be enriched with data provided in Weblate such as additional context, comments or flags.

Several file formats are available, including a compiled file to use in your choice of application (for example .mo files for GNU Gettext) using the Files menu.

Uploading translations

When you have made your changes, use Upload translation in the Files menu.

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Supported file formats

Any file in a supported file format can be uploaded, but it is still recommended to use the same file format as the one used for translation, otherwise some features might not be translated properly.

The uploaded file is merged to update the translation, overwriting existing entries by default (this can be turned off or on in the upload dialog).

Import methods

These are the choices presented when uploading translation files:

Add as translation (translate)

Imported translations are added as translations. This is the most common usecase, and the default behavior.

Add as suggestion (suggest)

Imported translations are added as suggestions, do this when you want to have your uploaded strings reviewed.

Add as translation needing edit (fuzzy)

Imported translations are added as translations needing edit. This can be useful when you want translations to be used, but also reviewed.

Replace existing translation file (replace)

Existing file is replaced with new content. This can lead to loss of existing translations, use with caution.

Update source strings (source)

Updates source strings in bilingual translation file. This is similar to what Update PO files to match POT (msgmerge) does.

This option is supported only for some file formats.

Add new strings (add)

Adds new strings to the translation. It skips the one which already exist.

In case you want to both add new strings and update existing translations, upload the file second time with Add as translation.

This option is available only with Manage strings turned on.

Conflicts handling

Defines how to deal with uploaded strings which are already translated.

Strings needing edit

There is also an option for how to handle strings needing edit in the imported file. Such strings can be handle in one of the three following ways: «Do not import», «Import as string needing edit», or «Import as translated».

Overriding authorship

With admin permissions, you can also specify authorship of uploaded file. This can be useful in case you’ve received the file in another way and want to merge it into existing translations while properly crediting the actual author.