How to handle your translations? Don't underestimate a reliable translation manager

When developing applications and systems, you cannot avoid translation management. But it's not the most interesting part of the project, is it? What if we tell you this job can be much easier? We will show you how a translation manager can make the whole process faster and more efficient.

No more struggles with translation

Developers encounter all types of digital content in their work - from images and videos to ubiquitous texts. Managing it across projects is often a challenge.

...but that's only if they don't use a handy translation manager.

Nowadays, a translation management tool is both a standard and a necessity. Without it, not only developers would have unnecessary work to do.

Maybe you immediately have questions like:

• What is working with a manager like?
• What can it do?
• What software do we use?

Don't worry, you will find out everything in a moment! We will show you the power of this gadget in action.

Loco? Super easy to manage translations

When selecting a tool, it is first and foremost, a matter of preference, as there are many similar helpers. Choose one that suits you and your projects.

In Dactyl Group, the versatile Loco tool has won our developers' hearts for a simple reason:

It combines several key tasks for our work and saves us time we can spend where it is needed most.

What features does Loco have to offer? It includes:

• Language localization. Loco can translate and manage text in multiple languages.
• Overview of translations. Texts are neatly sorted by category and their current status.
• Easy editing. The client can participate in the project and approve the translations in progress.

Instead of Excel spreadsheets, we have one clear tool that helps us with efficient management and subsequent export.

For now, we use Loco only for mobile apps but we plan to expand it to other platforms too. Let's show you how it works - perhaps you will make a use out of it too.

How translations are done in Dactyl

We can be praising translation managers endlessly. However, an example directly from practice will tell you much more.

Using Loco is not rocket science at all. To get started, you need to register. It's a simple procedure that takes just a minute.

Done? Great, now all you have to do is to create your own project. Hint: in the picture you can see this option hidden under the New project button.

Loco has a user-friendly environment

Check. However, there are no texts in the overview – just yet. We add them using the New asset button or in the Import tab.

Adding translations is easy

Not sure if Loco supports your import format? No problem. You'll find the entire list right on their website. 

Time to try it out

We can dive right into it.

Firstly, we need to fill in the text content and the identifier. It can be found under Asset ID.

For our purposes, the pre-filled text will suffice.

You set up everything according to your needs

Completed? Let's focus on the Create asset button, which will display the content directly in the project details.

This is what it should look like...

We have successfully added the text

Now we have more options, such as adding another language. To try it out, we'll add English.

In addition to the name of the language and the country, you can see the flag in the picture, so you don't lose track of the translations.

Tip: For a larger number of translations, it is better to use the Translate tab, where you can freely switch between the added languages.

Loco can handle many languages at the same time

A clear view of the coverage of all the languages used is always at hand in the right-hand column.

The green colour and the check mark indicate that 100% coverage for both languages is complete. However, in this example the coverage will initially be at 0% for English, so don't be alarmed.

Easy export is the cherry on top

The final step of every project is exportation.

And since we are near the finish line, it's time to try to export our successful translations. And as we've come to expect with this tool, it's usually just a click away.

Let's do it.

The export option is right at hand

In the Manage tab, at the right column called Developer Tools, the Export whole project option peeks directly at us.

And that's exactly what we want. Voilà, done!

You can also edit the export

Well, this “one click” is paused by the export editing window for one more moment. What's the purpose?

We can choose one or more languages and even pick the format of the generated file.

A click on the Download button seals the deal and now we're at the finish line. Too much work? Definitely no. Though, it can be done even easier and faster.

But we'll talk about text export automation another time!

• Do you normally use a translation manager for your projects? 
• Have we convinced you to start?
• Anything unclear?

If you have any further questions about translation management or you are looking for a custom solution from the hands of IT professionals, we're here for you. Drop us a message and let us discuss your ideas.