Translate XLIFF: How to translate courses quickly and easily

If you want to localize your software to different languages, you may have found the term ‘XLIFF file’. XLIFF (short for XML Localization Interchange File Format) is a translation industry standard for exchanging localized strings between applications.

XLIFF is especially popular for translating learning and development courses. Top global companies use AI platforms like Smartcat to achieve accurate translation of course content in record time.

• XLIFF simplifies localization: It stores source and translated content in one easy-to-edit XML file, reducing formatting issues.

• User-friendly XLIFF translation: Upload your XLIFF file to Smartcat, translate with AI, assign human reviewers (if needed), and export the translated file.

• Boost translation efficiency: Using a CAT tool to organize and automate translation tasks saves time and ensures consistency.

Although XLIFF may initially seem complex, it’s easier than it looks. Compared to other formats like JSON and YAML, XLIFF is simple and convenient to use:

• All language versions (original and translations) are stored in a single file.

• You don’t need to identify which parts require translation.

• As an XML-based format, it's easy to edit and process.

• Formatting remains intact, even with machine translation.

• You can focus on content without worrying about layout.

In this article, we’ll help you understand what XLIFF files are, how they work, and how to translate them. We’ll also share some XLIFF tips and tricks to help you streamline your translation workflows.

As we’ve mentioned, XLIFF stands for XML Localization Interchange File Format. A handy format for eLearning translation, XLIFF is widely used and supported by most translation tools, as it holds all of the content that needs to be localized along with the content in the translated languages.

An XLIFF file looks like a piece of code that breaks down source content into various segments stored in tags, as seen below:

To translate an XLIFF file, you need to locate and extract the source text, translate the text with machine translation or your chosen vendors, and import each translation back to the original file. This completed file is then used to display the translated content for each target language you need.

Smartcat includes a CAT tool with dedicated support for the XLIFF file structure, so you won't have to struggle with extraction and formatting! Instead, you upload your XLIFF file into the system and get the translation as an XLIFF file.

Let’s guide you through the process:

1. Export the XLIFF file from your eLearning course or other source.

2. Sign in to your Smartcat account and create a new project.

3. Choose ‘Translation.Fast.’ for AI translation.

4. Select the source and target languages, and upload the files you want to translate into the system.

5. Hit the ‘Get result’ button.

6. Wait while the system extracts the text from your XLIFF file and translates it. This should take less than a minute.

7. When the translation is complete, press the ‘Download completed files’ button to download the translated XLIFF files to your computer.

If you need post-editing, there are a few more steps:

8. Enter the project you created, click ‘View Tasks’, and select the language you’d like to edit.

9. In the window that opens, you’ll see your XLIFF translation units split into sentences. You can change segments partly or completely.

10. When you’ve finished editing, make sure you confirm the translation by ticking the corresponding box in each segment.
    Hit the ‘Done’ button to accept all changes and finalize editing the document.

Last but not least, assigning a professional to edit your text:

11. Go to the ‘Overview’ tab and hit the ‘Add post-editing’ button.
12. Check out the recommended suppliers (if needed) on Smartcat Marketplace, their ratings and rates, and choose the one that best fits your needs.

There are more ways to translate XLIFF files, like manually editing the source file or sending it to a human translator. All have their benefits, but CAT tools stand out for both simplicity and saving time.

Below, you’ll find the advantages of using a CAT tool over other means of translation:

• Automatic separation of translatable text from the text layout. Regardless of the type of translation you choose, the CAT system will automatically separate translatable text from the text layout to simplify the translation process. This saves you time as you don’t have to separate the text manually.

• The source text is broken down into smaller, translatable segments. The CAT tool will also break down your source text into smaller, translatable segments, such as sentences, paragraphs, or phrases. These are easier to parse and help you identify and reuse previously translated segments that are similar or identical.

• Ability to use approved segments only. Sometimes segments don’t need to be translated, so you can configure your CAT tool to replace the original text with approved segments only in the final XLIFF file and use the source text as a fallback if there is no translation or the included translation hasn’t been approved.

• Automatic merging of translations. The CAT system will automatically merge your translation(s) back into the XLIFF file, so all you have to do is upload it wherever you need it. It’s as easy as that.

We wish you luck with the translation of your XLIFF files. Translating and localizing your eLearning courses is a huge step towards expanding your services to a global market, and it’s no small feat. Smartcat is here as a valuable resource, whether you’re looking to employ translation vendors and reviewers or leverage our user-friendly CAT tool.

XLIFF files store and exchange localized text during software and course translation, keeping source and target content in one file.

XLIFF separates content from layout, preserves formatting, and is supported by most CAT tools, making it easier to translate accurately.

Yes, we offer a free trial to translate XLIFF files, generate multilingual course content, and whatever else you need for eLearning or software localization.

Learning and development (L&D) translation involves converting corporate training materials into multiple languages. For example, if a company creates a training course in one language but has a global workforce, it may choose to translate the content into the native languages spoken across its teams.

AI translation uses large language models and deep learning to convert content from one language to another, typically within seconds or minutes. Using our platform, you simply upload your files, choose the source and target languages, and click “Translate.” Our AI engine handles the rest automatically.

Our AI translation starts at about 85% accuracy. As the system learns your preferred terminology and style via automatically updated translation memories, accuracy can quickly reach over 95%. You can review and refine translations in our built-in editor or invite teammates or professional linguists to help.

Yes, every confirmed edit automatically updates your glossaries and translation memories, ensuring that your corrections benefit all future translations. Your multilingual content is securely stored in a central workspace you can access anytime.

You can upload your own glossary and translation memory before starting your first translation to guide terminology choices. If you don't have one, we’ll generate them automatically. You can also assign specific assets to each project and edit them manually whenever needed.

We support over 80 file formats—more than twice the industry average. These include DOC, PDF, XLIFF, XML, INDD, XLS, AVI, MP4, and SRT, among many others.

Yes, we offer AI video translation with burned-in subtitles in the target language(s). You can edit the source content, work with cue-based separation, and preview the video live. We support formats like AVI, MP4, MPEG, and MOV, audio files (MP3, AAC, FLAC, WMA), and subtitle files (SRT, VTT).

We offer unlimited seats at no extra cost, so you can invite your entire team and any external collaborators. Work together in a shared, secure workspace without user limits.