XLIFF Translation Editor with Localization Powered by Smartcat AI

Translate and localize XLIFF files instantly with Smartcat’s Learning Content Agent. Fast, secure, and built for Learning and Development (L&D) teams.

25% of the Fortune 500 trust Smartcat AI for Excel language translation.

Translate and localize XLIFF files in minutes with AI Agents

Smartcat simplifies XLIFF localization and translation using AI Agents that learn from your structured courseware, software, and UI strings. Upload your files and get accurate, context-aware translations in minutes with no technical prep or manual formatting needed.

How to Translate XLIFF files?

1

Upload your XLIFF files

Drag and drop structured XLIFF files directly into Smartcat. No conversion needed.

2

Choose language pairs and project settings

Select source and target languages. Launch AI Agents for localization.

3

Translate with Smartcat AI Agents

Receive AI translations with consistent terminology through glossaries and preserved structure.

4

Download translated XLIFF files

Export files and upload XLIFF files to your learning management tools. Design logic and formatting are always preserved.

AI Agents That Accelerate Learning Content Localization

100x

faster

Localize XLIFF files instantly with AI Agents tailored for Learning and Development platforms.

80+

file formats

Streamline courseware and training content creation for any global audience using Smartcat’s comprehensive file support system.

280+

languages

Scale your eLearning initiatives worldwide with multilingual support that preserves content logic and layout.

Stanley Black & Decker achieves global Learning and Development success

50-70% Lower Localization Costs

Stanley Black & Decker delivers localized, relevant training content worldwide, supporting business growth and employee development at scale with Smartcat’s global platform.

Translation costs were higher than necessary due to an expensive agency and lack of a platform that learns from each translation and can reuse existing content where relevant.

Josie Millis

Customer Marketing Manager at Stanley Black & Decker

Translate More Than Xliff— 80+ File Types Supported

Smartcat supports over 80 file types, including Microsoft Office (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx), Adobe InDesign (.indd), PDF, HTML, XML files, JSON, and subtitle files (.srt, .vtt).
This flexibility enables localization of business documents, multimedia, and eLearning content in one platform.

Why Smartcat is the best translation software for Learning and Development

Automated AI Translation

 Accelerate localization with Smartcat's AI Agents, ensuring accuracy and speed for global teams.

Seamless collaboration

Enable in-house reviewers and external experts to work together in real time.

Custom workflows

Adapt processes in a user-friendly platform to fit Learning and Development project needs.

Revision management

Keep training materials current with efficient, transparent version control.

Cultural relevance

Ensure every translation resonates with learners worldwide by maintaining original context.

User-friendly interface

The intuitive platform makes localization easy for all users.

Data security

Advanced security measures protect all sensitive training content.

Comprehensive file support

XLIFF and 80+ other file types used in content creation and localization.

80+ integrations

Automate continuous localization by connecting to your third-party platforms.

Translate Xliff Files With Ease

Use Smartcat’s global content AI platform, designed for Learning and Development professionals.

Smartcat XLIFF translation FAQ

What is XLIFF localization?

XLIFF localization helps you translate content while keeping all the formatting intact. Think of XLIFF as a smart container that separates the source text you need to translate from the technical formatting, making the whole process cleaner and more efficient. It separates translatable text into segments while preserving formatting through inline elements and tags.

How can learning and development teams benefit from XLIFF localization?

AI is transforming corporate training by offering innovative solutions to enhance learning experiences and personalize training programs.[1] Generative AI directly supports L&D teams by being poised to revolutionize educational content creation, promising resources that are both high-quality and cost-effective.[2]

Translation tools like Smartcat’s AI Agents automate course development by drafting, structuring, and formatting training content quickly, freeing L&D teams to focus on strategy and learner engagement.

These AI Agents translate and localize learning materials simultaneously as they are created, ensuring consistent, accurate, and on-brand training ready for every market from day one.

How does Smartcat handle the localization of XLIFF files?

Smartcat handles your XLIFF files automatically, preserving all formatting so you can focus on creating great content rather than managing technical details. 

Localization tools like Smartcat's AI Agents act as a XLIFF translator to let your team collaborate on translations. AI Agents learn from every edit, using translation memory to continuously improve quality and maintain formatting across all your projects.

The need to "keep the human in the loop" for double-checking AI-generated translations or localized content is important for maintaining quality, particularly for critical L&D materials.[3] There is no limit on the number of collaborators you want to add to your projects, as Smartcat doesn’t charge for additional user seats.

You can also hire professional reviewers within the Smartcat platform via Smartcat Marketplace — one of the world’s largest networks of vetted experts (500,000+). They can review your translated content for accuracy. The AI sourcing tool will match your content, language, and project needs with reviewer profiles, giving you a vetted list of experts suitable for your project.

What are the differences between XLIFF 1.2 and XLIFF 2.0?

XLIFF 2.0 introduces a more modular architecture with a streamlined core and specialized extensions for advanced functionality. It offers improved handling of inline elements, better metadata support, and enhanced validation capabilities compared to XLIFF 1.2.

What is XLIFF extraction and how does it work?

XLIFF extraction is the process of pulling translatable content from source files (like HTML, XML, or DOCX) into the XLIFF format. Smartcat's extraction tools automatically identify translatable text, convert it to XLIFF segments, and preserve formatting as inline elements.

What is XLIFF validation?

XLIFF validation verifies that files comply with the OASIS XLIFF specification and contain properly formed XML. Smartcat automatically validates XLIFF files during import, identifying potential issues with structure, namespaces, or inline elements before translation begins.

How does XLIFF merging work?

XLIFF merging reintegrates translated content from XLIFF files back into the original file format. Smartcat's merging process preserves all formatting, replaces source-language content with target language translations, and ensures the final output matches the original structure exactly.

What are XLIFF segments and how are they handled?

XLIFF segments are individual translatable units within an XLIFF file, typically sentences or phrases. Smartcat's platform preserves segment boundaries, maintains context between segments, and tracks translation state (translated, reviewed, approved) for each segment.

How do you handle inline elements in XLIFF?

Inline elements in XLIFF represent formatting, placeholders, or other non-translatable content within segments. Smartcat's XLIFF editor protects these target elements during translation, making them visible but non-editable to ensure they remain intact throughout the process.

Can I use an XLIFF converter with Smartcat?

Smartcat’s built-in XLIFF conversion capabilities work for 80+ file formats, eliminating the need for separate XLIFF converters. Our platform automatically handles conversion to and from XLIFF format while preserving all structural elements and formatting.

Is my XLIFF content secure during translation?

Smartcat employs enterprise-grade security protocols including end-to-end encryption to protect your XLIFF files. Our platform is SOC 2 Type II compliant, ensuring your content remains confidential throughout the localization process.

Sources

1. Paul, C., Smith, K., Taylor, B., & Underwood, G. (2025). The future of AI in corporate training: Opportunities and challenges [Preprint]. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389649987

2. Al Naqbi, H., Bahroun, Z., & Ahmed, V. (2024). Enhancing Work Productivity through Generative Artificial Intelligence: A Comprehensive Literature Review. Sustainability, 16(3), 1166. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031166

3. Filippucci, F., Gal, P., Jona-Lasinio, C., Leandro, A., & Nicoletti, G. (2024). The impact of Artificial Intelligence on productivity, distribution and growth: Key mechanisms, initial evidence and policy challenges (OECD Artificial Intelligence Papers, No. 15). OECD.https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2024/04/the-impact-of-artificial-intelligence-on-productivity-distribution-and-growth_d54e2842/8d900037-en.pdf

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