Translating your WordPress theme allows you to reach a global audience and expand your website’s reach. This guide covers the entire process, from preparing your theme for translation to creating and applying translation files.
Key Steps:
- Set up a text domain for your theme’s translations.
- Mark strings for translation using WordPress localization functions like
__()and_e(). - Create translation files:
- POT (Portable Object Template) file – template for translations
- PO (Portable Object) file – contains translations for a specific language
- MO (Machine Object) file – binary file used by WordPress to display translations
- Apply translations by loading the translation files and setting the WordPress installation language.
Best Practices:
- Update translations after theme updates to maintain consistency
- Regularly check for new strings that need translation
- Collaborate with translators to ensure timely updates and reviews
- Use version control to track changes to translations
By following this guide, you’ll be able to provide a seamless user experience for your global audience, regardless of their language or location.
| Translation Plugin | Key Features | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| TranslatePress | Visual translation interface, automatic translation, SEO pack, user language detection | Easy to use, fast translation process, SEO optimization | Limited free version features, requires subscription |
| WPML | Multilingual support, automatic translation, string translation, plugin compatibility | Comprehensive multilingual support, easy integration | Steeper learning curve, requires subscription |
| Polylang | Multilingual support, automatic translation, string translation, plugin compatibility | Easy to use, comprehensive multilingual support, free version available | Limited free version features, requires subscription |
| Loco Translate | In-browser translation, automatic translation, string translation, plugin compatibility | Easy to use, fast translation process, free version available | Limited free version features, requires subscription |
| Poedit | Desktop application, manual translation, string translation, plugin compatibility | High degree of control, offline translation, free version available | Steeper learning curve, requires manual translation effort |
Internationalization vs. Localization Explained
Internationalization (i18n) and localization (l10n) are two essential concepts in translating WordPress themes. Understanding the difference between these two terms is vital for creating a translation-ready theme.
Internationalization (i18n)
Internationalization is the process of designing and building your theme to be easily translatable into other languages. This involves using specific functions to prepare text strings for translation.
| Internationalization | Description |
|---|---|
| Unicode for text encoding | Allows for correct character display |
| Right-to-left (RTL) and left-to-right (LTR) text direction | Supports languages with different text directions |
| Date and time formats | Accommodates different date and time formats |
| Currency symbols | Supports different currency symbols |
Localization (l10n)
Localization is the process of adapting a theme to a specific region or market. This involves translating and customizing content to suit the language, culture, and preferences of a particular target audience.
| Localization | Description |
|---|---|
| Translating text strings | Converts text into the target language |
| Formatting dates and times | Adapts date and time formats to the target region |
| Adjusting currency symbols | Uses the correct currency symbols for the target region |
| Adapting images, graphics, and colors | Customizes visual elements to align with local culture and expectations |
Why Both are Important
Internationalization and localization are interconnected processes that are critical for creating a translation-ready WordPress theme. By internationalizing your theme, you set the foundation for localization, making it easier to adapt your theme to different languages and regions.
In the next section, we’ll explore the tools and plugins available for translating WordPress themes, making it easier to reach a global audience.
Tools for Translating WordPress Themes
When translating WordPress themes, you have various tools and plugins at your disposal. In this section, we’ll explore some popular options to help you choose the most suitable one for your project.
Translation Plugin Features
Here’s a comparison of popular WordPress translation plugins, highlighting their key features, benefits, and drawbacks:
| Plugin | Key Features | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| TranslatePress | Visual translation interface, automatic translation, SEO pack, user language detection | Easy to use, fast translation process, SEO optimization | Limited free version features, requires subscription for advanced features |
| WPML | Multilingual support, automatic translation, string translation, compatibility with popular plugins | Comprehensive multilingual support, easy integration with popular plugins | Steeper learning curve, requires subscription for advanced features |
| Polylang | Multilingual support, automatic translation, string translation, compatibility with popular plugins | Easy to use, comprehensive multilingual support, free version available | Limited free version features, requires subscription for advanced features |
| Loco Translate | In-browser translation, automatic translation, string translation, compatibility with popular plugins | Easy to use, fast translation process, free version available | Limited free version features, requires subscription for advanced features |
| Poedit | Desktop application, manual translation, string translation, compatibility with popular plugins | High degree of control, offline translation, free version available | Steeper learning curve, requires manual translation effort |
When selecting a translation plugin, consider factors such as ease of use, features, and compatibility with your theme and other plugins. Some plugins offer a free version with limited features, while others require a subscription for advanced features.
In the next section, we’ll explore the process of preparing your theme for translation, including marking strings for translation and creating translation files.
Preparing Your Theme for Translation
To make your WordPress theme translation-ready, you need to set up a text domain and configure your WordPress files. This section will guide you through the process.
Setting Up a Text Domain
A text domain is a unique identifier for your theme’s translations. To set up a text domain, add the following code to your theme’s functions.php file:
function mytheme_setup() {
load_theme_textdomain('mytheme', get_template_directory(). '/languages');
}
add_action('after_setup_theme', 'mytheme_setup');
Replace mytheme with your theme’s slug.
Configuring WordPress Files
Next, configure your WordPress files to use the text domain. This involves wrapping translatable strings in WordPress’s localization functions.
There are two main localization functions: __() and _e(). The __() function returns the translated string, while the _e() function echoes the translated string.
Here’s an example of how to use these functions:
<?php _e('Hello, World!', 'mytheme');?>
In this example, Hello, World! is the translatable string, and mytheme is the text domain.
Marking Strings for Translation
To mark strings for translation, wrap them in the localization functions. This tells WordPress that the string should be translated.
What to Translate
- Menu items
- Widget titles
- Button text
- Error messages
Use the following format to mark strings for translation:
<?php _e('String to translate', 'mytheme');?>
Replace String to translate with the actual string you want to translate, and mytheme with your theme’s text domain.
By following these steps, you’ll have prepared your WordPress theme for translation. In the next section, we’ll explore the process of creating translation files.
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Marking Strings for Translation
To translate your WordPress theme, you need to mark strings for translation. This involves wrapping translatable text in WordPress’s localization functions.
Using Localization Functions
There are two main localization functions: __() and _e(). The __() function returns the translated string, while the _e() function echoes the translated string.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
__() |
Returns the translated string |
_e() |
Echoes the translated string |
Examples
Here’s how to use these functions:
<?php echo __('String to translate', 'mytheme');?>
Replace 'String to translate' with the actual text you want to translate, and 'mytheme' with your theme’s text domain.
<?php _e('Hello, World!', 'mytheme');?>
Again, replace 'Hello, World!' with your translatable string and 'mytheme' with your text domain.
What to Translate
You should mark the following types of strings for translation:
- Menu items
- Widget titles
- Button text
- Error messages
- Any user-facing text
Plural Strings
For strings that may require plural forms, use the _n() function:
printf( _n('%s comment', '%s comments', $count, 'mytheme'), number_format_i18n($count) );
This function takes four arguments:
- The singular form of the string
- The plural form of the string
- The number that determines whether the singular or plural form is used
- The text domain
By marking strings for translation and using the appropriate localization functions, you’re preparing your WordPress theme for translation into multiple languages.
Creating Translation Files
Creating translation files is a crucial step in translating your WordPress theme. In this section, we’ll go through the process of creating POT, PO, and MO files using translation tools.
What are POT, PO, and MO files?
Before we dive into the process, let’s quickly explain what these files are:
| File Type | Description |
|---|---|
| POT (Portable Object Template) file | A template file that contains all the translatable strings in your theme. It’s used as a basis for creating PO files. |
| PO (Portable Object) file | A file that contains the translations for a specific language. It’s created from the POT file and contains the translated strings. |
| MO (Machine Object) file | A binary file that’s used by WordPress to display the translated strings. It’s compiled from the PO file. |
Creating a POT file
To create a POT file, you can use a tool like Poedit or a command-line tool like wp i18n make-pot. Here’s how to do it with Poedit:
- Open Poedit and create a new catalog.
- Select "WordPress" as the project type.
- Choose the folder that contains your theme’s files.
- Click "OK" to create the POT file.
Alternatively, you can use the wp i18n make-pot command in your terminal:
wp i18n make-pot. languages/mytheme.pot
This will create a mytheme.pot file in the languages folder.
Creating a PO file
Once you have a POT file, you can create a PO file for a specific language. Here’s how to do it with Poedit:
- Open Poedit and open the POT file you created earlier.
- Select the language you want to translate to.
- Start translating the strings by clicking on each one and entering the translation.
- Save the file with a
.poextension (e.g.,mytheme-fr_FR.pofor French).
Compiling the MO file
Once you have a PO file, you can compile it into an MO file. Here’s how to do it with Poedit:
- Open Poedit and open the PO file you created earlier.
- Click "File" > "Compile to MO".
- Save the MO file.
By following these steps, you’ll have created the necessary translation files for your WordPress theme.
Applying Translations in WordPress
To apply translations in WordPress, you need to load the translation files and set the WordPress installation language. This section will guide you through the process.
Setting the WordPress Installation Language
Before applying translations, set the WordPress installation language. Go to the WordPress admin panel > Settings > General tab and select your desired language from the "Site Language" dropdown.
Loading Translation Files
To load translation files, use the load_theme_textdomain function in your theme’s functions.php file. This function tells WordPress where to find the language files.
Here’s an example:
function mytheme_localisation(){
load_theme_textdomain('mytheme', get_template_directory(). '/languages');
}
add_action('after_setup_theme', 'mytheme_localisation');
In this example, mytheme is the text domain, and get_template_directory(). '/languages' is the path to the language files.
Creating a Child Theme for Translations
If you want to keep your translation files separate from your theme’s core files, create a child theme and store the translation files there. To do this, create a directory called "lang" within your child theme and add the translation files there. Then, add the following code to your child theme’s functions.php file:
function child_lang_setup(){
load_child_theme_textdomain('mytheme', get_stylesheet_directory(). '/lang');
}
add_action('after_setup_theme', 'child_lang_setup');
This code loads the translation files from the child theme’s "lang" directory.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to apply translations to your WordPress theme and ensure that your site is accessible to a global audience.
Maintaining Translations
To ensure your WordPress theme remains accessible to a global audience, maintaining translations is crucial. As your theme evolves, new strings may be added, and existing ones may change. Follow these best practices to keep your translations up-to-date:
Update Translations After Theme Updates
When updating your theme, revisit and update translations to maintain a seamless user experience. New features or modifications may introduce new strings, requiring adjustments to your translated content.
Regularly Check for New Strings
Regularly scan your theme’s code for new strings that need translation. You can use tools like Poedit or Loco Translate to help you identify new strings and update your translations accordingly.
Collaborate with Translators
If you’re working with a team of translators, establish a workflow that ensures timely updates and reviews of translations. This collaboration will help maintain consistency and accuracy across all translated versions of your theme.
Use Version Control
Use version control systems like Git to track changes to your theme’s code and translations. This allows you to easily identify and revert changes if needed, ensuring that your translations remain accurate and up-to-date.
Here’s a summary of the best practices for maintaining translations:
| Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Update translations after theme updates | Revisit and update translations to maintain a seamless user experience |
| Regularly check for new strings | Scan your theme’s code for new strings that need translation |
| Collaborate with translators | Establish a workflow for timely updates and reviews of translations |
| Use version control | Track changes to your theme’s code and translations using version control systems like Git |
By following these tips, you’ll be able to maintain accurate and up-to-date translations, providing a consistent user experience for your global audience.
Next Steps for Theme Translation
Now that you’ve successfully translated your WordPress theme, it’s essential to maintain and update your translations regularly. This ensures that your theme remains accessible to a global audience and provides a seamless user experience.
Ongoing Maintenance
Regularly check your theme’s code for new strings that need translation. You can use tools like Poedit or Loco Translate to help you identify new strings and update your translations accordingly.
Collaborate with your translators to establish a workflow that ensures timely updates and reviews of translations. This collaboration will help maintain consistency and accuracy across all translated versions of your theme.
Resources for Further Learning
If you’re new to translating WordPress themes, there are many resources available to help you improve your skills. Here are a few recommendations:
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| WordPress.org’s official documentation | Learn about translating themes and plugins |
| Poedit’s guide | Comprehensive guide to translating WordPress themes |
| Loco Translate’s tutorial | Learn how to translate WordPress themes |
Final Thoughts
Translating a WordPress theme is a crucial step in making your theme accessible to a global audience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to provide a seamless user experience for your users, regardless of their language or location.
Remember to maintain and update your translations regularly, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the WordPress community for support and guidance. Happy translating! 😊
FAQs
How do I translate a WordPress theme?
To translate a WordPress theme, you can use plugins like Loco Translate or Poedit. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Using Loco Translate:
- Install Loco Translate by going to your WordPress dashboard and navigating to Plugins > Add New.
- Once activated, Loco Translate adds a new menu item to your dashboard.
- Choose the theme you wish to translate.
Using Poedit:
- Download and install Poedit, a popular desktop application for translating WordPress themes.
- Follow the instructions to create a new translation file for your theme.
How do I add translation to my WordPress theme?
You can use the TranslatePress plugin to easily translate your theme’s text, including widgets, sidebars, and menus. The plugin also supports RTL languages and provides a user-friendly interface for managing translations.
Remember: Regularly update your translations to ensure that your theme remains accessible to a global audience.