If you want to take your store to the next stage and create a multi-language store, the first thing you have to cover is localization. Providing customers with content in their local language creates a personalized experience and encourages them to stay.
The Magento 2 translate inline tool is what can help you out with this task. It is available by default and convenient to work with. You can use it for your localization tasks to ensure relevant content is displayed after customers switch languages.
Today, we'll closely explore Magento 2 inline translation and determine whether it's worth it. We'll also cover other advanced tools to enhance your translation management.
So, shall we start?
What is Magento 2 Inline Translation?
The Magento 2 translate inline tool is a default Magento localization instrument that enables translation from the frontend. You can just hover over the interface element and add its translation right on the storefront.
It works best with short text elements, such as buttons and labels, and doesn't require any technical knowledge.
Besides, the Magento translate inline tool supports multiple languages so you can localize your website for all store views.
Let's now move on to the process and see how you can enable this tool.
How to Enable Magento 2 Translate Inline Tool?
To enable the Magento 2 inline translatation, your Magento needs to be in the default or developer mode. Then you need to navigate to Stores > Configuration > Advanced > Developer > Translate Inline.
Choose whether you want it to be enabled for Storefront or for the Admin panel. Once done, Save your configuration.
Now, you are good to go to the storefront and start adding translations.
How to Use Magento 2 Translate Inline?
We recommend disabling the Magento block cache, page cache, and translations cache before using the Magento 2 translation inline tool. This ensures relevant and correctly applied translations.
To translate some text move cursor (mouse) to the very phrase, find a small book sign, and press it.
Then add a translation in the Custom field and tick the Store View Specific checkbox to assign the translation to that store view specifically.
At the same time, if you want a new translation to be used for all the store views, leave the Store View Specific checkbox empty.
Once ready, press the Submit button and reload the page. You'll see the translated element right after.
When you finish with translations, don't forget to disable the translate inline tool, and enable Magento caches. If needed, also switch your Magento back to the production mode.
Magento Translate Inline Tool: Pros and Cons
As convenient as it is, the Magento 2 translate inline tool has both pros and cons. You might have noticed some up to this point. So, let's just sum them up to have a clearer picture.
Pros of Magento 2 inline translation:
- Convenient translation without code editing
- Multi-language support for store localization
- Easy-to-manage interface
- Frontend implementation where you can check the translated text at once
Cons of Magento 2 inline translation:
- Quite a time-consuming process requiring many repetitive actions
- Don't work in production mode which negatively impacts user experience
- Inconsistent translations if more than one user is adding them
- Can't handle larger translation queries
It's clear that the Magento 2 translate inline tool is a great choice for small translation tasks. However, it is not fully sufficient for larger batches of work.
That's where you have to look for a tool to add translations easily and without interrupting the users' journey.
Is there even any? Jump to the next section to find out!
How to Add Translations From the Admin Panel?
If you are looking for a tool to enhance your translation efforts, the is right for the job. It allows you to add translations from the admin panel without having to search for them on the storefront.
You just have to add the original and translated text, choose the store view, and set the locale.
That's about it! No need to change the mode or disturb your customers.
The extension also offers the Search and Translate functionality. You can look for the text that hasn't been localized yet and add its translation right in the grid. For all your store views.
If you use some external services for translation, you can then import translations into Magento and save yourself from the manual work. You can edit them if needed.
With this solution, you can translate labels, CMS content, and short descriptions. It also lets you translate email templates and other extensions' files. Sounds promising, right?
How to Translate Magento Automatically?
If you have an extensive catalog, the translation process will still take a significant amount of time. Unless you use the Magento 2 Translation to localize them automatically.
Firstly, you need to set up the Google Translation API key and paste it into Magento. Then you can translate product and category attributes automatically into all the languages you manage.
Additionally, you can review and approve translations to ensure they are accurate. You take full control here and decide what translations your customers will see.
All in all, the Magento 2 translate inline tool is a great start for your website localization. It can handle small amounts of text without complicated steps.
Yet, if you want the translation to be faster and more effective, you need an advanced tool to help you out. The Magento 2 Translation extension is always there for you to ensure better results.
