Software Localisation

Adaptation of software, apps, platforms and user interfaces for a specific language, market and cultural context.

Software localisation for digital products

Software localisation is the adaptation of a digital product so it works naturally for users in another language and market. It is not limited to translating words. It also involves context, interface constraints, terminology, user expectations and the way people interact with the product.

PangeaVox Translation provides software localisation support for apps, platforms, websites, SaaS products, user interfaces and digital services. We help make product language clear, consistent and suitable for real users.

What we can localise

We can support different types of software and digital product content.

  • UI strings
  • Menus, buttons and labels
  • Error messages and system notifications
  • Onboarding flows
  • Help centre content
  • User guides and knowledge base articles
  • In-app messages
  • Release notes
  • SaaS platform content
  • Mobile app content
  • Web application content
  • Customer portals
  • Transactional emails
  • Settings, account and payment screens
  • Support and FAQ content

UI and string localisation

Interface text is often short, fragmented and context-dependent. A single word may have several possible translations depending on where it appears, what the user is doing and how much space is available.

Depending on the project, this may involve:

  • Adapting UI strings to the target language
  • Respecting character limits and interface constraints
  • Checking buttons, labels and menus in context
  • Maintaining consistency across repeated strings
  • Adapting error messages and system prompts
  • Preserving product terminology
  • Avoiding literal wording that sounds unnatural in the interface
  • Checking clarity for the intended user journey

Localisation for user experience

Good software localisation helps users understand what to do, what happened and what action they should take next. The language must be clear, concise and consistent across the product.

We pay attention to:

  • Clarity of instructions
  • Consistency of actions and labels
  • Tone of voice
  • User expectations in the target market
  • Navigation and menu wording
  • Error recovery messages
  • Help text and tooltips
  • Accessibility-related language
  • Readability on screen
  • Terminology across the product

Help content and product documentation

Software localisation often extends beyond the interface. Users also need clear help articles, support content, release notes and documentation in their language.

We can support:

  • Knowledge base articles
  • Help centre pages
  • Product tutorials
  • User manuals
  • Quick start guides
  • Release notes
  • Support macros
  • Customer service templates
  • FAQ sections
  • Training content

Working with localisation files

Software localisation often involves structured files and technical formats. These files must be handled carefully so that keys, placeholders, variables, tags and formatting are preserved.

We can work with or review content in formats such as:

  • XLIFF
  • JSON
  • XML
  • CSV
  • Excel files
  • PO files
  • String tables
  • CMS exports
  • Translation memory exports
  • Platform-specific localisation files

Please confirm the required file format before the project starts. Where needed, we can also work with exported spreadsheets or structured text files.

Context improves localisation quality

Software strings are difficult to localise accurately without context. Screenshots, comments, string IDs and product documentation help avoid ambiguity and reduce rework.

To improve quality, we recommend sharing:

  • Screenshots
  • String IDs
  • Developer comments
  • Product descriptions
  • User flows
  • Style guides
  • Glossaries
  • Previous translations
  • Character limits
  • Tone of voice guidelines
  • Target audience information
  • Test environment access where available

Machine translation, MTPE and human localisation

Different software content types require different workflows.

Machine Translation

May be suitable for high-volume internal or low-risk content where speed and controlled processing are the main priorities.

MTPE

May be appropriate for repetitive help content, release notes or structured product documentation that requires correction, terminology control and consistency checks.

Human Localisation

Recommended for user interface strings, onboarding flows, customer-facing product copy, brand-sensitive content and any text where clarity, usability and tone are critical.

Our process

  1. Scope review: We review the product type, language pair, file format, volume, target market, intended users and deadline.
  2. File and context check: We check the files, placeholders, variables, character limits, reference materials and available product context.
  3. Workflow selection: We recommend the appropriate workflow: human localisation, MTPE, review, terminology work, QA or a combined solution.
  4. Localisation: The content is adapted with attention to terminology, UI context, clarity, tone and user expectations.
  5. Review and quality control: Where required, we check consistency, placeholders, formatting, terminology, readability and alignment with the brief.
  6. Delivery: Files are delivered in the agreed format, ready for internal review, product integration or localisation testing.

Suitable for different digital products

  • SaaS platforms
  • Mobile apps
  • Web applications
  • E-commerce platforms
  • Customer portals
  • Fintech interfaces
  • Health technology platforms
  • Education technology products
  • Travel and booking platforms
  • Productivity tools
  • Enterprise software
  • AI tools and digital services

Quality priorities

For software localisation, we pay particular attention to:

  • UI clarity
  • Terminology consistency
  • Context-sensitive meaning
  • Character limits
  • Placeholders and variables
  • Tone of voice
  • User journey consistency
  • Readability on screen
  • File structure preservation
  • Market relevance
  • Product readiness

Confidentiality

Software localisation projects may include unreleased product features, proprietary workflows, internal platform content, user interface designs, product strategy, technical documentation or customer communication templates. We treat project materials as confidential and can work under a non-disclosure agreement where required.

Ready to localise your software product?

Send us your files, language pair, product type, target market, deadline and any available reference materials. We will review the scope and recommend the most suitable workflow for your software localisation project.

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