The editor is where translators spend their time. Open it with Editor in the navigation, or select a project on the Projects page.
static/screenshots/editor-overview.pngThe key list #
The left side lists the keys of the current branch, grouped by the first part of the key name. Drag the edge of the list to make it wider or narrower.
- Search keys filters by name and text. Press
/to jump to it. - The filters All, Todo, Review and Done show how many keys they contain. Todo includes keys that are untranslated, have changes requested, or have no source yet.
- Choose a group name to collapse or expand it.
- New key adds a key to the branch. See Key names and groups.
- At the bottom, a bar shows how many keys are translated in the chosen language.
Each key shows its name, a preview of the source text and a marker for its status: translated, in review, changes requested, untranslated or no source.
The top bar #
The top bar shows the key you are working on and its status, and offers:
- The language: the source language on the left, the target language you are translating into on the right. Open the language menu to switch. Only languages that are not Inactive are listed.
- The branch: the current branch, with its status: Protected, Ready to merge, Frozen (read only), or the number of keys to translate. The menu also has links to create and manage branches. See Branch workflows.
- Previous and next key with the position (for example 3 / 120).
The address of the page contains the branch, the language and the key, so you can share a link to a specific key.
Translate a key #
The source text is shown on top, with a Copy button. Terms from the glossary are highlighted in it. Hover a highlighted term to see its translation, and find all matches in the Glossary panel below the source.
Type the translation in the field below it. Under the field you see whether the placeholders of the source are still intact and the number of characters. See ICU messages and placeholders.
| Button | What it does |
|---|---|
| Save draft | Saves the text without sending it to a reviewer. |
| Submit for review | Saves the text and sends it to review, then goes to the next key. When the project does not require review, this button reads Publish and the translation is approved immediately. |
| Flag issue | Opens the review discussion of the key. Shown for translations that are or were in review. |
| Skip | Goes to the next key without saving. |
A translation cannot be submitted while it is empty.
Saving a draft of a translation that is In review or already approved takes it out of review, or replaces the approval. The editor asks you to confirm first, and the translation has to be submitted and approved again.
Status messages #
When review is required, a banner above the translation field explains where the translation stands:
- In review: submitted by someone, waiting for a reviewer. Editing it withdraws it.
- Changes requested: update the translation and submit it again. The banner shows the last comment of the reviewer.
- Approved: editing it withdraws the approval until it is reviewed again.
Read-only #
When the branch is frozen, or the project’s translations are frozen, the editor shows why and does not accept changes. See Branches and Workflow.
Source needed #
A key without a source text shows Source needed. Type the source text and choose Confirm source. Until then the translation field is locked.
Translation memory suggestions #
For every key, the editor searches the translation memory for approved translations of similar texts. Up to five matches of at least 50% are shown with their match percentage. Choose Apply to put the translation in the field, or press M to apply the best match. You still save or submit it yourself.
Context around a key #
Below the translation you find collapsible panels:
| Panel | Content |
|---|---|
| Notes | Short instructions for translators. Reviewers and managers can add them. |
| Links | Links to documentation, designs or style guides, with a title and optional description. Reviewers and managers can add and remove them with Add link. |
| History | Every change to the translation, with who and when. Show changes displays a difference with the previous text, and Restore this version puts an older version in the field so you can save it. |
| Review discussion | The conversation between translator and reviewer. Anyone with access to the project can reply. |
static/screenshots/editor-context-panels.pngWho can do what #
| Translator | Reviewer | Manager | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Write, save and submit translations | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Add keys | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Write the first source text of a key | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Add notes and links | Yes | Yes | |
| Change the structure of an existing source (Edit ICU) | Yes |
See Roles and permissions for the full list.