Translating XLIFF files (XML 2.0 Localization Interchange File Format) is standard in the language translation process. Dealing with errors during XLIFF file translation is sure to throw a wrench into your productivity.

In the words of ISO.org, the purpose of the XLIFF format is to “store localizable data and carry it from one step of the localization process to the other, while allowing interoperability between and among tools.” The fact that XLIFF is supposed to facilitate easier localization makes it extra frustrating when you receive confusing import / export errors from an XLIFF translation tool or other software. 

Regardless of these errors, if you learn how to translate XLIFF files online the right way, your productivity will skyrocket when it comes to language translation.

To make it easier and faster to translate an XLIFF file into another language, use enterprise translation software optimized for XLIFF files. This applies whether you translate files for Articulate, for example, or another localization purpose. 

Read this list of the top 10 features to look for in an XLIFF translation tool online. We’ll recommend a solution at the end of this post. 

Note: this post pertains to XLIFF 2.0. 

Top 10 Software Features for Translating XLIFF Files

1. Machine Translation

Want to translate XLIFF files while minimizing the need for human translation? Use machine translation. In most cases, it will create a credible “first” draft translation. 

Choose an XLIFF translator that is optimized to parse the newest XLIFF file format. This way, it’s more likely you won’t encounter import and export issues when you translate XLIFF files. 

2. Batch XLIFF File Translation

Some online XLIFF translation tools only allow translation of XLIFF files one at a time. If you produce large amounts of localized content, this reason alone might be why you want to learn how to translate XLIFF files more productively. 

That being said, XLIFF translators that accept files in batches (groups) are hands down the best way to translate an XLIFF file while saving time. This is also referred to as “batch translation.”

3. Terminology Management

Localization calls for consistency across many languages. Therefore, when you translate XLIFF files into another language, you want to keep your terminology consistent. To do this efficiently, seek a strong Terminology Management component in an XLIFF translator tool. 

First, learn how to create a termbase and then import it into your translation management system. This enhances productivity within the human translation workflow while improving the quality and consistency of translations.

4. Translation Memory & Dynamic Machine Learning

The best way to translate XLIFF files online with repetitive text is to leverage translation memory and Dynamic Machine Learning.

A translation memory is a bilingual repository that consists of sentences, phrases and segments that have been previously translated from one language into another. Translation Memories can deliver nearly-instant quality improvements and reduce translation costs and effort, especially for XLIFF files. Translate once and never translate the same online content again.

Watch the 2-minute video below to get a better understanding of translation memory and Dynamic Machine Learning.

5. XLIFF Translation Editing

Choose XLIFF translation software that has a translation editor. This way, you can improve machine-translated segments that require quality improvements. At the same time, you store them in a translation memory for future re-use. 

Consequently, you present the highest quality multilingual content to your users, employees, students and/or customers. 

When you leverage the power of translation editing along with Dynamic Machine Learning, your productivity improves. For example, you can automatically find and replace all repetitions of a low-quality translation across a file when you edit just one instance of it. You can produce custom translations with just a glossary and use your translation memory for on-the-fly machine translation training.

In effect, you train your translation engine over time to deliver continuous quality improvements.

6. Translates XLIFF Files Online (Always)

In today’s world, using software with web-based access is vital to working productively and with ease. 

There are simply too many obstacles you can encounter when using a desktop-based program you need to download, or a solution that offers a desktop-first hybrid. That’s why we highly recommend you choose an online translation solution for XLIFF file translation. 

We’ll recommend a web-first solution at the end of this post.

7. Encrypted Cloud Storage

Encrypted cloud storage is an important part of translating XLIFF files online more securely and efficiently. You will eliminate confusion over which file version is the most current while creating centralized access for your authorized colleagues.

8. Translates More than XLIFF Files

If your company also translates non-XLIFF files, find XLIFF translator software that also performs file translation for other formats. This way, you avoid the use of separate solutions and build and leverage a larger translation memory in one place.

9. Collaboration

Does your team collaborate on XLIFF translation? Does someone review and approve translations? You’ll want features that help your team work together efficiently. 

Look for an XLIFF file translator with functionality such as translation history tracking, instant messaging, file sharing, bookmarking and user permission controls.

10. Compatible with 100+ Languages

It’s one thing to just translate an XLIFF file to English from Spanish, for instance. It’s another thing to translate an XLIFF file to multiple languages. 

Therefore, it’s important to use a translator tool that has all the language pairs your company needs now and will anticipate needing in the future.

Recommended XLIFF File Translator Tool Online

Now that you know the best way to translate XLIFF files online, are you wondering how to find the best XLIFF translation software with all these capabilities? 

Try Pairaphrase. It’s the AI-powered translation management system for teams who value safer, smarter and faster translation.

Translate XLIFF files into English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Arabic, Hindi, Swedish, Dutch, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and more (100+ languages, 10,000+ language pairs!). What’s more, it performs file translation for 21 additional file formats! 

Schedule a demo or share this article with a colleague.