TermBase eXchange (TBX)

TBX provides a consistent way to represent and share terminological resources across tools, organizations, and workflows. Instead of keeping terminology locked in a single system, it allows glossaries and databases to be moved between platforms while preserving their structure, metadata, and semantic accuracy.

The standard was defined by ISO 30042:2019, Management of terminology resources — TermBase eXchange. It defines how terminology entries are structured, which data categories they can include (such as terms, definitions, and part of speech), and two XML style conventions:

• DCA (Data Category as Attribute) – data stored as attributes within tags
• DCT (Data Category as Tag) – data stored as separate tags

It also describes the TBX-Core dialect, a simplified version designed for interoperability, while leaving industry-specific dialects (customized versions) to be defined by stakeholders.

TBX is an important resource in localization and translation because it ensures terminology consistency across languages and platforms, reduces duplication, and improves collaboration between different tools and teams.

📌 Key points about TBX #️⃣

• Defined in ISO 30042:2019 as the global standard for terminology exchange
• Uses XML to represent terms, metadata, and related linguistic information
• Supports standardized structures plus industry-defined dialects
• Ensures compatibility between terminology management systems
• Widely used by terminologists, translators, and localization teams

🔄 Revision note #️⃣

TBX was first standardized in ISO 30042:2008, revised in ISO 30042:2019, and is now under development as ISO/AWI 30042 (Edition 3). The upcoming version continues to refine the TBX model, data categories, and dialect methodology to keep pace with industry needs.