What are the best practices for managing multiple languages in String Catalogs?

When working with multiple languages in Xcode’s String Catalog, good organization and consistency are key. Here are some best practices to follow:

1. Keep a clear source language

Always start with a complete and well-structured source language. This makes it easier to track missing translations and maintain consistency.

2. Use descriptive keys

Instead of generic names like label1, use meaningful keys such as LoginButtonTitle. This helps translators and developers understand the context.

3. Take advantage of pluralization and variations

Define plural forms and variations (e.g., gender, device type) directly in the catalog to avoid hardcoding conditions in your app logic. For example:

• English: one = "%d comment", other = "%d comments"
• Czech: one = "%d komentář", few = "%d komentáře", other = "%d komentářů"

4. Add comments and context

Use the catalog’s description fields or developer comments to provide translators with context. This reduces ambiguity and improves translation quality.

5. Regularly sync and validate

Keep all language versions up to date and validate them during development. Missing or outdated translations can break the user experience.

Managing multiple languages with Localazy #️⃣

Localazy makes handling multiple languages smoother and error-free:

• Automatically extracts comments and context from String Catalogs, giving translators clear guidance.
• Provides built-in plural rules for each language, so translators know exactly what forms are required.
• Syncs translations seamlessly between Xcode and Localazy with the Localazy CLI, keeping all languages aligned.
• Supports pre-translation via machine translation, Localazy AI that understands context, and professional translators to minimize manual work.
• Tracks progress across all languages, so you instantly see which ones are complete or missing.

With these practices and Localazy’s automation, your String Catalogs stay consistent, well-structured, and ready for global audiences.