To translate an iOS app with POEditor, import your app's localization file into a project, translate the strings and export the localized files back into Xcode, manually or automatically through Git. First, pick the file format that fits your project (Strings, XLIFF, xcstrings).
1. Choose your iOS localization format
| Format | Best for | Plurals |
|---|---|---|
.strings |
Simple key-value strings | No (they go in a .stringsdict file) |
.stringsdict |
Plural, device and width variants, next to your .strings file | Yes |
iOS XLIFF |
The files Xcode exports with Export Localizations | Yes |
Strings Catalogs (.xcstrings) |
Projects in Xcode 15 or later | Yes |
The steps below use a .strings file. See the other formats mentioned in the table:
2. Create localization project
Log in to your POEditor account, create a project in your Dashboard and add your app's source language to the project.
3. Import source language from your file
Use Import in the project page to upload the source strings from your file, and choose to also import translations to the source language. Your app's keys are imported as terms.
If you imported the source language strings as translations, this language will automatically be suggested as your project's Default Reference Language (this will be visibile in your target languages for reference). You can change the DRL in the localization project's Settings.
If you also need to manage plural forms in your iOS app localization project, you can use the iOS XLIFF format instead. Xcode String Catalogs (.xcstrings) are also supported.
4. Translate your app strings
Add the languages you want, then choose how to translate them:
- AI translation with your own OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, Azure AI or Amazon Bedrock account. You can customize the prompt to match your tone.
- Machine translation with Google Translate, DeepL or Azure AI Translator.
- Your own translators, invited as contributors to specific languages.
- Human translations, ordered from the available LSPs.
Export the iOS localization files whenever you want, in any of the export options.
If you want to automate the import/export steps of the localization process, consider using the POEditor API or one of the integrations with Git hosting services.
Also building for Android? See how to translate iOS and Android apps in the same project. Only need to edit a .strings file? Use the Strings Editor.