How to translate strings using LOCO Translate

Loco Translate is a free and widely used WordPress plugin that allows you to translate theme and plugin text strings directly from the WordPress dashboard, without manually editing any code files.

It is one of the easiest ways to translate WooCommerce plugins and WordPress themes.

Why Use Loco Translate?

Loco Translate is popular because it offers:

• A built-in translation editor inside WordPress
• No technical or coding knowledge required
• Direct translation of plugin and theme strings
• Support for multiple languages
• Safe translation files that won’t be overwritten on updates

Step 1: Install and Activate Loco Translate

1. Go to your WordPress Dashboard
2. Navigate to Plugins → Add New
3. Search for Loco Translate
4. Click Install Now
5. Click Activate

Once activated, you will see Loco Translate in the WordPress admin menu.

Step 2: Set Up a Language (If Not Already Added)

1. Go to Loco Translate → Plugins
2. Find and click the plugin you want to translate
3. Click New Language
4. Select your target language
5. Choose System as the file location
6. Click Start Translating

Important: Always select System as the location to ensure translations remain safe during plugin updates.

Step 3: Translate Plugin Strings

Example: Translating a Text String

1. Go to Loco Translate → Plugins
2. Select the plugin you want to translate
3. Choose the language you added
4. Click Edit
5. Use the search bar to find the string you want to translate
6. Enter the translated text in the translation field
7. Click Save

Example Strings You Can Translate

• Button labels
• Section titles
• Messages shown on product, cart, or checkout pages
• Admin-side labels

Repeat the same steps for each string you want to translate.

Important Notes

• Always save translation files in the System location
• Translations appear based on the active site language
• Clear cache (if any) after saving translations
• Changes reflect immediately on the frontend and backend

Conclusion

Loco Translate makes it easy to translate WordPress plugins and themes without touching any code. By following these steps, you can quickly localize text strings and make your website accessible to users in different languages.

It’s a simple, safe, and effective solution for translating WooCommerce plugins and WordPress themes.

FAQs

1. Do I need coding knowledge to use Loco Translate?

No. Loco Translate works directly from the WordPress dashboard and does not require any coding skills.

2. Can I translate both plugins and themes using Loco Translate?

Yes. Loco Translate supports translations for WordPress plugins and themes, including WooCommerce extensions.

3. Why should I select “System” as the file location?

Saving translations in the System location ensures your translations are not overwritten during plugin or theme updates.

4. When will my translations appear on the website?

Translations will appear immediately once saved, as long as the site language matches the translated language.

5. Can I edit or update translations later?

Yes. You can edit or update translations anytime by reopening the language file in Loco Translate.

6. Will Loco Translate slow down my website?

No. Loco Translate has no noticeable impact on website performance.

7. Does Loco Translate support multiple languages?

Yes. You can create and manage translations for multiple languages within the same site.