What is the difference between internationalization (i18n) and localization (l10n)?

Internationalization (i18n) is the engineering process of preparing a software product for localization — done once by the development team before localization begins. It includes externalizing all text strings from the codebase (making them translateable without code changes), implementing Unicode (UTF-8) character support, building locale-aware date, time, number, and currency formatting, and designing UI layouts that accommodate text expansion and RTL text directionality. Localization (l10n) is the subsequent process of creating market-specific versions of a product that has been internationalized — translating strings, adapting cultural content, and testing in each target locale. Without internationalization, efficient localization is not possible. TheWordPoint provides l10n services; i18n is an engineering prerequisite handled by the client's development team.

What TMS and CAT tools does TheWordPoint work with for localization projects?

TheWordPoint can work within client-provided Translation Management Systems (TMS) and Computer-Assisted Translation (CAT) environments, including Phrase (Memsource), Crowdin, Lokalise, Transifex, SDL Trados Studio, memoQ, XTM Cloud, and Smartcat. Working within the client's TMS preserves existing translation memories, terminology databases, and project management workflows, and enables continuous localization integration with CI/CD pipelines. For clients building a localization workflow from scratch, we can advise on TMS selection.

What file formats do you support for software and app localization?

TheWordPoint supports all major software and application localization file formats including: XLIFF (.xlf, .xliff) for TMS-based workflows; PO/POT files for Python, PHP, and open-source frameworks; JSON for JavaScript, React, Vue, and Node.js; YAML for Ruby on Rails and similar frameworks; .strings files for iOS and macOS; Android XML (strings.xml) for Android apps; ResX (.resx) for .NET applications; and Properties files (.properties) for Java. For content, we support DOCX, PPTX, HTML, Markdown, DITA XML, and InDesign (IDML). Translation memory formats TMX and terminology formats TBX are also supported.

Can you support continuous localization for CI/CD pipelines?

Yes. Continuous localization integrates translation into continuous integration and delivery pipelines, so new text strings committed to the codebase are automatically routed for translation and returned to the product without manual project management steps. TheWordPoint supports continuous localization workflows through TMS API integration with Phrase, Crowdin, Lokalise, and Transifex. This model enables fast turnaround on small string batches for teams with frequent release cycles, maintaining translation memory consistency across all batches.

What languages do you localize into?

TheWordPoint localizes into 80+ languages including all major global markets: Spanish (Spain and Latin America), French, German, Portuguese (European and Brazilian), Italian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Russian, Dutch, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Turkish, Greek, Hebrew, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Hindi, and many more. RTL language support (Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, Urdu) including bidirectional text handling is available.

What is website localization and what does it include?

Website localization is the process of adapting a website for a specific target market — going beyond translation to include multilingual SEO (keyword research and metadata in the target language), CMS integration (WordPress, HubSpot, Webflow, Contentful, Drupal), hreflang tag implementation for international SEO, adaptation of date formats, currencies, and phone number formats, cultural adaptation of images and design elements, and adjustment of legal content (privacy policies, cookie notices, terms of service) for local regulatory requirements. Localized websites rank in local search engines and convert local visitors — translated-only websites typically do not.

What does game localization include?

Game localization (also called games localization or video game localization) covers UI string translation, in-game dialogue and narrative, subtitle and caption files (SRT, VTT), marketing materials (app store descriptions, trailers, press releases), packaging and instruction materials, in-game help and tutorial content, and console certification materials. Game localization requires translators who are native speakers of the target language AND gamers — familiar with gaming culture, genre conventions, and platform-specific terminology in the target market. Cultural adaptation is particularly important in game localization: humor, cultural references, and names often require market-specific adaptation rather than direct translation.

What is localization QA (LQA) and do you provide it?

Localization QA (LQA) is the process of verifying that localized content is correct both linguistically and functionally — within the actual product context. It includes in-context review (reviewing translations within the live product interface rather than in isolation), pseudo-localization testing (using expanded placeholder text to test UI resilience before translation), string length verification (ensuring translated text fits UI containers, particularly important for German and Finnish which expand 20–35% from English), RTL rendering verification for Arabic and Hebrew versions, and functional testing of locale-specific features (date pickers, currency formatters, address fields). TheWordPoint includes linguistic review within the product context as a standard part of software, application, and game localization projects.

How much does website localization cost?

Website localization pricing depends on the volume of content, the number of target languages, CMS integration complexity, and whether multilingual SEO services are included. Content translation is typically priced per word, with rates varying by language pair. CMS setup and integration may be a fixed project component. Ongoing website maintenance localization (new blog posts, product updates, landing pages) is typically handled on a retainer or per-word basis. Contact TheWordPoint at thewordpoint.com/business-free-quote for a custom website localization quote.

What is the difference between app localization and software localization?

Application localization typically refers to mobile applications (iOS and Android), using platform-specific file formats (.strings for iOS, strings.xml for Android) and requiring specific attention to mobile UI constraints (small screen text expansion, touch interface considerations). Software localization refers to desktop, enterprise, or SaaS software using formats like XLIFF, ResX, or PO files. Both require the same core expertise — accurate translation by native speakers who understand the product context — but have different technical delivery workflows and QA processes. TheWordPoint provides both.

Does TheWordPoint use machine translation for localization?

No. All localization at TheWordPoint is performed by human linguists — native speakers of the target language who are also subject-matter experts in the product's field. TheWordPoint does offer machine translation post-editing (MTPE) as a separate service for clients who need cost-efficient high-volume localization of lower-exposure content. But all primary localization projects — websites, software, apps, and games where quality and brand consistency matter — use human-only localization workflows.

Professional Localization Services for Websites, Software, Apps, and Games

Q: What is the difference between translation and localization?

Translation converts text from one language to another while preserving meaning. Localization (l10n) is a comprehensive process of adapting a product, service, or content for a specific target market — encompassing translation but also cultural adaptation (adjusting imagery, tone, and references for cultural appropriateness), functional adaptation (dates, currencies, phone number formats, address formats, measurement units), legal and regulatory adaptation (terms of service, cookie notices, local compliance requirements), and technical adaptation (text expansion for languages like German that run 20–35% longer than English, RTL text for Arabic/Hebrew/Persian, and Unicode encoding). A product that is translated but not localized reads correctly in the target language but feels foreign — it doesn't behave like a product built for that market.

Adapt your product, platform, or content for any global market — website localization, software localization, app localization, and game localization with TMS integration, all major file formats, and continuous delivery support. 80+ languages. Native-speaker human localizers.

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Localization vs Translation: What Our Localization Service Covers

Translation converts text from one language to another, preserving meaning and accuracy. It produces a linguistically equivalent version of the source.

Localization (l10n) is a more comprehensive process: adapting a product, service, or content so it functions naturally in a specific target market. It encompasses translation, but goes further across four dimensions:

Linguistic adaptation: Adjusting idioms, tone, humor, and register so the content feels native — not like a translation from another language. A product description that is accurate but stilted in German converts worse than one that reads as if it was written by a German copywriter.
Cultural adaptation: Adjusting images, colors, symbols, and cultural references for the target market's expectations. A color associated with celebration in one culture may signal mourning in another. A hand gesture used in UI design that is neutral in the US can be offensive in other regions.
Functional adaptation: Adjusting date formats (MM/DD/YYYY for US vs DD/MM/YYYY for Europe), currency symbols and positions ($9.99 vs 9,99 €), phone number formats, address structures, and measurement units (miles vs kilometers, pounds vs kilograms).
Legal and regulatory adaptation: Updating terms of service, privacy policies, cookie consent notices, and regulatory disclosures for the specific legal requirements of the target country — GDPR for the EU, PIPL for China, LGPD for Brazil.

A product that is translated but not localized reads correctly but feels foreign. Localization is what makes it feel built for the target market. New to the topic? Read our plain-language guide to what localization is, with everyday examples.

Localization Services for Extending Your Business Reach

Some businesses need a localized website to enter a new market. Others need software localization, app localization or game localization to win users in a new region. TheWordPoint is an online language services provider with offices in Canada, Cyprus and Ukraine. We localize all of these for clients worldwide, with native-speaker localizers who live in or come from each target market.

The business case is well documented. In a 2020 CSA Research survey of 8,709 consumers in 29 countries, 76% said they prefer to buy products with information in their own language, and 40% said they never buy from websites in other languages. Localization helps you reach those buyers, earn their trust and give them a product that feels local.

TheWordPoint is a trusted language services provider offering expert localization for mobile applications, websites, software, computer games, and more. We help businesses, organizations, and individuals across industries adapt content to meet the cultural and linguistic expectations of their target audience.

The Best Solution for Your Localization Project

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Internationalization (i18n) and Localization (l10n) — The Two-Step Process

For software, apps, and digital products, localization begins with internationalization.

Internationalization (i18n) is the engineering task of preparing a product for localization — done once by the development team:

Externalizing all user-facing text strings from the codebase into separate resource files (XLIFF, PO, JSON, .strings, etc.) so they can be translated without touching the code
Implementing Unicode (UTF-8) character support for all scripts
Building locale-aware formatting functions (dates, times, numbers, currencies)
Designing UI layouts with text expansion in mind (German runs 20–35% longer than English; Finnish runs even longer; Chinese and Japanese run 20–30% shorter)
Supporting RTL (right-to-left) text layout for Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Urdu

Localization (l10n) is what TheWordPoint does: creating market-specific versions of the internationalized product — translating strings, adapting cultural content, and verifying functionality in each target locale.

A product that hasn't been internationalized can still be localized — but the process is significantly more expensive and time-consuming, and the results are typically lower quality. The most successful localization programs begin with i18n done correctly by the engineering team, followed by l10n done by localization specialists.

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"I had a fantastic experience with TheWordPoint. Their team provided exceptional product localization services. Communication was smooth, and they were very responsive to my inquiries and requests."

Localization Services — What We Localize

Human translation services are the key to quality localization processes. We understand that language localization requires a personal and thorough approach. With years of experience, we have built a vast team specializing in over 80 languages. Each project is handled by a native-speaking translator with subject matter expertise in the relevant industry, guaranteeing that the localized content not only reads naturally but also meets the cultural expectations and regulatory requirements of your target audience.

Website Localization

Multilingual websites that rank in local search engines and convert local visitors. Website localization includes: content translation and cultural adaptation, keyword research and on-page optimization in each target language, hreflang tag implementation, CMS integration (WordPress with WPML, HubSpot, Webflow, Contentful, Drupal, Shopify), adaptation of legal content (GDPR, CCPA, PIPL), date/currency/format localization, and metadata optimization for each target locale. A translated website and a localized website perform very differently in search and conversion. Localization is what creates performance in the target market. Website Localization Services →

Software Localization

Enterprise software, SaaS platforms, and desktop applications localized for global markets. Software localization supports all standard file formats (XLIFF, PO/POT, JSON, YAML, ResX, Properties) and integrates with all major TMS environments. Continuous localization delivery for CI/CD pipelines. In-context linguistic review. Text expansion handling and pseudo-localization testing. Software Localization Services →

Application Localization

iOS and Android mobile applications localized for global app stores. Native format support: .strings files (iOS/macOS), strings.xml (Android), XLIFF for both platforms. App Store and Google Play listing localization (title, description, keywords, screenshots). In-context mobile UI review. RTL support for Arabic, Hebrew, and Persian applications. Application Localization Services →

Game Localization

Video game localization for console (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch), PC, and mobile platforms. UI strings, in-game dialogue and narrative, subtitle files (SRT, VTT), marketing materials, App Store and Steam descriptions, and console certification materials. Game localizers are native speakers who are also domain-expert gamers — understanding platform conventions, genre terminology, and gaming culture in each target market. Cultural adaptation for humor, character naming, and market-specific content modifications. Game Localization Services →

Multimedia Localization

Audio and animation localization, interactive content and e-learning modules (SCORM-compatible delivery), on-screen text (OST), presentation decks (PowerPoint, Google Slides) and marketing video adaptation for international audiences. For subtitles, voice-over or dubbing of spoken video, see our video translation services. Multimedia Localization Services →

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Industries We Localize For

SaaS and technology: Software products, SaaS platforms, developer documentation, help centers, product marketing. Continuous localization delivery for teams with frequent release cycles. TMS integration with Phrase, Crowdin, and Lokalise.

Gaming: Console, PC, and mobile games for global markets. UI, dialogue, marketing, and certification materials. Native-speaking gamers as localizers.

E-commerce and retail: Product listings, category descriptions, checkout flows, customer service templates, and marketing campaigns for international storefronts. Amazon, Shopify, and Magento multilingual support.

Fintech and financial services: Financial product interfaces, regulatory disclosures, mobile banking apps, and investment platform content. Locale-specific financial regulatory compliance adaptation.

Healthcare and life sciences: Patient-facing digital health apps, clinical decision support tools, health portal content and patient education materials for international markets. For regulated medical documents, see our medical translation services.

E-learning and education technology: Learning management system (LMS) content, video transcription services, course materials, assessment tools, and onboarding programs. SCORM-compatible delivery.

Enterprise software: ERP, CRM, and enterprise platform localization for global rollouts. High-volume, multi-language projects with consistent terminology across all markets.

TMS and CAT environments

Phrase · Crowdin · Lokalise · Transifex · SDL Trados Studio (RWS) · memoQ · XTM Cloud · Smartcat · Wordfast · Sitecore

All File Formats Supported

XLIFF · PO/POT · JSON · HTML/HTM · DOCX · PPTX · XLSX · IDML (InDesign) · CSV · TMX · TBX · SRT/VTT/SCC

Cultural Adaptation Examples: Colors, Humor, RTL Layouts and Local Law

Localization addresses dimensions of market adaptation that translation ignores:

Colors and imagery: Red signals luck and prosperity in China but danger or aggression in many Western markets. White is associated with mourning in many Asian cultures but purity in Western ones. Green is associated with environmental consciousness in Europe but may carry different connotations in the Middle East. Images of hand gestures, human models, and cultural symbols may need adaptation for specific markets.

Humor and tone: Humor is one of the most culturally specific forms of communication. Wordplay that works in English fails in German. Sarcasm that reads as wit in UK English reads as rudeness in US English and as confusion in Japanese. Localization adapts tone and humor for the target culture rather than translating the words of a joke that won't land.

Text direction and layout: Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Urdu read right-to-left (RTL). A fully localized RTL product mirrors its layout — not just the text direction. Navigation flows from right to left, primary content is on the right, icons with directional meaning are mirrored. This is a design and engineering localization requirement, not a translation one.

Regulatory compliance by market: EU products need GDPR-compliant cookie notices. China-facing products need PIPL-compliant privacy policies. Brazil needs LGPD compliance. California users encounter CCPA notices. Localization includes adapting legal content for each market's regulatory requirements — not just translating the English version.

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How Localization Projects Work at TheWordPoint

Assess i18n readiness and scope. Are your text strings externalized? Is your product Unicode-compatible? Have layout constraints been addressed for text expansion and RTL? We'll review a sample file set and advise on readiness. Define target markets, languages, and content scope.

Share your file formats and TMS environment. Submit sample files at thewordpoint.com/business-free-quote. Specify your TMS (Phrase, Crowdin, Lokalise, or other). No TMS? We'll advise on setup options.

Project scope, timeline, and pricing confirmed. Volume assessment, language pair rates, TMS integration approach, and delivery model (batch or continuous) all confirmed in writing.

Terminology and TM setup. Product glossary created. Existing translation memory imported. Style guide preferences captured for brand voice consistency.

Localization with in-context LQA. Native-speaker localizers work with your product's actual strings and context. UI string length, text expansion, cultural adaptation, and platform conventions are all addressed — not just linguistic accuracy.

Delivery and ongoing cadence. Files delivered in your format via TMS, SFTP, or download. Continuous delivery cycles aligned with your release schedule. TM updated for future efficiency.

Reviewed and updated on October 17, 2026, by

Christakis Christodoulou,
Managing Director
Head of the Certified Translation Department

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FAQ

What types of projects do your localization services cover?

From mobile applications to computer games, websites, software, and even product packaging, our localization services tackle it all. Whether you’re a game designer aiming for global players or a business professional localizing financial reports, our professional language service adapts content across industries, ensuring cultural relevance and flawless quality for your international audience.

What is the difference between translation and localization?

Translation converts text between languages. Localization adapts an entire product or content package for a specific market — including cultural adaptation, functional formatting (dates, currencies), legal compliance, and technical requirements like RTL layout and text expansion handling.

What is the process for starting a localization project with TheWordPoint?

Send your source files and requirements through our business quote form. An account manager reviews your file formats, TMS setup and target markets, then confirms scope, timeline and price in writing. Native-speaker localizers translate and adapt the content, and in-context LQA checks it inside your product before delivery.

How long does a localization project typically take?

Timeframes depend on your project’s scope, but our professional localization services are built for efficiency - simple website localization might take a few days, while complex game localization could span weeks. With cutting-edge technology and expert translators, we ensure high-quality translations hit your deadlines, keeping your global expansion on track without sacrificing accuracy.

How much does localization cost?

Localization is priced per word: from $0.08 per word for Professional and from $0.12 per word for Enterprise, depending on the language pair, complexity and deadline. TMS setup, glossary creation and LQA are quoted as separate project components, and large projects get volume discounts. Get a free custom quote through our business quote form.

Do you support RTL languages?

Yes. Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, and Urdu with bidirectional text handling and RTL layout adaptation guidance.

Can you handle complex formats like software or game localization?

Yes. We work with resource files such as XLIFF, PO/POT, JSON, YAML, RESX, .properties, iOS .strings and Android strings.xml, plus subtitle files (SRT, VTT), InDesign (IDML) and Office formats. Game projects cover UI strings, dialogue, subtitles and store listings. We check text length, placeholders and tags so the localized build works in every language.

Do you localize games?

Yes. UI, dialogue, narrative, subtitles, App Store listings, and console certification. Native-speaker gamer localizers.

Which languages and regional variants do you localize into?

We localize into 80+ languages, including regional variants such as Latin American and European Spanish, Brazilian and European Portuguese, Canadian and European French, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese. See the full list on our languages page.

Can’t find an answer to your questions? Feel free to check our complete FAQ page, or contact us at [email protected]

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Professional Localization Services for Websites, Software, Apps, and Games

Professional Localization Services Delivered by Humans

Localization vs Translation: What Our Localization Service Covers

Localization Services for Extending Your Business Reach

The Best Solution for Your Localization Project

Localization Translation Rates

Internationalization (i18n) and Localization (l10n) — The Two-Step Process

What Our Clients Say

Localization Services — What We Localize

Website Localization

Software Localization

Application Localization

Game Localization

Multimedia Localization

Industries We Localize For

Cultural Adaptation Examples: Colors, Humor, RTL Layouts and Local Law

Meet Our Customers

How Localization Projects Work at TheWordPoint

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