Snagit XLF File Exported for Translation, Now What?

Problem

I exported my Snagit project for translation and have a XLF file. Now what?

Solution

XLF is a common file format that localization companies and programs use to translate strings of text. After exporting your Snagit project for translation, you should end up with a XLF file. There are various options to edit and import the file.

Option 1: Send to Localization Provider

If you outsource localizing your content to a different team or company, forward the XLF file to them. Once the translation is complete, you should be provided with a new XLF file with the translations intact for you to import translations into your Snagit project.

Option 2: Open in Localization Software

The XLF file can also be opened and edited in a translation software, like SDL Trados Studio or many others listed here.

Option 3: Open in a Text/XLF Editor

The XLF format can manually be opened and edited in many text editors or XLF editors. To manually add translated string(s) using a text/XLF Editor, please follow these steps below:

1. Open the XLF file in the editor.
2. Each tag labeled trans-unit id="{GUID}" is a different callout. Inside this tag will be a source tag containing the original string to be translated.
   
3. Following the source tag is the target statetag. Enter your translated string in this tag. You can also adjust the "needs-translation" value to "reviewed" to indicate it is complete.
   
4. Save the XLF file. We recommend saving as a new name so you still have a copy of the original.
5. Now you can import the new XLF file into your Snagit project.