What Are Translation Files? A Non-Technical Guide to App Localization

Have You Ever Wondered How Apps Switch Languages?

Think about the last time you changed the language on your phone, or opened an app that automatically greeted you in your native language. One moment the button says "Submit," and the next it says "Enviar" or "提交." It feels almost magical.

But behind that magic is something remarkably simple: translation files. If someone has told you "your app needs translation files" or "we need to localize the product," and you nodded while secretly thinking "I have no idea what that means" — this guide is for you.

No coding background required. No jargon. Just a clear, honest explanation of what translation files are, why they matter, and how you can work with them even if you've never written a line of code in your life.

So, What Exactly Is a Translation File?

A translation file is simply a list of text labels paired with their translations. That's it. Nothing more complicated than that.

Imagine your app has a button that says "Sign Up." In English, the label is "Sign Up." But what should it say for Spanish speakers? Chinese speakers? Japanese speakers? A translation file stores all of those answers in one organized place.

Here's the basic idea:

When a user opens your app, the app checks their language preference, finds the right column in the translation file, and displays the matching text. That's the entire concept.

The Phrasebook Analogy

If you've ever traveled abroad, you might have carried a phrasebook — one of those little pocket books where one column is your language, and the next column is the local language. Need to say "Where is the bathroom?" You look it up and find the translation.

A translation file is your app's phrasebook. Every piece of text that appears on screen — buttons, menus, error messages, notifications — has an entry. The app just "looks up" the right translation based on which language the user has selected.

The only difference? Instead of flipping through pages, the app does its lookup in milliseconds. Your users never even notice it happening.

Why Your App Needs Translation Files

You might be thinking, "My app works fine in English. Why bother?" Here are some reasons that might change your mind:

1. Reach More Users Around the World

Only about 17% of the world's population speaks English. That means if your app is English-only, you're invisible to 83% of the planet. Even among English speakers, many prefer to use apps in their native language when given the choice.

2. People Prefer Their Own Language

Studies consistently show that users are far more likely to purchase a product, engage with content, and trust a brand when it communicates in their language. It's not just about understanding — it's about feeling welcome.

3. Better App Store Rankings

Both Apple's App Store and Google Play reward localized apps with better visibility. If your app listing, screenshots, and in-app content are available in multiple languages, you'll appear in more search results across different regions. It's one of the most overlooked growth strategies.

4. A More Professional Image

An app that supports multiple languages signals that it's a serious, well-maintained product. It shows you care about your global audience. For B2B products especially, multilingual support is often a requirement, not a nice-to-have.

5. Stay Ahead of Competitors

If a user in Tokyo has two similar apps to choose from, and only one is available in Japanese, which do you think they'll pick? Localization can be the deciding factor that tips the scales in your favor.

Who Creates Translation Files?

This is where people often get confused, so let's clear it up:

• Developers set up the structure — they decide what format the file will be in and connect it to the app.
• Anyone can fill in or edit the actual translations. That could be you, a translator, a marketing team member, or even an AI tool.

Think of it this way: a developer builds the bookshelf and labels the slots. You (or your team) fill the shelves with the right books. You don't need to know how the bookshelf was built to put books on it.

In fact, many of the most successful localization workflows involve non-technical people managing the translations while developers focus on building features. It's a team effort, and your role in it is valuable.

How Glot Makes It Easy

Traditionally, editing translation files meant opening confusing text files full of brackets and quotation marks. One misplaced comma could break the entire thing. Not exactly beginner-friendly.

That's why we built Glot. It's a visual editor that lets you work with translation files the way you'd work with a spreadsheet — no code, no confusing syntax, no risk of accidentally breaking anything.

Here's what makes it different:

• Visual editing — See all your translations in a clean, organized table. Click to edit any text.
• AI-powered translation — Need a quick starting point? Let AI generate translations for you, then review and refine.
• No installation needed — It runs in your browser. Just upload your file and start editing.
• Quality checks — Glot automatically spots missing translations, inconsistencies, and potential issues before they reach your users.

Common Questions

Do I need to know how to code?

No. If you can fill in a spreadsheet, you can edit translation files with a visual tool like Glot. The technical setup is a one-time task for a developer. After that, anyone on your team can manage the translations.

How many languages should I start with?

Don't try to launch in 20 languages at once. Start with 2 to 3 languages that represent your biggest markets. Look at your analytics — where are your users coming from? Start there, do it well, and expand over time. Quality always beats quantity.

Can AI translate everything perfectly?

AI translation has gotten remarkably good, and it's an excellent starting point. However, language is nuanced — idioms, cultural references, and tone can be tricky. We recommend using AI for the first draft, then having a native speaker review the result. This hybrid approach saves you enormous amounts of time while still ensuring quality.

What format are translation files in?

The most common format is JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), but don't let the name scare you. You don't need to understand the format if you're using a visual editor. Just think of it as the container your translations live in. Glot handles the format for you behind the scenes.

How long does it take to localize an app?

It depends on how much text your app has. A simple app with 50-100 labels can be translated into a new language in an afternoon. A large app with thousands of strings might take a few days. The good news is that once the structure is set up, adding new languages gets faster each time.

The Bottom Line

Translation files are not some mysterious, developer-only concept. They're simply organized lists that tell your app what to say in different languages. And with modern tools, you absolutely do not need a technical background to work with them.

If you're thinking about making your app multilingual — or if someone on your team has asked you to help with translations — you're in the right place. The process is simpler than you think, and the rewards are well worth the effort.