Native .xcstrings
Opens and exports Xcode String Catalogs directly. No conversion step.
XCStrings Translator for Faster Xcode Localization
If you need an xcstrings translator that understands app context, StringWise gives you an AI-first workflow for translating Apple String Catalog files with fewer manual fixes.
How StringWise handles `.xcstrings` files
One workflow designed for localization quality, fast iteration, and fewer production regressions.
- Import your project folder or direct `.xcstrings` file from Xcode.
- Enable Smart Context so AI sees where each key appears in your UI.
- Select target languages and translation tone in one guided screen.
- Review translated catalog output and export for production use.
This keeps the translation flow inside the same release cycle instead of creating a separate export, handoff, and re-import project every time your UI changes.
Why developers choose StringWise
Built specifically for Xcode String Catalog translation workflows.
Smart Context
Scans your Swift source so "Save" in a photo editor translates differently than in a settings screen.
Plurals That Work
Generates the right CLDR plural forms for each language. No more broken "1 items" strings.
Device Variations
Separate translations for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Watch when they need different wording.
24 Languages
Cover every major App Store market in a single pass.
Done in Minutes
Translate hundreds of strings before you finish your coffee. Seriously.
Why this workflow beats export and re-import handoffs
Traditional localization often splits translation into separate steps handled by spreadsheets, email threads, or XLIFF round-trips. That is where context gets lost and where release timing starts to slip.
- Context stays attached to the stringImporting the project folder gives StringWise access to source-code usage, which helps clarify whether a string belongs to a button, menu item, paywall, or status message before translation begins.
- Validation happens before exportPlaceholder mismatches, plural-category gaps, and awkward short labels are easier to catch when translation and review happen in the same tool and the same session.
- Iteration is measured in minutes, not daysIf something looks wrong, you can adjust the run immediately instead of waiting for another translator round-trip and then testing the app again.
What to verify before you export a translated catalog
Shipping a translated `.xcstrings` file is not only about wording. The catalog has to stay technically correct inside Xcode and inside the UI surfaces where your users actually see it.
Placeholders and formatting
Check that `%@`, `%d`, `%lld`, positional placeholders, and escaped characters are preserved exactly so your app does not crash or misrender dynamic values.
Plural and device variations
Confirm that each target locale has the plural forms it needs and that iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Watch text variants still read naturally after translation.
High-visibility UI strings
Spot-check onboarding, paywall, settings, destructive actions, and navigation labels because those are the strings that most directly affect conversion and trust.
For a release-ready checklist, review the QA checklist article before your final export.
Learn more about String Catalog translation
Practical guides to help you get the most out of your localization workflow.
- Step-by-step workflow guideLearn how to import, configure, and export translations
- QA checklist before shippingCatch placeholder, plural, and context issues before release
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to translate an xcstrings file?
- A typical app with 200 strings can be translated to 10 languages in under 10 minutes. The entire workflow — import, configure, translate, review, export — takes 20-40 minutes compared to 5-20 days with manual translation.
- How much does xcstrings translation cost?
- StringWise Pro costs $29.99/year or $9.99/month (U.S. App Store) with a free 3-day trial. Compare this to manual translation which typically costs $600-1,500 per release for a 200-string app translated to 10 languages.
- Is AI translation accurate enough for App Store apps?
- For UI strings, yes. StringWise uses Smart Context to analyze your source code and understand where each string appears (button, alert, settings), which eliminates the ambiguity that makes generic AI translation unreliable.
- What is an xcstrings file?
- An xcstrings file is Apple's String Catalog format introduced in Xcode 15. It stores all localizable strings in a single JSON file, replacing Localizable.strings and .stringsdict. StringWise reads and writes this format directly.
- How many languages does StringWise support?
- StringWise supports 24 languages covering the top App Store markets: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Russian, and 13 more.
Ready to translate your String Catalog?
Download StringWise and start translating your .xcstrings files today. Try all Pro features free for 3 days.
If you want the background behind the product and its guides, visit the About StringWise page.
