Translate your survey with translation files | LimeSurvey

Translate your survey with translation files

Note: Translation files are a Corporate plan feature. On other plans, translate with Quick translation.

About translation files

Translation files move the texts of your survey into an Excel file and back. Export a file for one language, have it translated, for example by a translation agency, and import the translated file. The translations land in the survey without anyone working in the editor.

The survey needs at least two languages. Add them in Settings > General. See Run a survey in several languages with Quick translation.

Export a translation file

  1. In the editor, click Translations, the 文A icon in the left toolbar (1), and then Translation files (2).

  2. Under Survey language, pick the language you want to translate to (3). The base language of your survey is shown above it.

  3. Click Export changes (4) or Full export (5). Your browser downloads the file as an XLSX file.

The Translation files page with seven areas numbered 1 to 7, from the Translations icon to Import file

  • Full export: all texts of the survey in the chosen language.
  • Export changes: only the texts that changed, so your translator gets just the new work.

Translate the file

Open the file in Excel or a similar program, or send it to your translator. Translate the texts and keep the layout of the file as it is, so LimeSurvey can read it again.

Import the translated file

  1. Drop the file on Upload file (6), or click the area and select the file. XLSX files up to 50 MB are accepted.

  2. Click Import file (7). The message Translations imported successfully confirms the import.

The file carries its language, so you do not pick a language to import.

Tip: Check the result in the editor: pick the language in the language list above the survey, or preview the survey in that language.

Next steps

FAQ

What is the difference to Quick translation?

Quick translation is a page in LimeSurvey where you translate text by text. Translation files take all texts of a language out of LimeSurvey, for work in Excel, in a translation tool or at a translation agency.

Can I use translation files on my plan?

Only on the Corporate plan. On all other plans, translate with Quick translation, text by text in LimeSurvey.

Why does the Translations icon not react?

The survey has only one language. Add a language in Settings > General first.