Getting Started with XCStrings Translator

Welcome to XCStrings Translator! This guide will walk you through setting up the app and translating your first .xcstrings file.

Installation#

Download the app from our website and drag it to your Applications folder. XCStrings Translator requires macOS 14.0 (Sonoma) or later.

Opening Your First Project#

XCStrings Translator works with folder-based projects. Simply open a folder containing one or more .xcstrings files, and the app will automatically discover them (up to 3 levels deep).

1. Launch XCStrings Translator
2. Click Open Project or drag a folder onto the app
3. Your .xcstrings files will appear in the left sidebar

Connecting Your API Key#

Before translating, you'll need to set up an AI provider. Navigate to Settings and enter your API key for either:

• OpenAI (GPT-4o)
• Claude (Anthropic)

Your API key is stored securely in the macOS Keychain and never sent anywhere except directly to your chosen provider.

Your First Translation#

Once your project is open and API key configured:

1. Select an .xcstrings file from the sidebar
2. Choose your target language
3. Select the strings you want to translate
4. Press Cmd + T to translate selected, or Cmd + Shift + T to translate all

// Example: Using localized strings in SwiftUI
Text("welcome_message")
    .font(.title)

The translations will appear instantly. Each translation shows its state:

• New - Freshly added string
• Translated - Has a translation
• Needs Review - May need attention
• Stale - Source text changed after translation

Next Steps#

Now that you're set up, dive deeper:

• Keyboard Shortcuts — Speed up your workflow with ⌘T and friends
• Writing Custom Prompts — Get better translations with context
• Understanding Plural Rules — Why Arabic needs 6 forms and Japanese needs 1
• Team Workflows — Share settings across your team via git

Happy translating!