XML, or Extensible Markup Language, is a popular format for storing and transmitting data across various platforms. That makes it especially well suited for translations in case your website or app needs to be available in multiple languages. This is where XML file translation applications and software come in handy. So without further ado, let's take a look at 9 different XML file translators available for us in 2023.
Translating XML files
XML files can contain a wide range of data types, including text, numbers, and even multimedia content. This means that translators must understand the file's structure and content to do accurate translations. Another challenge is ensuring that the translated content is properly formatted and encoded. XML files often use complex encoding schemes to represent non-Latin characters or other special characters, and it is essential that a translator knows these schemes to ensure that the translated content can be properly displayed. Preserving the syntax is essential as formatting issues or errors in the encoded data can result in the file becoming unreadable or unusable. As a result XML file translations require specialized tools which can ensure that everything works and that the end result doesn't crash the whole application.
Top XML translator tools for 2023
DevTranslate
Yep it's us at #1! Just kidding - this isn't a ranking, it's simply a list of what you can use to translate XML files and the first spot isn't rated any higher than the ninth. DevTranslate is a brand new online xml translator that also works for json, arb and strings files and requires only your browser to do the job. Handles translations in every language supported by DeepL which it uses under the hood.
Pros:
- at just 4.99$/month the price isnt steep and there's also the free plan for smaller translations
- handles 4 different file formats and simultaneous translation into up to 26 languages
- simply register via your browser and you're good to go - no installation is required
Cons:
- doesn't have a history of translations (yet!)
Redokun
Redokun is an online translation management system that supports the translation of XML files. It provides a simple and intuitive interface for import & export and its Translation Memory feature ensures consistency and accuracy across all translations.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it a great choice for beginners
- Integration with machine translation technology, enabling faster translation of larger XML files
- Comprehensive translation memory feature that allows users to reuse previously translated content, reducing translation time and cost
Cons:
- Expensive at €120 per month for the starter plan and 300€ for the basic plan
- Limited customization options compared to other XML file translation software
XML Content Translator by Nikse.dk
Nikse.dk provides a small freeware XML translator program that allows users to view and edit XML files. It uses Google translate for its translation and provides validation which ensures that the XML structure is correct and error-free.
Pros:
- Free to use!
- Really simple and easy to use
- Validation feature that ensures the XML structure is correct
Cons:
- Relies on google translate which provides lower quality translations than DeepL
- Limited support and resources for technical issues or bugs
- No advanced features
Across
Across is a comprehensive translation management platform that supports XML file translation. Its XML filter enables seamless import and export of XML files for translation, and its Translation Memory feature ensures consistency. Additionally, Across provides real-time collaboration features that enable multiple translators to work on the same project simultaneously.
Pros:
- Comprehensive translation memory feature that allows users to reuse previously translated content, reducing translation time and cost
- Real-time collaboration features that enable multiple translators to work on the same project simultaneously
- Possible connection to a variety of machine translation systems like DeepL, KantanMT, Moses, SYSTRAN and Google Translate
Cons:
- Has a basic free plan, but connecting machine translations requires premium
- Machine translation results require further validation by the user
- If all you need is a few simple translations it might be overkill in terms of complexity and features
SDL Trados Studio
SDL Trados Studio is a powerful translation platform that supports translation of various file formats, including XML. Its XML editor allows users to view and edit the XML structure and translate the content into multiple languages.
Pros:
- Robust translation platform with numerous features
- Customizable workflow that can be tailored to fit specific project requirements
- Integration with machine translation
Cons:
- Expensive at 755€ for even the Freelance plan
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Fit for use as a comprehensive long time service - overkill for regular projects
MemoQ
MemoQ is another platform with an XML translator that offers a user-friendly interface and robust features. With its XML filter, users can import XML files for translation, and its Translation Memory feature ensures consistency and accuracy across all translations.
Pros:
- Robust translation memory feature that ensures consistency and accuracy across all translations
- Simple & basic interface that is easy to navigate
- Offers integration with machine translation technology
Cons:
- Pricey at €185 per month for small teams and €620 for freelancers
- The quality of the machine translation feature may often require human review
MateCat
MateCat is a web-based XML translator tool. Its simple and intuitive in-browser interface enables users to upload XML files for translation.
Pros:
- Free
- Easy to use and does not require installation
- Uses Google translate and Microsoft translator and provides alternative suggestions
Cons:
- Requires overview in the form of manual clicking through every translation string making it time-consuming (at least initially)
Wordfast
Wordfast is a powerful platform that can also function as an XML translator tool. Its XML editor allows users to view and edit the XML structure and translate the content into multiple languages.
Pros:
- Customizable workflow that can be tailored to fit specific requirements
- Can be integrated with machine translation technology in the pro version
Cons:
- Expensive as the pro version costs $480
- Complex setup is entirely left up to the user
- Machine translation integration has to be individually handled by the user and manually verified
XML Notepad
XML Notepad is a simple freeware program that allows users to view and edit XML files. It isn't exactly a standalone XML translator, but it can be set up to work as one.
Pros:
- Free
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Isn't exactly an XML translator but more of an XML file manager that can also be used for translations
- Requires another tool to actually do the translations
In short, how you set up your translation process is entirely up to your personal preference and there's a wide array of tools you can use to make it faster and easier for yourself. You can choose a simple XML file manager and do the translations yourself, or you can carefully configure a complex platform to work exactly like you need it to, or you can use a simple browser tool that requires only a few clicks to provide you with ready AI-generated translation in a matter of seconds. Which tool you use as an XML translator is entirely up to you.
