XLF File – What is .xlf file and how to open it?

XLF File Structure and Usage:

An XLF file, short for XLIFF Document, conforms to the XLIFF (XML Localization Interchange File Format) standard, an XML-based format for exchanging localized data. It facilitates the translation, storage, and management of multilingual text content. Its hierarchical structure comprises a main document element and child elements representing language-specific data, such as source text, target text, and translate attributes. XLF files play a crucial role in the localization workflow, enabling efficient collaboration between translators, reviewers, and project managers.

XLF File Benefits and Applications:

The use of XLF files offers several advantages. First, it ensures consistency across different language versions of a document, maintaining the original formatting and structure. Additionally, XLF files provide support for multiple translators working simultaneously, streamlining the localization process. They facilitate the reuse of translated content, reducing time and effort in subsequent localization projects. Moreover, XLF files are highly extensible, allowing for the inclusion of custom metadata and other relevant information. These attributes make XLF files widely used in software localization, website translation, and other multilingual content management scenarios.

Using a Text Editor

XLF files are text-based files, which means they can be opened and viewed using any text editor. Some common text editors include Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (macOS), and Sublime Text (cross-platform). To open an XLF file in a text editor, simply navigate to the file’s location on your computer and double-click on it. The file will open in the text editor, where you can view its contents.

Using an XLF Editor

There are also specialized XLF editors available that provide additional functionality beyond basic text editing. These editors typically allow you to view, edit, and translate XLF files more easily. Some popular XLF editors include:

• Transifex (online and desktop)
• poedit (cross-platform)
• OmegaT (cross-platform)

These editors often provide features such as:

• Syntax highlighting for easy identification of different elements within the XLF file
• Support for different XLF versions
• Translation tools (e.g., translation memory, machine translation)
• Validation tools to check the integrity of XLF files

XML Localization Interchange File Format (XLIFF)

XLIFF (XML Localization Interchange File Format) is an XML-based interchange format specifically designed for the localization industry. Developed by the OASIS (Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards), XLIFF is a standard format for exchanging localized content among different tools and platforms. It allows localization teams to manage translations efficiently, ensuring consistency and quality control throughout the process. XLIFF defines a structured framework for representing localized text, metadata, and other related information, enabling seamless transfer between source and target languages.

Key Features and Benefits

XLIFF’s key features include:

• Structured Format: It provides a flexible and extensible XML-based format, allowing for the organization and management of localized content in a structured manner.
• Support for Multiple Languages: XLIFF supports the translation of content into multiple languages, facilitating efficient localization for global distribution.
• Contextual Information: XLIFF includes support for contextual information, such as source and target language identifiers, file formats, and timestamps, ensuring accurate and consistent translations.
• Translatable Unit Segmentation: It enables the segmentation of text into smaller units, known as translatable units, allowing for precise localization of individual segments rather than whole documents.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: XLIFF’s wide adoption in the localization industry ensures compatibility with various tools and platforms, simplifying the exchange of localized content.

Other Extensions