How to Import and Export Localization Files in Xcode

Quick Summary

• Export workflow: Use Product → Export Localizations to create .xcloc files
• Import workflow: Use Product → Import Localizations to bring translated files back into your project
• Automatic integration: Xcode automatically updates your String Catalog when importing translations
• Language selection: Export specific languages or all supported languages at once
• File preservation: Never rename .xcloc files or folders – Xcode relies on their structure for import

What Are .xcloc Files?

When working with professional translators or translation services, you need a way to share your app’s localizable content and receive translations back. Xcode uses .xcloc (Xcode Localization Catalog) files for this purpose.

Each .xcloc file is actually a package that contains an industry-standard XLIFF file with all the strings for a specific language. This format is widely supported by translation tools and services, making collaboration seamless.

Prerequisites

Before exporting localizations, ensure you have:

• A String Catalog (.xcstrings file) created in your project
• At least one additional language added to your project
• Built your project to populate the String Catalog with localizable strings

If you haven’t set up localization yet, check out our guide: How to Create a Localization File in Xcode

Exporting Localizations

Step 1: Access Export Menu

1. Select your project: Click on your project name in the Navigator (not the target)
2. Add your localizations to the list
   
3. Open Product menu: Go to Product → Export Localizations…
4. Choose export location: Select where to save the .xcloc files

Step 2: Select Languages

In the export dialog:

1. Choose languages: Select which languages to export (all are selected by default)
2. Development language note: Your development language (usually English) contains the source strings
3. Click Export: Xcode will create .xcloc files for each selected language

Step 3: Review Exported Files

Xcode creates a folder containing: Individual .xcloc files: One for each language (e.g., en.xcloc, fr.xcloc, es.xcloc)

Importing Completed Translations

Step 1: Import into Xcode

1. Select your project: Click on your project name in the Navigator
2. Access import menu: Go to Product → Import Localizations…
3. Choose file: Select the translated .xcloc file you want to import
4. Review changes: Xcode shows a preview of what will be imported
5. Confirm import: Click Import to add translations to your String Catalog

Step 2: Verify Import

After importing:

• Check String Catalog: Open your Localizable.xcstrings file to see updated translations
• Progress indicators: Language completion percentages should increase
• Green checkmarks: Translated strings show green checkmarks in the state column

Testing Your Translations

After importing, test your localized app:

1. Edit scheme: Click your app scheme and select “Edit Scheme…”
2. Change language: In the Options tab, set “App Language” to the imported language
3. Run your app: Build and run to see translations in action
4. Verify context: Ensure translations fit properly in your UI

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

• Import fails: Ensure .xcloc file structure hasn’t been modified
• Development language import: Xcode typically doesn’t import development language .xcloc files unless translations were modified

Quick Fixes

• Re export if needed: Create fresh .xcloc files if import fails
• Check file permissions: Ensure Xcode can read the .xcloc files
• Build project: Sometimes building the project resolves import issues