---
title: "Localization: Translating labels in TYPO3"
manual: "TYPO3 Explained"
version: "13.4"
permalink: "https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:localization@13.4"
source: "ApiOverview/Localization/Index.rst"
rendered: "2026-09-20T16:02:56+00:00"
---

# Localization: Translating labels in TYPO3 {#localization}

In TYPO3, two types of texts require translation:

-   **Labels and messages**

    Short texts shown in the frontend or backend,
    usually stored in [XLIFF format](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:xliff@13.4) in the file system,
    for example, `locallang.xlf`.

-   **Content**

    Editorial content, such as localized
    database records and language-specific files (for example, PDF versions).

This section covers the first type: *labels and messages*.
For translating editorial content, see the [Localized content](https://docs.typo3.org/m/typo3/guide-frontendlocalization/13.4/en-us/LocalizedContent/Index.html#localized-content) chapter in
the Frontend Localization Guide.

TYPO3 uses translatable strings for backend labels, so that the
backend is fully localizable. All text uses UTF-8 encoding.

The default language is American English (en_US). The TYPO3 Core ships
with English labels only, and extensions should do the same.

All label files use the [XLIFF format](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:xliff@13.4) and are typically stored in
`Resources/Private/Language/`. (Older extensions may still use legacy
paths.)

This chapter explains the XLIFF format specific to TYPO3 and tools for
managing translations.

-   [Label references](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:label-references-lll-strings@13.4)
-   [Supported languages](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:supported-languages@13.4)
-   [Managing translations](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:managing-translations@13.4)
-   [Translation servers](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:translation-servers@13.4)
    -   [Localization with Crowdin](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:localization-with-crowdin@13.4)
        -   [Extension integration](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:integrate-crowdin-in-your-extension@13.4)
        -   [Mass approval](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:mass-approval-on-crowdin@13.4)
        -   [Online translation](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:online-translation-with-crowdin@13.4)
        -   [Workflow](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:workflow-from-new-crowdin-translations-to-the-typo3-installation@13.4)
        -   [Crowdin Best Practice](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:crowdin-best-practice@13.4)
        -   [Frequently asked questions (FAQ)](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:frequently-asked-questions-faq@13.4)
    -   [Custom translation servers](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:custom-translation-servers@13.4)
-   [Localization API](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:localization-api-1@13.4)
    -   [LanguageService](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:languageservice@13.4)
    -   [LanguageServiceFactory](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:languageservicefactory@13.4)
    -   [Locale](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:locale@13.4)
    -   [LocalizationUtility (Extbase)](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:localizationutility-extbase@13.4)
-   [XLIFF API](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:xliff-api-access-language-labels@13.4)
-   [XLIFF Format](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:xliff-format@13.4)