---
title: "Localization: translating labels in TYPO3"
manual: "TYPO3 Explained"
version: "main"
permalink: "https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:localization@main"
source: "ApiOverview/Localization/Index.rst"
modified: "2026-09-15T12:49:12+00:00"
---

# Localization: translating labels in TYPO3

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@main) 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/main/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@main) 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-reference@main)
-   [Supported languages](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:supported-languages@main)
-   [Translation management](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:managing-translating@main)
-   [Translation servers](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:translation-servers@main)
    -   [Localization with Crowdin](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:localization-with-crowdin@main)
        -   [Extension integration](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:crowdin-extension-integration@main)
        -   [Mass approval](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:crowdin-mass-approval@main)
        -   [Online translation](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:crowdin-crowdin-translation@main)
        -   [Workflow](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:crowdin-workflow@main)
        -   [Crowdin best practice](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:crowdin-best-practice@main)
        -   [Frequently asked questions (FAQ)](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:frequently-asked-questions-faq@main)
    -   [Custom translation servers](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:custom-translation-servers@main)
-   [Localization API](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:localization-api-1@main)
    -   [LanguageServiceFactory](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:languageservicefactory@main)
    -   [Locale](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:locale@main)
    -   [LocalizationUtility (Extbase)](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:localizationutility-extbase@main)
    -   [Fluid Translate ViewHelper](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:xliff-api-fluid@main)
    -   [Translation loaders](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:translation-loaders@main)
    -   [Translator API](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:translator-api-1@main)
-   [XLIFF format](https://docs.typo3.org/permalink/t3coreapi:xliff@main)