User Manual 

Introduction for Editors 

The TextDB extension provides a user-friendly interface for managing translations directly in the TYPO3 backend. As an editor, you can:

  • View and edit existing translations
  • Filter translations by component, type, and environment
  • Import and export translation files
  • Search for specific translations
  • Manage multilingual content without technical knowledge

Accessing the TextDB Module 

  1. Log in to the TYPO3 backend
  2. In the left menu, click on Netresearch
  3. Select Netresearch TextDB from the submenu

The TextDB module is located under the Netresearch section in the backend menu.

Viewing Translations 

List View 

The main list view displays all translation records:

  • Placeholder: The translation key/identifier
  • Value: The translated text
  • Component: The component this translation belongs to
  • Type: The translation type (label, message, etc.)
  • Environment: Target environment (if applicable)
  • Language: The language of the translation

Pagination 

Large translation sets are automatically paginated:

  • Use the pagination controls at the bottom
  • Adjust items per page if needed
  • Navigate between pages efficiently

Filtering Translations 

Use the filter options to narrow down your results:

Component Filter 

Select a specific component to show only its translations:

  1. Click the Component dropdown
  2. Select the desired component
  3. The list updates automatically

Type Filter 

Filter by translation type:

  1. Click the Type dropdown
  2. Select label, message, or other types
  3. View filtered results

Editing Translations 

Edit Single Translation 

  1. Click the pencil icon next to a translation
  2. Modify the translation value
  3. Update other fields if needed: Component assignment Type assignment * Environment
  4. Click Save

Multi-Language Editing 

To edit translations in different languages:

  1. Switch the language in the TYPO3 toolbar
  2. Edit the translation for that language
  3. Repeat for additional languages

Importing Translations 

Import from XLIFF File 

  1. Click the Import button in the toolbar
  2. Select the XLIFF file to import

  3. Choose import options:

    • Overwrite Existing: Check to replace existing translations
    • Leave unchecked to only import new translations
  4. Click Import
  5. Review the import summary

Expected File Format 

English Source File (en):

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" standalone="yes" ?>
<xliff version="1.0">
    <file source-language="en" datatype="plaintext" original="messages">
        <header>
            <authorName>Your Name</authorName>
            <authorEmail>you@example.com</authorEmail>
        </header>
        <body>
            <trans-unit id="component|type|placeholder">
                <source>Translation value</source>
            </trans-unit>
        </body>
    </file>
</xliff>
Copied!

Translated File (e.g., German):

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8" standalone="yes" ?>
<xliff version="1.0">
    <file source-language="en" target-language="de" datatype="plaintext" original="messages">
        <header>
            <authorName>Your Name</authorName>
            <authorEmail>you@example.com</authorEmail>
        </header>
        <body>
            <trans-unit id="component|type|placeholder">
                <target>Übersetzungswert</target>
            </trans-unit>
        </body>
    </file>
</xliff>
Copied!

Exporting Translations 

Export Filtered Translations 

  1. Apply desired filters (component, type, search)
  2. Click Export with current filter
  3. The system exports: All translations matching current filters All languages * Ignores pagination
  4. Save the XLIFF file to your computer

Use Cases for Export 

  • External Translation: Send to translation agency
  • Backup: Create snapshots of translations
  • Migration: Move translations between TYPO3 instances
  • Review: Share with stakeholders for review

Translation Workflow 

Typical Workflow 

  1. Developer creates placeholder translations
  2. Editor reviews and refines translations

  3. Translator (if needed):

    a. Editor exports current translations b. Translator works on XLIFF file c. Editor imports translated file

  4. Editor verifies imported translations
  5. Translations are immediately available on frontend

Best Practices 

  • Consistent Naming: Use clear, descriptive placeholders
  • Component Organization: Group related translations
  • Regular Backups: Export translations periodically
  • Language Review: Have native speakers review translations
  • Testing: Verify translations on frontend after changes

Troubleshooting 

Translation Not Showing 

  • Check Language: Ensure correct language is selected
  • Verify Filters: Clear all filters to see all translations
  • Refresh Cache: Ask administrator to clear frontend cache

Import Failed 

  • File Format: Verify XLIFF file format is correct
  • File Naming: Check file name follows convention
  • Permissions: Contact administrator if upload fails
  • File Size: Large files may timeout - split into smaller files

Cannot Edit Translation 

  • Permissions: Contact administrator for access rights
  • Lock Status: Another user may be editing - wait and retry
  • Language Access: Verify you have access to that language

Keyboard Shortcuts 

The TextDB module supports standard TYPO3 keyboard shortcuts:

  • Ctrl+S: Save current record (when editing)
  • Ctrl+Shift+S: Save and close
  • Escape: Close edit form without saving

Tips & Tricks 

Bulk Operations 

For bulk changes, consider exporting, editing in a text editor, and re-importing.

Favorites 

Bookmark frequently used filter combinations in your browser.

Translation Preview 

Keep a frontend tab open to immediately verify translation changes.