The unquestionable value that localization of web and mobile apps brings to the application development and production process has made localization an essential step in any launch of this type. That a user can interact with an app from their mobile device or web browser in their native language, understanding and taking advantage of all the features it offers, is priceless. That is why app localization is an increasingly demanded service.
How many times have you opted for one application or another depending on the language? Most people rate a website negatively when it is difficult to use because they do not understand the language or because it is poorly translated.
Therefore, whether you are just starting out in the app localization business, you are in charge of developing apps or you have a company with which you are planning to launch a new app on the market, you will be interested in knowing the guidelines to follow when you want to launch an app adapted to different languages.
Guidelines to distinguish good web localization
A mobile application is a software tool that can be used on mobile devices and computers for a variety of purposes. There are all kinds of apps covering professional, leisure and entertainment areas. Faced with such an avalanche of options, it will be of little use to devote the effort of developing an app if we then limit its use to only a certain number of users.
With the above in mind, we are going to give you the guidelines you should offer (in the case of professionals), and demand (in the case of those requesting this type of service), when you hire a translation and localization service for mobile and web apps.
App layout
One of the most important aspects is the layout of the app. Ideally, the localization of web and mobile apps should be carried out in parallel to the development of the app itself to avoid problems when adapting the texts in the different languages. As this is not always the case, the professional in charge of translating an app must consider, among other things, the length of sentences and words or spaces and the direction of reading.
Market adaptation
Good localization of web or mobile apps does not neglect the formats used in the target markets for elements such as currency, measurement system, size conversion tables, date and time mode, as well as any other writing conventions in the target language.
Linguistic testing
It is also essential to carry out linguistic and technical testing to avoid layout and content errors. These tests must be performed on all devices to avoid overlapping text with other elements or encountering cut content, word breaks or inappropriate line breaks.
When translating mobile applications, make sure to follow the style and terminology of the platform on which it is developed, mainly iOS and Android.
Localization must be performed according to the operating system's display parameters for headers, menus and lists. In the case of platforms such as iOS, the customization offered by Apple on each device must be taken into account.
For all these reasons, it is always a good idea to count on a translation agency that offers a quality assurance system that is duly accredited. Translating mobile apps is a complex job that must follow a strict process carried out by translators specialized in web and app localization.
Collaborating with a translation company that offers all the necessary services and has the appropriate technological solutions to support the human team ensures you will achieve an optimal international projection if you have carried out an interesting project.
