Localization quick start guide

Welcome to Mozilla localization (L10n for short)!

Whether you're here to start up your own localization in the Mozilla project or to join the efforts of an existing localization, you've come to the right place. This guide is filled with all of the basic, technical information you need to get involved in the Mozilla l10n program. We will take you through the steps to get started, from the initial environment setup to testing and releasing your own localization. Along the way, you'll learn about the variety of projects you can contribute to and the tools used to localize them.

When we get to specific examples, we'll take them from the Firefox project, as it is the most widely localized project within Mozilla. As you near the end of this guide, you should be able to make a change to Firefox in your local setting and then see that change in the Firefox interface. In closing, when you finish this guide, you will have all the tools necessary to start contributing!

Remember, this guide will instruct you on the technical aspects of Mozilla L10n only. Visit the L10n Process page to learn about the whole process.

Initial setup

Tech prep work before localizing.

Translation phase

L10n tools tutorials for translation.

QA phase

L10n testing tutorials.

Release phase

Steps to shipping your localization work.

These four stages make up tech side of the l10n program. To learn more about any of these, click on any of the links above. To get the big picture, we suggest you start with the green bubble and move from stage to stage.

Note: This guide is written for two types of contributors: those starting a new localization and those joining an existing localization. It is important to know which information applies to which type of contributor. To help you filter through to the most applicable information, note that all information that is unique to those starting a new localization will be in orange font. All information that is unique to those joining an existing localization will be in blue font.