File Formats Supported by Poedit

Poedit supports multiple localization file formats used by many different platforms and frameworks. The file format depends on how the app or website is built: WordPress plugins commonly use gettext files, Qt apps use TS files, .NET apps often use RESX files, etc.

Most formats work the same way from the translator’s point of view and their details are mostly relevant for developers, not translators. However, there are some differences in how Poedit handles them when some capabilities are not supported by the format.

GNU gettext (.po / .pot)

Poedit’s original format and most complete workflow is built around gettext files:

• .po — translation files
• .pot — translation templates
• .mo — compiled files generated from .po files

GNU gettext is widely used by WordPress, many PHP projects, Linux applications, and other open-source software.

Poedit can edit PO files, create translations from POT templates, update existing translations from source code or templates, and compile MO files.

JSON localization files (.json, .arb)

Poedit supports JSON-based localization files, including generic JSON formats and framework-specific variants such as Flutter ARB files.

JSON localization is commonly used by web apps, JavaScript frameworks, mobile apps, browser extensions, and cross-platform toolkits.

Unlike gettext files, JSON localization files are often key-based. The visible text may be stored under a symbolic ID such as home.save_button rather than using the source text itself directly. Poedit has full support for working with key-based JSON translation files.

XLIFF files (.xliff, .xlf)

XLIFF is an interchange format used by many localization tools, build systems, and app frameworks. It is commonly used when translations are exported from one system and imported back after translation.

Poedit can edit XLIFF translation units while preserving the file structure and inline markup required by the source tool.

XLIFF, particularly in its 2.0 version, is designed to be a universal format for exchanging translation data, and is a complicated standard. Poedit is primarily a localization tool and focuses on the parts of XLIFF that are widely used in that context. It does not support every aspect of the XLIFF standard, but it covers the subset relevant for localization.

If an XLIFF file opens but some content is not presented as clearly as it could be, please contact support and include a sample file if possible. XLIFF files vary significantly between tools, and real-world examples help us make Poedit better.

Qt Linguist TS files (.ts)

Qt Framework’s translation format is fully supported by Poedit.

Microsoft RESX files (.resx)

RESX files are commonly used by .NET applications. They can contain translatable strings as well as other resource data; Poedit can edit the string entries while keeping the rest untouched.

Apple localization catalogs (.xcloc)

Poedit supports Apple localization catalogs. XCLOC packages are used by Apple development tools and contain localization data, usually including embedded XLIFF files. Poedit edits XCLOC packages in place, preserving the bundle structure expected by Apple tools.