Skip to content

WordPress Plugin: Loco Translate

This guide explains how to install, configure, and use the Loco Translate plugin to translate WordPress themes and plugins directly from the WordPress admin dashboard.

Introduction

Loco Translate is a popular WordPress plugin that provides in-browser editing of translation files (.po / .mo).
It is especially useful for customizing the language of themes and plugins without editing code manually.

Installation

  1. Log in to your WordPress Admin Dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Plugins → Add New.
  3. In the search bar, type: Loco Translate
  4. Find the plugin Loco Translate by Tim Whitlock.
  5. Click Install Now, then Activate.

Translating a Theme

  1. Go to Loco Translate → Themes.
  2. Select the theme you want to translate (e.g., Astra, Storefront, Cenote, Tyche).
  3. Click New Language.
  4. Choose your language and location for saving translation files:
    • Recommended: Custom (languages/loco/themes/) or System directory to prevent overwriting during updates.
  5. Use the built-in editor to translate text strings.
  6. Click Save when finished.

Translating a Plugin

  1. Go to Loco Translate → Plugins.
  2. Select the plugin you want to translate (e.g., WooCommerce, Join.chat).
  3. Click New Language.
  4. Select your target language and save location.
  5. Translate the text strings using the Loco Translate editor.
  6. Save your translations.

Editing Existing Translations

  • Navigate to the theme or plugin inside Loco Translate.
  • Click on the existing language file.
  • Update strings as needed and save changes.
  • Compile .mo files automatically using the editor.

Best Practices

  • Always back up translations before updating themes/plugins.
  • Store translations in the Custom directory (languages/loco/) or System directory to avoid losing them after updates.
  • Regularly check for new strings after theme/plugin updates.
  • Use search and filter options to find strings quickly.

Example Use Cases

  • Translate WooCommerce buttons (e.g., “Add to Cart” → “Sepete Ekle”).
  • Localize themes for multilingual websites.
  • Customize wording in plugins like Join.chat or Loco Translate itself.

Resources