FLASH CS3
User Guide
287
Translate text in the Strings panel or an XML file
When sending files to translators, include not only the FLA file but also the folders for the XML files and the XML
file for each language.
Translators can either work directly in the language columns in the Strings panel or work in the XML files for each
language to translate the FLA file to selected languages. If you translate directly in the XML file, you must either
import the XML file to the Strings panel or save it in the default directory for that language.
Translate text in the Strings panel
1
Select Window
> Other Panels > Strings.
2
For each language to be translated, select the appropriate language column, then type the translated text for that
language to be associated with each string ID.
3
To show the text on the Stage in the language you selected, select the language in the Stage Language field.
4
When you are finished, save, publish, or test the file.
All XML files for all languages are overwritten with the information in the Strings panel.
Note:
To preserve the translation in an XML file, save it in a different folder.
Translate text in an XML file
1
Using an XML file editor or translating software, open the folder for the desired language, then the XML file for
that language. The XML file is populated with the IDs for each text string.
2
Enter the text string for the language next to the ID.
3
If necessary, import the translated XML file into the Strings panel.
Import an XML file into the Strings panel
After you modify an XML file, if you place it in the folder specified in the Strings panel for that language, the XML
file is loaded into the Flash document (FLA file) when it opens.
Regardless of where the XML file you imported was located, when you save, test, or publish the FLA file, a folder for
each language in the Strings panel and an XML file for each language are created in the location indicated for
publishing SWF files. If no publish path is indicated, the folder and file are saved in the same folder in which the FLA
file is located. The XML files that the Strings panel generates are always populated with the information in the Strings
panel.
Alternatively, import an XML file into the Strings panel from another location. After you import it, when you save,
test, or publish the file, the XML file in the folder specified for that language is overwritten. You cannot import an
XML file for a language unless it is already selected as an available language in the Strings panel. You can also add a
language and import an XML file with the translation for that language.
1
Select Window
> Other Panels > Strings, and click Import XML.
2
In the Select a Language menu, select the language of the XML file you are importing, and click OK.
3
Navigate to the folder and XML file to import.
The XML information is loaded into the column in the Strings panel for the language you selected in step 3.
Note:
Select the same language in steps 2 and 3. Otherwise, you could, for example, import a French XML file into the
column for German.
