Editing and saving WordPress translation files
Loco Translate brings PO file editing and translation management into WordPress admin.
- PO editor: Edit translations in the admin, with support for comments, references and plural forms; clickable source-code references help locate strings in context.
- Keyboard shortcuts: Move between strings, copy source text, mark entries fuzzy and save without relying only on mouse controls.
- Translation storage: Save language files directly in a theme or plugin, or use the protected language directory for custom translations.
- Backups: Configure PO file backups, compare changes with a diff and restore an earlier copy, giving teams a way to recover from unwanted edits.
Automatic translation provider integrations
The editor can request translation suggestions from several automatic translation services.
Loco Translate integrates with DeepL, Google, Lecto, Microsoft and OpenAI. Suggestions can be requested from the editor, which may speed up first drafts; translators should still review suggestions for accuracy and context.
Extracting strings and compiling localization files
Developer tools cover string extraction and the creation of compiled localization files.
- String extraction: Scan source code for translatable strings and generate templates, a useful starting point when preparing a theme or plugin for translation.
- MO compilation: Compile MO files natively, without requiring Gettext on the system.
- JSON compilation: Generate JSON (Jed) files for WordPress script localization, so localization work can include script-based strings as well as PO files.
Broad adoption and recent updates, but limited support resolution
Loco Translate has broad adoption and an excellent rating, with recent maintenance but a low share of resolved support threads.
It is among the most widely installed plugins in the directory and holds an excellent rating based on a moderate number of reviews. It was updated within the last month, while 27% of 11 support threads are marked resolved. That combination points to ongoing maintenance but offers less reassurance about support follow-through.
For sites that need in-admin PO editing plus developer localization tools, Loco Translate covers a broad workflow. Its strong adoption and rating are encouraging, but the support resolution record is a trade-off to weigh; teams relying on timely help should review support discussions before making it central to their process.
