WordPress themes often come with built-in language files that allow you to translate the theme’s interface into your preferred language. In this guide, I’ll show you how to translate theme language files step by step.

What Are Theme Language Files?

WordPress themes typically include translation files in the .po and .mo formats. These files contain all the translatable text strings used in the theme.

  • .po (Portable Object) file – This is the editable translation file.
  • .mo (Machine Object) file – This is the compiled version of the .po file, which WordPress reads to display translations.
  • .pot (Portable Object Template) file – This serves as a template for translations and contains all original text strings without translations.

Step 1: Check If the Theme Supports Translation

Not all themes are translation-ready. To check whether your theme supports translation:

  1. Open the theme’s folder (via FTP or in your WordPress installation under wp-content/themes/your-theme/).
  2. Look for a languages folder.
  3. If you find .po and .mo files inside, the theme supports translations.

Step 2: Install a Translation Tool

To translate your theme, you need a translation editor. Popular tools include:

  • Loco Translate (WordPress Plugin) – The easiest way to translate directly within WordPress.
  • Poedit (Software for Windows, macOS, Linux) – A standalone tool for translating .po files.

Using Loco Translate (Recommended for Beginners)

  1. Install and activate the Loco Translate plugin from the WordPress plugin directory.
  2. Go to Loco Translate → Themes and select the theme you want to translate.
  3. Click on New Language and choose your language (e.g., “German” or “French”).
  4. Select where you want to save the translation. Choose:
    • Custom: Best choice to prevent translation loss after theme updates.
  5. Click Start Translating and begin translating the available text strings.
  6. Once finished, click Save to generate the .mo file automatically.

Using Poedit (For Advanced Users)

  1. Download and install Poedit from poedit.net.
  2. Open Poedit and select Create new translation.
  3. Open the theme’s .pot or .po file.
  4. Select your language and start translating the text strings.
  5. Click Save to generate the .mo file.
  6. Upload the new .po and .mo files to the theme’s languages folder via FTP.

Step 3: Check Your Translation

Once the translation is complete, change the site language in WordPress:

  1. Go to Settings → General.
  2. Find the Site Language option.
  3. Select your translated language and save the settings.

Your theme should now display the translated texts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Translations don’t appear:
    • Clear your cache or use a caching plugin like WP Rocket to refresh changes.
    • Ensure the translation files are in the correct folder (wp-content/languages/themes/).
  • Some text remains untranslated:
    • The theme might use hardcoded text instead of translation functions (__() or _e()). Contact the theme developer if necessary.

Conclusion

Translating your WordPress theme enhances user experience and makes your website accessible to a global audience. With Loco Translate or Poedit, you can easily translate and manage theme language files.

Would you like assistance translating your theme or debugging translation issues? Feel free to reach out!

Let me know if you’d like any modifications or refinements.