How to Translate Your Shopify Store with DeepL

DeepL has established itself as one of the most accurate and reliable translation tools available. Its cutting-edge translation model ensures high-quality translations that preserve the original context and tone of your content. According to studies, language experts prefer DeepL’s translations over competitors like Google Translate. For Shopify store owners, this means you can reach global audiences with confidence, offering localized experiences that feel authentic to your customers.

How Translations Work in Shopify

Shopify uses a resource-based translation system, where each translatable piece of content - such as products, collections, or themes - can have translations stored for different languages. You can manage translations using Shopify’s Translate & Adapt app or explore a variety of third-party tools for more advanced localization needs. Since many apps use Shopify’s translation system to access and update content, you can seamlessly combine Translate & Adapt with a third-party tool to get the best of both worlds.

For a seamless multilingual experience, Shopify automatically redirects customers to their preferred language based on their preferences. With this built-in functionality, Shopify makes it easy to provide a localized shopping experience. However, delivering high-quality translations is key to unlocking the full potential of global markets. Accurate, context-aware translations ensure your store feels authentic to international customers, building trust and increasing the likelihood of conversions and repeat sales.

Translating Your Shopify Store with DeepL: The Easy Way

Using a translation app allows you to automate the process and translate your store without needing to handle everything manually.

A translation app typically offers several advantages:

• No manual setup: The app connects to your store and handles the translation process for you, so you don’t need to export or import files manually.
• Automation: Many apps allow you to update translations automatically whenever you add or change content, such as product descriptions or collections, ensuring your store remains up to date without extra effort.
• Better oversight: Using an app gives you a clear overview of your store’s translation progress, making it easier to track which parts are translated and identify areas that need attention.

While there are many translation apps available on the Shopify App Store to simplify this process, Translingo is an option that specifically integrates DeepL, making it easier to manage high-quality translations for your store. If you’re ready to simplify your Shopify store’s translations with DeepL, try Translingo today and get started in just a few clicks.

Translating Your Shopify Store with DeepL: The Manual Way

If you prefer to handle translations manually or want full control over the process, you can use DeepL’s web translator. However, to follow this workflow, you’ll need a DeepL Pro Advanced Plan, which includes support for translating files like Excel spreadsheets. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Export Your Store’s Translations

1. Log in to your Shopify Admin and go to Settings > Languages.
2. Click on Export.
3. Select the language you want to translate and the Translation status (e.g., all translations or untranslated only).
4. Once you click Export, Shopify will send you an email with the exported file.

Step 2: Prepare the File for Translation

1. Download the file from the email Shopify sends you.
2. Open the file in Excel (or a similar program).
3. Copy the file and then remove all columns except for the Default content column. This column contains the original text for translation.
4. Save this modified file as an .xlsx file, as required by DeepL.

Step 3: Translate the File with DeepL

1. Log in to the DeepL Web Translator and upload the .xlsx file.
2. DeepL will translate the content in the Default content column to your target language.
3. Download the translated file once the process is complete.

Step 4: Transfer Translations Back to the Original File

1. Open the translated file and copy the translated content from the Default content column.
2. Paste this content into the Translated content column in your original file.
3. Ensure that the translations are pasted correctly and are not shifted by one row too high or too low, as this can cause mismatched translations.

Step 5: Save the File as a CSV

1. Save the updated file as a .csv file.
2. Ensure that the delimiter is set to a comma (,) to meet Shopify’s import requirements.

Step 6: Import the Translations into Shopify

1. Go back to Settings > Languages in your Shopify Admin.
2. Click on Import and upload your updated .csv file.
3. Shopify will process the file and update the translations in your store.

This manual process gives you complete control over your store’s translations. While it’s more time-consuming than using an app, it can be useful if you prefer not to rely on third-party tools.

Conclusion

Expanding your Shopify store to international markets can significantly boost your sales and customer engagement, but ensuring high-quality translations is essential to creating a seamless experience for your visitors. Whether you choose the convenience of an app like Translingo or the manual approach, the key is to select a workflow that fits your needs and resources. With the right tools and methods, translating your store doesn’t have to be a daunting task, and the benefits of reaching a global audience make it well worth the effort.