About
Loco (localise.biz) is a comprehensive translation management system designed for developers and teams building multi-language applications and websites. It covers the complete localization workflow: manage source strings, collaborate with human translators, and export translation files in formats suited to your target platform — all from a single dashboard. Loco's platform-agnostic approach means it supports a broad range of file formats out of the box, including PO/POT, iOS strings, Android XML, JSON, XLIFF, and more. An online PO editor lets translators work directly in the browser without needing specialized software. Developers can integrate Loco seamlessly into build and deployment pipelines using the Loco REST API, allowing automated import and export of translated strings as part of CI/CD workflows. Utilities like the iOS ↔ Android string converter further reduce friction for cross-platform projects. Loco is free to get started, with Pro plans available for teams that need advanced collaboration features, higher limits, or priority support. It is particularly well-suited for indie developers, SaaS startups, and cross-functional teams that need to ship localized products efficiently without juggling spreadsheets or manual file transfers.
Key Features
- String Management Dashboard: Centrally manage all translation strings across your projects, keeping source content and translations organized in one place.
- Translator Collaboration: Invite translators to work directly on projects via the browser-based interface, including a built-in online PO editor — no desktop software required.
- Multi-Format File Export: Export translation files in a wide range of platform-specific formats including PO/POT, JSON, XLIFF, iOS strings, Android XML, and more.
- Developer REST API: Integrate Loco into build scripts and CI/CD pipelines via its REST API for automated import and export of translated strings during deployment.
- iOS ↔ Android String Converter: Quickly convert localization files between iOS and Android string formats, reducing manual effort in cross-platform development.
Use Cases
- A SaaS startup managing translations for a web app across English, French, Spanish, and German using Loco's string dashboard and collaborating with freelance translators via the browser editor.
- A mobile developer converting iOS .strings files to Android XML format using Loco's built-in string converter when shipping a cross-platform app.
- A development team integrating the Loco REST API into their CI/CD pipeline to automatically pull the latest translations on every production build.
- An indie developer localizing a WordPress plugin or web app and exporting PO/POT files directly from Loco for use with standard translation tools.
- A product team onboarding regional translators who contribute directly through Loco's browser-based editor without requiring access to the codebase.
Pros
- Free Plan Available: Loco offers a fully functional free tier, making it accessible to solo developers and small teams without upfront cost.
- Platform-Agnostic: Supports a wide variety of file formats and platforms, making it suitable for web, iOS, Android, and other app targets simultaneously.
- Developer-First Integration: The REST API and build-script support enable seamless, automated localization workflows within existing development pipelines.
- Browser-Based Translation Editor: Translators can contribute directly in the browser without installing tools, simplifying collaboration with non-technical team members.
Cons
- Limited AI-Assisted Translation: Loco focuses on management and workflow rather than automatic machine translation, so teams must source translations separately or use add-ons.
- Pro Pricing Not Transparent on Landing Page: The website doesn't prominently display Pro plan pricing, which may require additional research before committing to an upgrade.
- Developer-Centric Interface: The tooling is optimized for developers; non-technical project managers may face a steeper learning curve when setting up projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Loco Translate?
Loco is a translation management system (TMS) that helps developers manage, translate, and integrate multi-language strings for apps and websites. It covers the full localization lifecycle from string management to file export and API-based deployment.
Is Loco free to use?
Yes, Loco offers a free plan that covers core features. Pro plans are also available for teams that need advanced capabilities, higher usage limits, or additional collaboration features.
What file formats does Loco support?
Loco supports a wide range of localization file formats including PO/POT, JSON, XLIFF, iOS .strings, Android XML, PHP arrays, and more, making it suitable for most platforms and frameworks.
How does the Loco API work?
Loco provides a REST API that allows developers to programmatically import source strings and export translated files. This enables integration into build scripts and CI/CD pipelines for automated localization workflows.
Can non-developers use Loco to contribute translations?
Yes. Loco includes a browser-based online PO editor and a clean translation interface, allowing translators and content editors to work directly in the browser without needing developer tools or special software.
