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Translation of XLIFF Files

How Lara Supports XLIFF for Localization Projects

  1. What is an XLIFF file? An XLIFF (XML Localization Interchange File Format) file is a standardized file format used to simplify the exchange of translation and localization data between different software tools. It contains both the source text and its translations, making it an essential tool for efficiently managing multilingual projects.

  2. Does Lara support XLIFF files? Yes, Lara supports XLIFF files up to version 2.0, as well as version 1.2 and all prior versions. Version 1.2 remains widely used in the localization industry and ensures smooth integration with most translation workflows, while version 2.0 introduces enhancements that improve interoperability and efficiency.

  3. Which version should I use? Version 1.2 is still the most popular and compatible with many translation tools, which makes it a safe choice. However, if your projects are in version 2.0, Lara now fully supports them without requiring conversion. Files in prior versions also remain fully supported.
  4. How to work with XLIFF files in Lara? Simply upload your XLIFF file—whether it’s version 2.0, 1.2, or an earlier version—directly into Lara. The system will analyze the file and seamlessly manage the translation process.


    How to Translate Documents with Lara

 

Important: mqxliff (MemoQ) and sdlxliff (Trados) are not supported 

Files generated by CAT tools such as MemoQ and Trados Studio (MQXLIFF and SDLXLIFF) are not standard XLIFF files.
They include proprietary metadata, segmentation, and structures that cannot be reliably processed or preserved by Lara.

This means that workflows like:

  • MemoQ → MQXLIFF → Lara → MQXLIFF → MemoQ

  • Trados → SDLXLIFF → Lara → SDLXLIFF → Trados

are not supported and may break file reimport into the CAT tool.

 

Recommended solutions

You can choose between two fully supported workflows, depending on how you prefer to work.

 

Option 1: Use “plain” XLIFF files with Lara

If you want to work with XLIFF directly in Lara, make sure the file is a standard XLIFF 1.2 or 2.0, not an MQXLIFF or SDLXLIFF.

This ensures:

  • consistent segmentation

  • correct structure

  • smooth processing in Lara

 

Option 2: Keep your CAT-tool workflow using Lara plugins

If you prefer to keep working fully inside your CAT tool, you can use the official Lara plugins:

  • Lara plugin for Trados Studio

  • Lara plugin for MemoQ

These plugins allow you to send content to Lara without leaving the CAT tool, while keeping all CAT-tool metadata intact.

This is the best option if you want:

  • full integration with MemoQ or Trados

  • correct reimport of translated content

  • preserved metadata, tags, and segmentation

 

 

This article is about:

  • What is an XLIFF file
  • Lara's compatibility with XLIFF versions 2.0, 1.2, and earlier
  • Best practices for working with XLIFF files in Lara