> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://hyperlocalise.dev/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Translate Apple .strings files with Hyperlocalise

> Translate Apple strings files while retaining comments and printf placeholders.

Apple .strings files store keyed messages for iOS and macOS applications. Hyperlocalise translates message values; use the separate stringsdict guide when your localization includes plural resources.

Supported extensions: `.strings`.

## Source file

Save this example as `locales/en-US.lproj/Localizable.strings`.

```text theme={null}
/* Home screen */
"welcome" = "Welcome";
"greeting" = "Hello, %@!";
```

## Configure your files

Use this `i18n.yml` for the example, or add its file mapping to your existing bucket.
See [path templates](/cli/configuration/path-templates) for other layouts.

```yaml theme={null}
locales:
    source: en-US
    targets:
        - es-ES

buckets:
    messages:
        files:
            - from: locales/en-US.lproj/Localizable.strings
              to: locales/{{target}}.lproj/Localizable.strings

llm:
    profiles:
        default:
            provider: openai
            model: gpt-5.2
```

## Translate

[Install the CLI](/cli/getting-started/install) and set `OPENAI_API_KEY` in your
project's `.env.local` or shell. You can also configure another
[AI provider](/cli/providers/overview).

```bash theme={null}
hyperlocalise run --dry-run
hyperlocalise run
```

The dry run previews the work. The second command writes translations to the
configured target path and updates the lockfile.

## Behavior and limitations

* Parses quoted `"key" = "value";` entries, including escaped characters, Unicode escapes, and multiline values.

* Writeback preserves template comments, layout, and spacing while replacing value literals.

* Leading comments can supply a character limit, for example `hl:max-length=40`. Keep printf placeholders intact.

## Next steps

* [Check translations](/cli/commands/check) before committing generated files.
* [Local translation workflow](/cli/workflows/local-generation) explains repeat runs.
* [Browse all file formats](/cli/reference/formats/overview).

## Related formats

* [Apple .stringsdict](/cli/reference/formats/apple-stringsdict)
* [Apple String Catalog (.xcstrings)](/cli/reference/formats/apple-xcstrings)
* [Android XML string resources](/cli/reference/formats/android-xml)