L10n:Localization Process
Mozilla's localization (l10n for short) objective is to offer Mozilla applications to as many users as possible in their language. By doing so, we create a world where the open web exists beyond linguistic, cultural, and geographical boundaries. We also pride ourselves on making sure that each user will love their experience with Mozilla products, regardless of language and region. We characterize this user experience as learning about, discovering, installing, using, and continually updating their Mozilla products to their latest released versions.
You can help us fulfill our objective by contributing to Mozilla's localization effort. In fact, your contributions to Mozilla's localization effort are what make having an open and accesible web possible!
The process of becoming more involved with Mozilla localization is summarized on this page in three sections:
- Starting a new localization (↓ below)
- Becoming an official localization (↓ below)
- Maintaining the localization (↓ below)
A typical process of localizing Mozilla applications involves
- translating and customizing the application;
- distributing your localization to testers who will provide feedback on the quality of your translations;
- localizing the installation and migration process so a user easily can find and later upgrade the Mozilla application;
- translating web pages linked from the application and Mozilla websites to help educate users and market your efforts to localize the product.
Because we are always looking trying to improve our process, if you have any remarks about this page or the localization process, please comment on the l10n forum or mail us.
1. Starting a New Localization
Before you begin, please visit the L10n:Teams page, which lists existing localization teams by language code. If your locale exists, please email the locale owner to see how you can contribute. If your localization does not exist, please create a wiki page in the L10n:Teams category and introduce yourself by following the examples set forth in the other pages.
Read more at L10n:Starting a localization →
2. Becoming an Official Release
For your localization to be available directly for download on Mozilla's main website, you need to complete an "official release" that depends on the quality of the work, potential for end user popularity and adoption, and your ongoing ability to contribute from release to release.
An official release involves more than just translating the user interface of the Mozilla application. Official localized versions include
- translation of the installation and migration process,
- localizing the start page and other web pages built into the product,
- customizing settings like "live bookmarks", locally relevant search engine plugins, and more.
Mozilla's l10n-drivers team ensures that your localization is part of the build and release process. The team helps connect your localization to external services (such as search and web content handlers).
Once completed, your localization will ship on the three major operating system platforms, offering your users automatic security updates. Your localization will be offered to people coming to the main Mozilla site as one of the language choices available for download.
Read more at L10n:Becoming an Official Localization →.
3. Maintaining the Localization
We encourage you to expand the Mozilla project in your region by growing your community and spreading your localization through creative marketing campaigns. As a localizer, you will need to participate in minor (stability/security) and major releases.
Read more at L10n:Official Localized Releases →.