TSV File

TSV (Tab-Separated Values) is a lightweight, plain-text file format for managing translations. In GL Strings, TSV provides a simple alternative to XML-based formats like XLIFF—ideal for quick imports and manual editing.

A TSV file in GL Strings typically follows this structure:

• Header Row: The first row defines the columns. Expected column headers include:

  • Key: Unique identifier for the translation entry.
  • Source: The original text in the source language.
  • Target: The translated text in the target language.
  • Context: (Optional) Additional context or reference URL.
  • Description: (Optional) Extra notes or metadata for translators.
  • Status: (Optional) Translation status (e.g., translated, needs-review).

• Data Rows: Each subsequent row corresponds to one translation entry, with fields separated by tab characters. Fields containing tabs, line breaks or special characters should be enclosed in double quotes.

Example:

id	en	Description	String Length
empty_string_key			
with_description_key	This key has a description in some file-formats.		
with_line_break_key	"This key has a line break
in it."		
nested_key.level_one_a.level_two	A deeply nested key.		
nested_key.level_one_b	A nested key.		
plural_key[one]	Plural key one		
plural_key[other]	Plural key other		
plural_key[zero]	Plural key zero		
array_key[0]	first entry		
array_key[1]	second entry		
array_key[2]	third entry		
simple_key	Most basic translation.