How Translation Memory works in SimpleLocalize
If you translate software, websites, or documentation regularly, you've probably noticed a pattern: parts of your content tend to repeat themselves. Buttons, menu labels, onboarding flows, product features; some phrases appear over and over again.
Translation Memory (TM) is designed to make your life easier. It remembers how you translated something before, so you don't have to translate it again.
In this post, we'll explore how translation memory works in SimpleLocalize, how to use it effectively, and how to upload your own TM files to kickstart new projects, even if you don't have any translation history yet.
What is translation memory?
Translation memory (TM) is a system that stores pairs of source text and translated text so you can reuse them later. Instead of translating “Save changes” or “Try again later” from scratch every time they appear, TM suggests translations you or your teammates already created.
It's like having a searchable, automatic database of every phrase you've ever translated, ready to help whenever you need it.
Example
Let's say your team previously translated:
Add to cart → Dodaj do koszyka
Later in another project, you stumble upon a similar string:
Add item to cart
Instead of starting from zero, SimpleLocalize analyzes your translation history and finds the closest matches. You instantly get suggestions you can reuse or adapt.
How translation memory works in SimpleLocalize
SimpleLocalize automatically builds your TM from all translations across all projects you have access to. Every time you or your teammates translate something, it becomes part of the shared memory.
When you open a translation, SimpleLocalize:
- Scans your translation history for similar source text
- Compares factors like the source phrase, translation key, and context
- Ranks suggestions by match level (e.g., exact match, partial match)
- Shows you the best suggestions in the TM panel
The result? Faster translation, higher consistency.
SimpleLocalize uses a matching algorithm to find the best matches for your content by comparing the source text, translation key, and other factors. It offers you a list of suggestions, ranked by relevance, so you can quickly find the best match for your translation.
Using translation memory inside the editor
Translation memory is embedded directly in the translation editor, making it easy to access whenever you need it.
Viewing suggestions
Open the more options menu (⌥) near the translation input field and select "Translation memory" to view the suggestions for the current translation.
A panel appears with all relevant suggestions pulled from your translation history.
From there, you can choose to apply the suggested translation.
Add TM to Quick Actions
For easier access to the translation memory feature, go to the editor settings and enable translation memory button in Quick Actions. This will add a button to the editor toolbar that allows you to quickly access the translation memory for the selected translation.
Importing your own translation memory
What if you're starting a brand-new project? Or migrating from another translation tool? Or you need consistency with past translations your team created outside SimpleLocalize?
Good news: You can upload your own TM files and use them immediately in translation memory suggestions.
Imported TMX (Translation Memory eXchange) files become part of your translation memory database, so you can benefit from them right away.
Why import TMX files?
- Kickstart new projects: Upload your existing TM and get suggestions from day one—even with no project history.
- Migrate from other platforms: Bring your previous translation work with you.
- Maintain terminology consistency: Ensure legacy translations continue to be used in new content.
- Leverage old translations from agencies or freelancers: Even if they weren't done in SimpleLocalize.
Benefits of using translation memory
There are several benefits to using translation memory in SimpleLocalize:
- Translate faster: Reuse previous work instead of translating recurring content from scratch.
- Ensure consistency: Your product speaks in one voice across languages and platforms.
- Improve quality: Reusing approved translations reduces typos and inconsistencies.
- Collaborate effectively: Your whole team benefits from the shared translation database, whether built naturally or imported.
Tips for getting the most out of TM
- Import existing TM files when starting new projects
- Standardize terminology so TM matches are meaningful
- Keep translations clear and consistent to improve match accuracy
- Review suggestions carefully when context differs
Ready to get more out of your translations?
Translation memory in SimpleLocalize is a powerful companion, whether you are building up history automatically or importing your own TM files.
If you're starting a new localization project or want to unify your translation style, consider uploading your existing translation memory. It's one of the easiest ways to accelerate your workflow.
And as always, if you have questions, ideas, or feedback, we are here to help; don't hesitate to contact us anytime!
