L10n:Localization Process
Mozilla's localization (l10n for short) objective is to offer to as many users as possible Mozilla applications in their language and with a great user experience. This user experience is learning about, finding, installing, using, and updating Firefox.
Because you are here, we believe you are looking for a way to contribute to Mozilla's localization effort. (You also may prefer reading about localizing AMO or developer documentation, too.)
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 →.