How to translate Theme

Making your store available in multiple languages helps you reach customers worldwide. This guide shows you how to add and manage translations for your theme using Shopify’s built-in tools.

Getting Started #

Before you can translate your theme, you need to set up language support in your store and install the right translation app.

Step 1: Add Languages to Your Store #

Start by adding the languages you want to support:

1. Go to your Shopify admin panel
2. Click Settings in the bottom left sidebar
3. Select Languages from the settings menu
4. Click Add language in the top right corner
5. Choose your desired language from the dropdown list (for example, German)
6. Click Add to confirm

Step 2: Install Shopify Translate & Adapt App #

This free app helps you manage all your store translations:

1. From the notification that appears after adding a language, click Visit the Shopify App Store
2. On the Translate & Adapt app page, click Install
3. Confirm the installation when prompted

The app will now appear in your admin sidebar under “Apps.”

Step 3: Access Theme Translation Settings #

To translate your theme content:

1. Go to Online Store in your admin sidebar
2. Click Themes
3. Find your current theme and click the three dots menu
4. Select Edit default theme content

This opens the theme content editor where you can manage all text elements.

Step 4: Navigate to Translation Interface #

1. Click Localize in the top right corner of the theme content page
2. This opens the Translate & Adapt interface

Step 5: Select Your Target Language #

In the translation interface:

1. Look for the language dropdown at the top of the page
2. Select the language you want to translate to (such as German)
3. The interface will switch to show content in your chosen language

Step 6: Translate Your Content #

You have two translation options:

Auto-translate Option #

• Click Auto-translate in the top right corner
• The system will automatically translate all visible content
• Review and edit any translations that need adjustment

Manual Translation #

• Browse through different sections (Accessibility, Blogs, Checkout, etc.)
• Click on any text field to edit translations directly
• Enter your preferred translation for each element
• Save changes as you go