Free macOS tool turns Xcode plist translation into a one-click task
If you’ve ever wrestled with dozens of nearly identical .plist files to localize an iOS or macOS app, a new free utility can save hours of copy-paste drudgery. The tiny macOS app, pListTranslatorApp, opens any Xcode plist, lets you pick which keys to translate, and writes out ready-to-use localized files without ever leaving your machine.
Built for tight machines, powered by Apple’s Translation
The developer behind the tool set out to solve a simple frustration: translating strings across multiple language folders is slow and error-prone when you’re juggling limited disk space. Instead of relying on cloud APIs that need API keys and network calls, the app taps Apple’s built-in Translation framework and downloads language packs on demand. Once the translations are done, the pack is discarded, keeping the footprint light—ideal for a 256 GB SSD MacBook Air.
Three clicks, one localized plist
Open a plist, select the keys you care about (for example, itemTitle, title, label), choose a language such as Thai or German, and hit Translate All. If the required language pack isn’t installed yet, macOS prompts you to download it automatically. The app then writes a new plist next to the original, ready to drop into the matching .lproj folder. For extra safety, an optional “key_en” entry keeps the original English string alongside the translation, so reviewers can spot mismatches without opening a diff tool.
A few snags worth knowing
The developer uncovered some sandboxing quirks along the way. Starting a TranslationSession isn’t as straightforward as calling an API; there are two different ways to kick one off, and only one actually works. The sandbox also restricts folder access, so saving the new file requires routing through NSSavePanel to obtain the necessary scoped permissions.
Why it matters
For indie developers and small teams, localization is often the bottleneck between a polished app and a global release. This free, on-device tool removes the friction of manual retyping, cloud dependencies, and bulky downloads, letting you ship localized builds faster without sacrificing privacy or disk space. The open-source approach also invites contributions, so the community can extend language support and key matching as needed.
Source: DEV Community. AI-assisted editorial synthesis — TechnoExpress.