Introduction - Translations

When translating your Online Store, there are three distinct components to consider:

1. The Theme Editor, encompassing admin settings and options (only visible to you).
2. Fixed wording integrated into the theme (visible to all).
3. Storefront content that you personally add to the theme (visible to all).

Flow is pre-translated into over 30 languages (version 35.0.0 and above only). If you're utilizing one of our supported theme languages, you can translate components 1 and 2 without the need for an app.

However, for the content that you add to your storefront, an app must be used to provide multiple translations.

This article will provide an overview of each component to support your translations.

Components 1 & 2: Translating the Theme Editor and fixed theme wording

Flow versions 35.0.0 and above provide comprehensive support for over 30 major languages. If you're currently using an older version of Flow, we recommend updating to the latest version to take advantage of translations.

Theme Editor: If you have set your preferred language (via your Shopify account settings) to one of our supported languages then your theme will display be fully translated into your chosen language.

Fixed theme wording: All wording in the theme that isn't normally customizable (such as Search, Cart, Menu, etc.) will automatically be translated if you publish a supported language on your store. As a result, when a customer selects a supported language to view your store, fixed wording will automatically be translated.

It's not necessary to add translations to a published language if you only wish to translate fixed theme wording - making it an ideal solution for stores that appear in one language. 

For a detailed list of supported theme languages, please click here.

Component 3: Storefront content

To translate your storefront content (i.e. content that you add to the store), you will need to use an app. The default Shopify Translate & Adapt app is a convenient option, allowing you to seamlessly translate your store into two languages for free. Additional translations will incur charges.

Alternatively, there are plenty of third-party apps on the Shopify App Store that offer content translation services, each with its unique process.

To begin, choose what languages you want to add to your store. Then utilize the app to do the translations.

Step 1: In your Shopify admin, go to Settings.

Step 2: Click Languages.

Step 3: Click Add Languages then select a language.

Step 4: Click Add to add the unpublished language to your Shopify admin.

Step 5: Using your translation app, follow the steps to translate your store's content. Clicking the Translate should provide a list of available translation apps.

Step 6: Preview and Publish your new language/s.

If you only have one language available then customers will see this by default.

If you have multiple languages available then customers will then be able to select a language. However, please ensure you have enabled the language selector option via your Theme Editor. For detailed steps on enabling this, scroll down to the next section.

Enabling the Language Selector

To allow your customers to change the language of your store, you need to enable the language selector option within your theme. You can do this through your Header section and your Footer section.

Step 1: Within your Shopify admin, go to Online Store > Themes.

Step 2: Go to your selected theme, and select Customize.

Step 3: There are two sections where you can add the language selector for customers to find:

1. Header

2. Footer bottom

Both sections need to be enabled separately if you want to display both.

Step 4: Scroll down to the Language selector setting, and select Enable language selector.