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WordPress Plugin Localization: A Practical Guide to Translating Plugins and Showing Them in Arabic

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If you are wondering how to translate a WordPress plugin, plugin localization means translating the text that appears in its interface into Arabic, such as setting names, buttons, messages, and notifications, without changing the plugin’s functions. WordPress uses a translation system based on language files and Text Domains, which allows translations to be separated from the plugin’s code instead of modifying its original files.

It is important to distinguish between translating a WordPress plugin and translating the entire website. A specific plugin may have an Arabic interface while the website content, theme, or other plugins remain in English. Therefore, plugin localization is a specific process that focuses on the texts belonging to that plugin.

What Is the Difference Between Translating a WordPress Plugin and Translating the Entire Website?

Website localization means making the website experience suitable for the Arabic language more broadly. It may include:

  • WordPress Dashboard.
  • Theme.
  • Plugins.
  • Page and article content.
  • Menus.
  • Forms.
  • System messages.
  • RTL design direction.

WordPress plugin localization, on the other hand, focuses on the texts produced by a specific plugin.

For example, if a store plugin displays:

Add to Cart

Translating it into:

أضف إلى السلة

is part of plugin localization.

However, if the same page contains text written in English by the website owner, changing that text is not done through the plugin’s translation file.

How Does WordPress Plugin Translation Work?

WordPress uses Internationalization (i18n) and Localization (l10n) to prepare software for different languages and then provide the appropriate translations.

Inside the plugin code, translatable texts are connected to something called a Text Domain. This identifier helps WordPress know which plugin the text belongs to. For plugins published on WordPress.org, the Text Domain should match the plugin’s Slug.

When an Arabic translation is available, WordPress looks for the appropriate language files for the Locale being used.

In simple terms:

Plugin Code → Translatable Strings → Translation Files → Arabic Interface

This separation is why translation can be done without changing the plugin’s core code.

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What Are WordPress PO, MO, and POT Translation Files?

If you want to understand WordPress plugin localization correctly, it is important to know the difference between the main translation files.

File Full Name Function
POT Portable Object Template A template containing the original translatable texts
PO Portable Object An editable file containing translations
MO Machine Object A compiled translation file used by WordPress while running

WordPress documentation explains that the POT file contains the original texts, while the PO file contains the translations added by the translator. The MO file is then created as a compiled version that the system can use.

What Is a POT File?

A POT file can be considered the starting point.

It contains the original texts extracted from the plugin code.

A simple example:

msgid “Add New Product”
msgstr “”

Here:

msgid = the original text.

msgstr = the place where the translation is added.

What Is a PO File?

A PO file contains the editable translation.

For example:

msgid “Add New Product”
msgstr “إضافة منتج جديد”

The translator can review and edit the translations inside this file.

What Is an MO File?

An MO file is a compiled translation version of the PO file, and WordPress actually uses it when loading the translation.

For this reason, having only a PO file does not necessarily mean that WordPress will use the translation in the interface.

What Is a Text Domain and Why Does It Matter When Translating a Plugin?

A Text Domain is an identifier that WordPress uses to distinguish texts belonging to a specific plugin.

For example, if the plugin Slug is:

example-plugin

its Text Domain may be:

example-plugin

WordPress uses this identifier to connect the texts with the appropriate translation files. WordPress documentation explains that the Text Domain should be a unique identifier for the plugin, and plugins hosted on WordPress.org usually use their Slug as the Text Domain.

This becomes especially important when you face a problem such as:

The translation exists, but WordPress does not display it.

The translation file itself may be correct, but the file name, Text Domain, or Locale may not match what WordPress expects.

How Can I Find Untranslated Texts Inside a WordPress Plugin?

There is more than one way to do this.

Method 1: Use Translation Tools

You can use specialized tools to open PO files and search for untranslated texts.

Some well-known tools in the WordPress environment include:

  • Poedit.
  • GlotPress.
  • Online translation tools.
  • WP-CLI for users who work from the command line.

WordPress documentation mentions Poedit, translation services, and tools such as GlotPress for translating PO files.

Method 2: Search Inside the Plugin Files

If you work in a more technical way, you can search the plugin files for translatable texts.

However, finding an English text is not enough.

The text may be written in a way that cannot be translated, or it may be part of JavaScript, HTML, or a value generated in another way.

Therefore, the presence of a text inside plugin files does not automatically mean that it can be translated through a PO file.

How Can I Create an Arabic Translation for a WordPress Plugin?

The method depends on the plugin’s source and how it supports translation.

If the plugin is properly built to support WordPress Internationalization, the translatable texts can be extracted and an Arabic PO file can be created.

The basic process is:

Extract texts → Create POT → Create Arabic PO → Translate texts → Create MO → Load the translation

WP-CLI provides an official command such as:

wp i18n make-pot

to create a POT file from a WordPress project. It also provides other commands for updating PO files, creating MO files, and handling translation files related to JavaScript.

WordPress Plugin Localization

How Do I Translate a PO File into Arabic?

After opening a PO file, you will find a group of texts.

For example:

msgid “Settings”
msgstr “”

It can become:

msgid “Settings”
msgstr “الإعدادات”

Another example:

msgid “Save Changes”
msgstr “حفظ التغييرات”

But good translation is not simply replacing one word with another.

You should consider:

  • The context of the text.
  • Where it appears.
  • The target audience.
  • Technical terms.
  • Text length.
  • Arabic language direction.
  • Singular and plural forms.

WordPress documentation recommends natural translation instead of literal translation, while maintaining an appropriate level of formality and avoiding terms that are not suitable for the target audience.

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Why Is It Better Not to Edit the Original Plugin Files?

Editing a PHP file inside a plugin may seem like the fastest way to translate a word.

However, it is usually not the right way to preserve the translation.

If you directly edit:

plugin-name.php

and the plugin is later updated, the update may replace the modified file with the new version.

As a result:

Update → File Replacement → Modification Lost

This is one of the main reasons why keeping translation files separate from the plugin files is better than modifying the source directly.

Where Are WordPress Plugin Translation Files Stored?

WordPress uses its own language directories. One of the important locations is:

wp-content/languages/plugins/

This keeps language files separate from the plugin files themselves.

WordPress documentation explains that plugin translation files can be placed in the language directory under wp-content/languages/plugins, which helps keep translations separate from the plugin.

This separation is especially important when the plugin is updated.

Why Does the Translation Disappear After Updating the Plugin?

Some translations may disappear after an update for different reasons.

These include:

The Original Text Changed

The developer may change the text from:

Save Settings

to:

Save Plugin Settings

The new text is then different from the text in the previous translation file.

New Texts Were Added

An update may add dozens of new texts that were not included in the previous version.

The Text Domain or File Structure Changed

If the way the translation is loaded or the plugin’s file structure changes, the language files may need to be updated or linked again.

The Language Pack Was Updated

Plugins hosted on WordPress.org can receive updated translation packages. Plugin languages can also be updated through WordPress tools or WP-CLI when updates are available.

How Can I Keep the Translation After Updating the Plugin?

The most important rule is:

Do not make the translation part of a modification to the original plugin files.

Instead, keep the translation files separate and track the changes made in each version.

If you use a custom PO file, you can update it by comparing the new texts with the previous version.

WP-CLI provides a command such as:

wp i18n update-po

to update PO files based on a new POT file.

This is especially useful when the plugin is large and contains hundreds or thousands of texts.

Can I Translate a Plugin Using Tools Inside WordPress?

Yes. There are solutions that use the WordPress interface to make translation easier. The right option depends on the plugin and how it supports translation.

The basic idea is that a translation tool helps you:

  • Find texts.
  • Identify untranslated text.
  • Add the translation.
  • Save language files.
  • Update translations.
  • Test the results.

It is important to choose a tool that does not modify the original plugin files in a way that puts the translation at risk when the plugin is updated.

What About Poedit for WordPress Plugin Localization?

Poedit is one of the well-known tools for working with PO files.

It can be used to open a translation file, edit translations, and then create the required language files.

WordPress documentation mentions Poedit as one of the available options for translating PO files, with the ability to create MO files from them.

It is more suitable when:

  • You have a PO file.
  • You want to manage the translation outside WordPress.
  • You are working with a large number of texts.
  • You want to keep translation files separate.

What About GlotPress?

GlotPress is a translation system connected to the WordPress ecosystem and is used in collaborative translation environments.

It is useful when the translation is a team project or when you need to manage and review a large number of texts.

WordPress documentation mentions GlotPress among the tools that can be used to translate PO files and manage translations online.

How Should I Handle Plugins That Contain Hundreds of Texts?

You do not need to start by translating everything.

Start with the texts that users see most often.

First Priority

Translate:

  • Buttons.
  • Menus.
  • Error messages.
  • Success messages.
  • Basic settings.
  • Forms.
  • Texts that appear to customers.

Second Priority

Then move to:

  • Advanced settings.
  • Administration messages.
  • Less frequently used notifications.
  • Texts related to secondary functions.

This makes the project more efficient, especially when the plugin contains thousands of texts.

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What Is the Difference Between Partial and Full Translation?

Full translation means trying to translate all translatable texts.

Partial translation, on the other hand, focuses on the texts that are important to the user.

What Is the Difference Between Partial and Full Translation?

Full translation means trying to translate all translatable texts.

Partial translation, on the other hand, focuses on the texts that are important to the user.

Why Is It Better Not to Edit the Original Plugin Files?

Editing a PHP file inside a plugin may seem like the fastest way to translate a word.

However, it is usually not the right way to maintain the translation.

If you directly edit:

plugin-name.php

and the plugin is later updated, the update may replace the modified file with the new version.

As a result:

Update → File Replacement → Modification Lost

This is one of the main reasons why keeping translation files separate from the plugin files is better than modifying the source directly.

Where Are WordPress Plugin Translation Files Stored?

WordPress uses its own language directories. One important location is:

wp-content/languages/plugins/

This allows language files to remain separate from the plugin files themselves.

WordPress documentation explains that plugin translation files can be placed in the language directory under wp-content/languages/plugins, which helps keep translations separate from the plugin.

This separation is especially important when the plugin is updated.

Why Does the Translation Disappear After Updating the Plugin?

Some translations may disappear after an update for different reasons.

These include:

The Original Text Changed

The developer may change:

Save Settings

to:

Save Plugin Settings

The new text is then different from the text in the previous translation file.

New Texts Were Added

An update may add dozens of new texts that were not included in the previous version.

The Text Domain or File Structure Changed

If the way the translation is loaded or the plugin’s file structure changes, the language files may need to be updated or linked again.

The Language Pack Was Updated

Plugins hosted on WordPress.org can receive updated translation packages. Plugin languages can also be updated through WordPress tools or WP-CLI when updates are available.

How Can I Keep the Translation After Updating the Plugin?

The most important rule is:

Do not make the translation part of a modification to the original plugin files.

Instead, keep the translation files separate and track the changes made in each version.

If you use a custom PO file, you can update it by comparing the new texts with the previous version.

WP-CLI provides a command such as:

wp i18n update-po

to update PO files based on a new POT file.

This is especially useful when the plugin is large and contains hundreds or thousands of texts.

Can I Translate a Plugin Using Tools Inside WordPress?

Yes. There are solutions that use the WordPress interface to make translation easier. The right option depends on the plugin and how it supports translation.

The basic idea is that a translation tool helps you:

  • Find texts.
  • Identify untranslated text.
  • Add the translation.
  • Save language files.
  • Update translations.
  • Test the results.

It is important to choose a tool that does not modify the original plugin files in a way that puts the translation at risk when the plugin is updated.

What About Poedit for WordPress Plugin Localization?

Poedit is one of the well-known tools for working with PO files.

It can be used to open a translation file, edit translations, and then create the required language files.

WordPress documentation mentions Poedit as one of the available options for translating PO files, with the ability to create MO files from them.

It is more suitable when:

  • You have a PO file.
  • You want to manage the translation outside WordPress.
  • You are working with a large number of texts.
  • You want to keep translation files separate.

What About GlotPress?

GlotPress is a translation system connected to the WordPress ecosystem and is used in collaborative translation environments.

It is useful when translation is a team project or when you need to manage and review a large number of texts.

WordPress documentation lists GlotPress among the tools that can be used to translate PO files and manage translations online.

WordPress Plugin Localization

How Do I Handle Plugins That Contain Hundreds of Texts?

You do not need to start by translating everything.

Start with the texts that users see most often.

First Priority

Translate:

  • Buttons.
  • Menus.
  • Error messages.
  • Success messages.
  • Basic settings.
  • Forms.
  • Texts that appear to customers.

Second Priority

Then move to:

  • Advanced settings.
  • Administration messages.
  • Less frequently used notifications.
  • Texts related to secondary functions.

This makes the project more efficient, especially when the plugin contains thousands of texts.

What Is the Difference Between Partial and Full Translation?

Full translation means trying to translate all translatable texts.

Partial translation focuses on the texts that are important to the user.

For example, a plugin may contain 2,000 strings, but the end user may interact with only 150 of them.

In this case, you can start with these texts and gradually translate the rest.

This is especially useful for websites that need to launch the Arabic version quickly.

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What If Some Texts Appear in English and Others in Arabic?

This can happen in some cases.

Possible reasons include:

  • The translation is incomplete.
  • The text is not included in the language file.
  • The plugin uses JavaScript and the required JSON file has not been loaded.
  • The text changed in a new version.
  • There is more than one Text Domain.
  • There is a Locale problem.
  • The text comes from another plugin rather than the plugin you are translating.

Therefore, do not assume that every English text displayed on the page belongs to the same plugin.

What About JavaScript Translation Inside Plugins?

Modern plugins may contain texts that are displayed through JavaScript, not only PHP.

In this case, a traditional PO/MO file may not be enough for some texts.

WordPress has a system for translating JavaScript, and JSON files can be used for translations related to JavaScript text. WordPress Block Editor documentation explains that WordPress supports creating JSON translation files for JavaScript strings.

Therefore, if you translate PHP strings and some interface texts are still displayed in English, check whether those texts are coming from JavaScript.

Why Does the Translation Not Appear Even Though I Have PO and MO Files?

This is one of the most common problems.

Check the following:

Website Language

Make sure that the WordPress language is set to Arabic.

Locale

Make sure that the correct Locale is being used for the target language.

File Name

The translation file name must match the Text Domain and Locale being used.

File Location

Make sure that the language file is placed where WordPress looks for the plugin translation.

Text Domain

If the Text Domain is incorrect, the text may not be connected to the correct translation.

The Translation Itself

Make sure that the msgid exactly matches the original text.

For example:

msgid “Save Changes”

will not work if the actual text in the plugin is:

msgid “Save changes”

because the two texts are different.

What Should I Do If I See Unreadable Characters Instead of Arabic?

If you see characters such as:

مرحبا

there may be an encoding problem.

Modern translation files should handle UTF-8 correctly.

Check:

  • Encoding.
  • The PO file header.
  • How the MO file was created.
  • The translation tool being used.
  • How the file is loaded.

It is also important not to copy Arabic text through tools that change the encoding without understanding what they are doing.

What If the Arabic Translation Is Correct but the Design Is Wrong?

Here, you need to distinguish between:

Translation

and

RTL Localization

The translation may be completely correct, while interface elements still appear from left to right.

For example:

Title ← Menu ← Close Button

may appear in an order that is not suitable for an Arabic interface.

In this case, the problem is not with the translation file itself.

The plugin may need RTL support through CSS or changes to the interface structure.

Does Every Plugin Automatically Support RTL?

No.

If a plugin is properly developed to support WordPress and different languages, it may handle RTL well.

However, some plugins contain:

  • Elements fixed to the left.
  • Icons in unsuitable positions.
  • Fields that do not change direction.
  • Wide tables.
  • JavaScript that depends on a specific direction.

In these cases, you need to localize the design, not simply translate the words.

How Should I Handle Arabic Fonts?

If the plugin displays Arabic text correctly but the font is too small or unclear, the problem may be related to the CSS, theme, or plugin design.

Do not try to solve every problem through the translation file.

A PO file translates the text:

Settings → الإعدادات

but it does not necessarily control:

  • Font Family.
  • Font Size.
  • Line Height.
  • Padding.
  • Direction.
  • Alignment.

These are design-related elements.

What About Translating WooCommerce Plugins?

The same translation concept can be applied to WooCommerce plugins and plugins related to online stores.

Texts may appear in:

  • Product pages.
  • Cart.
  • Checkout.
  • Order messages.
  • Admin settings.
  • Stock messages.

For example:

Add to cart → أضف إلى السلة

Or:

Proceed to checkout → الانتقال إلى الدفع

However, you should first identify where the text comes from.

It may come from:

  • WooCommerce.
  • The store theme.
  • Another plugin.
  • WordPress Core.

This is important because translating the text in the wrong plugin will not change it if the source is actually a theme or another plugin.

How Can I Identify the Source of the Text I Want to Translate?

If you do not know which plugin is responsible for the text, start by asking:

Where does the text appear?

Then:

When does it appear?

Then:

What function does it belong to?

For example, if the text appears during Checkout, it may belong to WooCommerce, the payment gateway, or another Checkout plugin.

Identifying the source first can save a lot of time.

Common Mistakes When Translating WordPress Plugins

Editing Plugin Files Directly

You may lose the changes after an update.

Translating Text Literally

A literal translation can make the Arabic interface sound unnatural.

Ignoring Context

One word can have more than one meaning depending on where it is used.

Translating Without Testing the Interface

The translation may be linguistically correct but too long for a button.

Ignoring RTL

The words may be Arabic while the interface itself is not suitable for Arabic.

Forgetting JavaScript

Some modern texts do not come from PHP only.

Using Translation Files From an Untrusted Source

In production environments, you should be careful with ready-made MO files from unknown sources. WordPress documentation recommends generating MO files from a trusted PO source instead of relying on unknown MO files, because a binary file can contain unwanted text if its source is not known.

WordPress Plugin Translation Problems and Solutions

Problem Possible Cause How to Identify It Suitable Solution
Some texts are in English Incomplete translation Search for the text in the translation file Add the translation
Translation does not appear Locale or file name error Check the file name and folder Correct the language file
PO file exists but there is no translation No suitable MO file or it was not loaded Check the language files Create/update the MO file
Unreadable characters Encoding problem Check the displayed text Make sure UTF-8 is used
Translation disappears after an update Original Plugin files were modified Compare files before and after the update Use separate translation files
RTL is incorrect Plugin does not fully support the direction Check the interface Adjust CSS/interface
Some interface elements are in English Text comes from JavaScript Check the element’s source Review JSON files and translation
Text is translated but appears in the wrong place Translation does not fit the context Test the interface Adjust the wording
Translation does not work in WooCommerce Text comes from another Plugin or theme Identify the Text Domain Translate the correct source

How Do You Test a Plugin After Translating It?

Opening one page is not enough.

Test:

Dashboard

  • Settings.
  • Menus.
  • Buttons.
  • Notices.
  • Tables.
  • Forms.

Front End

  • Pages.
  • Forms.
  • Messages.
  • Buttons.
  • Menus.

Mobile

Arabic can make text longer, which may cause problems that do not appear on Desktop.

RTL

Check:

  • Text direction.
  • Alignment.
  • Icons.
  • Tables.
  • Buttons.
  • Fields.

Functions

The most important question is:

Did the translation only change the appearance, or did it affect the function?

The Plugin should continue to work as it did before localization.

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Checklist for Translating Any WordPress Plugin

  • Identify the Plugin responsible for the text.
  • Make sure it supports translation.
  • Find the Text Domain.
  • Identify the Arabic Locale.
  • Look for a POT or PO file if available.
  • Create a backup.
  • Translate the main texts.
  • Review the terminology.
  • Make sure UTF-8 is used.
  • Create/update the required translation files.
  • Do not edit the original Plugin files directly.
  • Test the Dashboard.
  • Test the Front End.
  • Test Mobile.
  • Test RTL.
  • Test JavaScript when necessary.
  • Test WooCommerce if the Plugin is related to the store.
  • Keep the translation files separate.
  • Test again after updating the Plugin.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About WordPress Plugin Localization

How Do I Localize a WordPress Plugin?

First, identify the Plugin and the texts you want to translate. Then use translation files or a suitable tool such as Poedit or the translation tools available within the WordPress ecosystem. After that, test the translation and make sure it loads correctly.

What Are WordPress Translation Files?

The main traditional files are POT, PO, and MO. POT contains the original texts, PO is the editable translation file, and MO is the compiled translation file that WordPress uses while running.

What Is the Difference Between PO and MO?

A PO file can be read and edited, while an MO file is a compiled version that WordPress uses to display the translation.

What Is the Purpose of a POT File?

A POT file works as a template containing translatable texts and can be used as the basis for creating a translation for a specific language.

Why Does My Translation Not Appear?

The reason may be an incorrect Locale, an incorrect file name, an incorrect Text Domain, a translation file in the wrong location, or the fact that the text comes from JavaScript or another Plugin.

How Can I Keep My Translation After a Plugin Update?

Avoid editing the original Plugin files. Keep translation files separate, review changes after each update, and add new texts when needed.

Can Every Plugin Be Translated?

Not necessarily with the same level of ease. A Plugin that supports WordPress Internationalization is easier to translate. Plugins that contain hard-coded texts or do not properly support the translation system may require additional solutions.

Can I Use Poedit to Translate WordPress Plugins?

Yes. Poedit can be used to edit PO files and create MO files. It is one of the tools mentioned by WordPress documentation for working with translation files.

Why Are Some Texts in Arabic and Others in English?

The translation may be partial, or the English texts may come from JavaScript, another Plugin, or the website theme.

Does Translating a Plugin Mean That Its Design Becomes RTL?

No. Translation concerns the text, while RTL concerns the direction and layout of the interface. Some plugins may need CSS changes or additional RTL support.

Can I Translate a WooCommerce Plugin?

Yes, but you should identify the source of the text first because the text displayed in the store may come from WooCommerce itself, the theme, or another Plugin.

Will the Translation Disappear After a Plugin Update?

It can happen if the translation is stored inside the Plugin files or if the texts change in the new version. Using separate translation files reduces the risk of losing the changes.

WordPress plugin localization does not mean directly editing the Plugin files and replacing English words with Arabic. The better approach is to understand WordPress’s translation system, identify the Text Domain, work with POT, PO, and MO files or suitable translation tools, and then test the result on both the Dashboard and Front End.

Most importantly, keep the translation separate from the Plugin code whenever possible. This makes it easier to update the Plugin without having to rewrite the translation from scratch each time.

Also remember that translation is not the same as RTL. The texts may be completely translated into Arabic while the Plugin interface still needs adjustments to its direction, alignment, and fonts.

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