What Is Software Localization? A Complete Guide for 2025

Ever wondered how your favourite apps feel so natural in different languages, right down to slang, currency, and even humour? That’s not just translation—it’s software localization.

Software localization is the process of adapting software,  not just its language but its entire experience,  for users in a specific region or culture. It goes beyond simple translation, considering things like formatting, legal compliance, cultural norms, and even user interface layout.

In an increasingly global tech ecosystem, software localization is essential to creating user-friendly products native to international audiences.

Translation vs. Localization: What's the Difference?

Let’s clear something up: translation is only one part of localization. While translation converts text from one language to another, localization modifies the entire software experience.

This includes:

• Language translation of interface content

• Date, time, and number formatting

• Local currency and units of measurement

• UI adjustments for text length or right-to-left languages

• Cultural customisation (e.g., icons, symbols, humour, colours)

Think of translation as changing the words. Localization is changing the experience.

Why Is Software Localization Important?

If your software is in English only, you're speaking to just 17% of the world. Software localization unlocks access to global markets and boosts user trust, satisfaction, and revenue.

According to CSA Research, 76% of online consumers prefer to buy products in their native language. And localized user experiences can increase app downloads by up to 128% in new markets.

For companies, the ROI is clear: localized software performs better. Whether it’s a SaaS platform, mobile app, or enterprise tool, users are likelier to engage with products that “speak their language.”

What Types of Software Require Localization?

Almost any digital product can be localized, including:

• Mobile Apps: Games, health trackers, finance apps, etc.

• Desktop Software: Productivity tools, security software, etc.

• Web Apps: Platforms like CRMs, booking tools, or e-commerce dashboards.

• SaaS Products: B2B software serving international clients.

• Embedded Systems: Devices like GPS systems, wearables, or smart appliances.

Localization ensures that no matter where your users are, your product works—and feels - like it was built just for them.

The Software Localization Process

Software localization is usually done in several key steps:

1. Internationalization (i18n): Before localization even begins, software needs to be built in a way that allows for easy adaptation—e.g. storing text separately from code, supporting Unicode, flexible UI design.

2. Content Extraction: The text and elements to be localized are extracted into files (e.g. .po, .json, .xml).

3. Translation and Cultural Adaptation: Professional linguists translate the content while adapting it for cultural relevance and user expectations.

4. QA and Linguistic Testing: Localized content is reviewed within the app or software environment to check layout, display issues, context accuracy, and functional integrity.

5. Deployment: Once testing is complete, the localized version is released into its target market—ideally with ongoing updates and user feedback integration.

Challenges in Software Localization

While localization offers huge rewards, it’s not without its challenges. Some common issues include:

• Text Expansion: Words in one language might be much longer in another—breaking UI elements.

• Encoding Errors: Unsupported characters or fonts can cause display issues.

• Cultural Missteps: Certain icons, colours, or jokes may be offensive or confusing in different cultures.

• Legal Requirements: Some markets have strict language regulations for software (e.g. Quebec’s Bill 96 or EU data laws).

That’s why working with experienced localization professionals is critical, especially when going live in regulated or high-stakes markets.

Software Localization Tools

Many companies use specialised tools and platforms to manage the complexity of localization:

• CAT Tools (Computer-Assisted Translation): Like SDL Trados or MemoQ.

• TMS Platforms (Translation Management Systems): Like Smartling, Lokalise, or Phrase.

• QA Tools: For layout testing, language validation, and bug tracking.

Some companies integrate localization directly into their dev pipeline using APIs or plugins, automating content pulls and pushes between code and linguists.

Who Needs Software Localization?

If your business has—or plans to have—users outside your home market, you need localization.

Industries that benefit the most include:

• Tech & SaaS

• E-commerce

• FinTech

• EdTech

• Healthcare apps

• Gaming

Even government platforms, legal tech, and nonprofit tools use software localization to expand access and improve usability for multilingual populations.

Final Thoughts: Localization Isn't Optional ... It's the Future

In 2025 and beyond, software localization isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a must for growth-focused businesses. Localized software sets your brand apart as users demand more personalised, inclusive experiences.

Whether expanding into Latin America, the Middle East, or Asia-Pacific, software localization helps you connect with real people on their terms.

Ready to Localize Your Software?

Ad Astra offers human-led, tech-empowered localization services tailored to your industry and goals. Get in touch today to scale globally with confidence.