Translating the BuddyBoss Platform

Introduction
If your site is in another language or you want to customize the text, labels, and notices displayed throughout the BuddyBoss Platform, you can easily do so using language translation files. This guide explains how to translate all text instances found in the BuddyBoss Platform without modifying the actual plugin code, ensuring that your customizations remain intact even after plugin updates.

Why Not Edit the Plugin Code?
Modifying the text directly in the plugin’s code will result in losing all changes when the plugin is updated. Using language translation files keeps your customizations safe and is the recommended method for translating text in all WordPress plugins, including BuddyBoss.

Automatic Translation Using Loco Translate

To translate the BuddyBoss Platform, we recommend using the Loco Translate plugin, which allows you to easily translate all text found in the platform’s language files.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Install and Activate Loco Translate

1. Go to Dashboard > Plugins > Add New.
2. Search for Loco Translate.
3. Click Install Now and then Activate once installed.

Step 2: Select BuddyBoss Platform for Translation

1. Navigate to Dashboard > Loco Translate > Plugins.
2. Locate and click on BuddyBoss Platform.

Step 3: Choose or Create a Language

1. Click on New Language.
2. Select your desired language from the dropdown list.
3. Choose the Custom location to save your translation files outside of the plugin directory, preventing them from being overwritten during updates.
4. Click Start Translating.

Step 4: Translate Text Strings

1. Browse through the list of text strings found in the BuddyBoss Platform.
2. Click on a text string you wish to translate.
3. Enter your translation in the Translation field below the text string.
4. Click Save when done.

Step 5: Sync Translations After Plugin Updates

1. If the BuddyBoss Platform is updated, new text strings may be introduced.
2. Go to Dashboard > Loco Translate > Plugins > BuddyBoss Platform.
3. Click Sync to update the list of translatable strings.
4. Translate any new strings as needed.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Why is my translation not showing up?
A: Ensure the correct language is selected under Dashboard > Settings > General > Site Language. This should match the language used in Loco Translate.

Q: I am unable to re-translate my plugin. Why is my translation file missing?
A: This issue can occur if Loco Translate loses its configuration. To fix it:

• Go to Loco Translate > Plugins > BuddyBoss Platform.
• Click on the Setup tab.
• Click the Reset Config button.
• Your translation file should now appear again.

Q: Will my translations be lost when I update BuddyBoss Platform?
A: No, as long as you saved the translation in the Custom location. This prevents the translation file from being overwritten during plugin updates.

Related Resources

• Translating BuddyBoss Theme
• Getting Started with Loco Translate
• How to Safely Customize Text in WordPress Plugins