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What Are Translations and Translation Keys?

A significant aspect of internationalization is that messages or texts within the HMI are automatically translated into the language selected by the current user.

  • In HELIO, a Translation is used to convert user-facing texts and messages into different languages. A Translation includes a version for each of the supported languages.

  • A translation is uniquely identified in a HELIO Runtime using its TranslationKey. This key is the unique identifier of this translation.

How Do I Define Translations in HELIO?​

There are two approaches to define translations in HELIO: implicitly and explicitly. Each method has its advantages and is typically used by different people or at different times:

Approach

How?

Used When?

Used By?

Implicitly

Translations are created while you add new Elements to your HMI. Whenever you edit a property of the type Localizable Text (Dynamic Property) and save your project this text will get stored in the Translation Database of HELIO.

Throughout the project.

HMI Engineers

UX Specialists

Explicitly

Translations are created while you add new Elements to your HMI. Whenever you edit a property of the type Localizable Text (Dynamic Property) and save your project this text will get stored in the Translation Database of HELIO.

Typically when the HMI is finalized towards the end of a project.

Technical Editor

Translator

Implicitly​

Translations can be defined in the context of a project within the Content View.

  1. The Label Property of this Machine Control should be translated.
  2. That’s why it uses the property type Localizable Text (Dynamic Property).
  3. The value of this property defines the TranslationKey, which, in this case, is the translation in the default language, English. However, you could also opt to use a unique key that more stable, won’t change over time, but still communicates its text's purpose .e.g. MainFunctions.Start.Label.

Explicitly​

Translations can be defined across projects in a central location:

Learn more with the following resources: