Translate a theme gettext catalog
Use Translations → Software translations for fixed interface messages supplied by the active parent or child theme. Post content, menu labels, and theme settings registered as dynamic values use their own translation workflows.
Identify the theme text domain
Use the theme's declared text domain, not its folder label or display name unless they are identical. Check the theme metadata, documentation, or POT filename.
POM Translate recognizes catalogs associated with the active template and stylesheet paths. Activate the parent or child theme whose catalog you need before loading it. An inactive theme or an unloaded domain may not provide a discoverable source path.
Load the strings
- Sign in as an administrator.
- Go to Translations → Software translations.
- Choose the target locale.
- Enter the exact theme Text domain.
- Select Load strings.
- Confirm that Domain type reports Theme.
- Review the source file, existing translation file, and entry count.
POM Translate reads catalog files rather than scanning theme PHP or template files. A POT is the preferred source; available PO or MO data can also supply entries.
Translate and review
Complete singular and plural fields manually, or use POM AI for empty values when the service is available. Machine translation does not overwrite completed fields.
Check each result in its visible context. Theme strings commonly include accessibility labels, short controls, format placeholders, or compact navigation text where literal translation may be unsuitable.
Export and install
Before leaving the page:
- Select Download PO.
- Select Download MO.
- Follow one of the recommended full paths and basenames displayed by POM Translate.
Theme-local exports can use a locale basename such as <locale>.mo, while the global WordPress theme-language override uses <text-domain>-<locale>.mo. Follow the displayed destination exactly and rename the downloaded file when that destination shows a different basename.
A global wp-content/languages/themes/ file is usually less likely to be overwritten by a theme update. POM Translate does not install the files automatically.
Verify on the front end
Open a target-language page rendered by the active theme. Test both singular and plural output where applicable, then clear page, object, and opcode caches if the old message remains.
If the text comes from a theme option rather than a gettext catalog, use public settings values.