Articulate Storyline Localization for RTL Languages
The Articulate Storyline tool for exporting/importing content into XLIFF (an XML-based format used by most translation tools) is a great tool for professional translations.
In this blog, I will go through translating an Articulate Storyline project for Arabic (which will also apply to other RTL languages) and adding a few touches to the files to simplify layout modifications after the import.
Step 1: Export Content into XLIFF
From the File menu option, click Translation > Export to XLIFF.
This will generate an XLIFF file containing all your project content and will be ready to be sent for translation.
Step 2: Translation Begins
Using a professional translation tool, the translator will start working on your content localization.
Step 3: Tips for Developers
A few stylistic changes can be applied to the XLIFF file before import, this pre-processing is essential in the sense that it assists to construct your project in a RTL compliant state.
One simple modification is to change all “Left” justified elements to be “Right” justified. Please note that this is not a generic role and it requires good understanding of how styles work for Articulate XLIFF generated files. Even though this change is simple, it provides major help to course designers because it will reduce all the manual work needed to re-order slide elements to be RTL compliant.
Step 4: Import XLIFF to Articulate Storyline
After the translation is complete, the file is ready to be imported back to the project. Note that this will overwrite all content with the imported one.
Step 5: Review and Apply Final Touches
Once the import is complete, you will be able to see the translations in place along with all the edits that you applied to the XLIFF file to assist necessary RTL layout flipping.
Summary
Articulate Storyline is a great tool providing RTL support, and with the export/import to XLIFF functionality, professional translation became feasible, too. While RTL support still encounters challenges, these workarounds make things easier.
In the next blog, I will introduce RTL tips and tricks for Articulate Rise.
