The Language File Editor

What is the "Language File Editor"?

The "Language File Editor" is a TYPO3 extension that supports developers, integrators and editors in the editing, creation and maintenance of language constants. This ranges from the outdated PHP format to the XML variant and the modern XLF solution.

This extension offers various functions for editing language files. Not only professional users are supported, but also "normal users". The functions that this enhancement contains are listed below:

  • The formats: PHP, XML, XLF
  • Different input types (simple text input, rich text)
  • Conversion between the different formats
  • Splitting and merging of language files
  • Easy editing of individual constants and complete languages
  • Flexible search and view of constants and values
  • Handling of meta information (such as the last processing date)
  • Backups with difference display and their recovery

Installation / Integration

Open the TYPO3 backend and click on "Extension Manager" in the "Admin Tools" section on the left side.

Using the function "Add Extensions" you can click "Update now" to update your package list. Then enter "LFEditor" in the search and click on the button under "Actions" to add "LFEditor".

Select Extensions
Figure 1: Select Extensions

Using the Language File Editor

Under "User tools" you will now find the "LFEditor". In the upper left corner you can choose whether you want to edit a file, add or delete a constant (and so on).

Edit language file

In this example, the file "locallang_csh.xml" is selected from the extension "realurl", with the language "de" (German). Under the selection "select type of constants" you can select all, translated, not translated and unknown. Unknown language files are only displayed in the original language.

The "LFEditor" will then output the files as shown in Figure 3. In the upper field the reference language, in the lower field the original language.

Edit language file
Figure 2: Edit language file

Adding constants

As the name suggests, you can add constants under this menu item. You can choose a constant name and complete the translations.

Adding constants
Figure 3: Add constant

Edit constants

If you select "Edit constants", you will see an extended version of Figure 3, normally the 53 language fields are displayed, which then contain the respective translation of the "Folder tree" (if available). You can change the number of languages displayed via the "View Languages" configuration (see Figure 9). If you see that the German translation is missing, you can simply enter it and save it at the bottom of the page.

Editing constants
Figure 4: Editing constants

Deleting constants

Under the menu item "Delete constant" you can delete constants from language files. Select extension, language file and constant, possibly set and delete check marks.

Deleting constants
Figure 5: Delete constant

Renaming constants

Constants can be renamed quickly. After the usual selection, simply insert your desired name in "New constant name" and click on "Rename".

Renaming constants
Figure 6: Rename constant

Searching for constants

After you have selected the appropriate extension and language file, enter either the full name or just a part of it. As you can see, there are two results for the search term "folder". For example, if you now click on "folderTree", you will be directed to "Edit constant" of the constant "folderTree".

Searching for constants
Figure 7: Search constants

Tree View

In the tree view you can see all constants that you can also call up in "Edit constants". In the tree view, however, you can see in advance whether a translation is available for the constant.

Green: Translation available
Red: Translation not available
Blue: Unknown constant

If you click on a constant in the tree view, you will be forwarded to "Edit Constant".

Tree View
Figure 8: Tree View

Manage backups

"Manage backups" shows all backups of an extension. You can delete, restore and compare the backups with the original. You can undo separations and merges of files. However, the conversion of file formats cannot be undone.

Manage backups
Figure 9: Manage backups

Configure extension

You can easily get to the configuration by searching for the "Language File Editor" in the "Extension Manager" under the menu item "Manage Extensions" and clicking on the cogwheel (Figure 10). You can read about the configuration options of the "LFEditor" in the following text.

Configure extension
Figure 10: Configure extension

Files and Folders

backup directory [basic.pathBackup]
Renames the path for the backup directory
For example: typo3conf/LFEditor/Backup/

xll files directory [basic.pathXLLFiles]
Renames the path of the xll file directory
For example: typo3conf/LFEditor/XLL/

backup meta information file [basic.metaFile]
The path to the backup meta information file
For example: typo3conf/LFEditor/Backup/Meta.xml

Activate functions

enable backup [basic.execBackup]
You must check this box if you want to use backup management
(which is highly recommended)

Other options

view system extensions [basic.viewSysExt]
Activate this option to display the system extensions in the "Selection of extensions" (see Figures 2-9)

view global extensions [basic.viewGlobalExt]
Activate this option to display global extensions in the "Selection of extensions" (see Figures 2-9)

view local extensions [basic.viewLocalExt]
Activate this option to display local extensions in the "Selection of extensions" (see Figures 2-9)

view languages [basic.viewLanguages]
Allows you to set the languages displayed under "Edit constant" and "Add constant". Please abbreviate the desired languages e.g. "de" for German. Default is always displayed.

view loaded and unloaded extensions [basic.viewStateExt]
Enter 0 to display all extensions, 1 for installed extensions and 2 to display non-installed extensions

ignore extensions [basic.extIgnore]
You can change the regular expression to restrict the enhancement list

Set to true if you want to hide the tree branches at start of the tree page. [basic.treeHide]
Check this box to hide the "branches" of the "page tree".

constants per site in language file edit mode [basic.numSiteConsts]
Defines the number of constants per page displayed in the language file editing mode

amount of rows in text area [basic.numTextAreaRows]
Enter the number of lines you want in a normal text field. This function is not supported by tinyMCE.

maximal amount of backup files [basic.anzBackup]
Set this value to 0 to keep all backup files, otherwise all files up to the given value will be deleted.

[basic.changeXlfDate]
Check this box if you want the editor to change the date in XLF files.

An excerpt from the configuration
Figure 11: An excerpt from the configuration

Video Instructions

If this manual is too boring for you, you can also watch it as a video ;-)

Vorstellung: Der Language File Editor

Technical documentation for the Language File Editor

In the technical documentation for the Language File Editor you can find information about the configuration of the TYPO3 extension and important instructions for its use.

To the technical documentation