Running a global Shopify store means speaking your customers’ language literally. But paying for expensive translation apps every month? That’s money you could be putting back into your business. There’s a better way to manage your store’s translations, and it’s been hiding in plain sight in your Shopify admin.
How to speed up this process by using CSV file
Managing multiple languages for your store doesn’t have to drain your budget or leave you dependent on third party apps. Shopify’s built in CSV translation feature puts you in the driver’s seat, letting you handle translations on your own terms.
Step 1: Export your current content
Head to Settings > Languages in your Shopify admin and click Export. You’ll get to choose exactly what you want to work with: all your content, just the stuff that needs updating, or only the pieces that haven’t been translated yet.
Shopify emails you a spreadsheet with everything laid out clearly. You’ll see columns for the type of content (like products or blog posts), the original text, and an empty space waiting for your translations.
Step 2: Add your translations
Open that CSV file and start filling in the “Translated content” column. You can do this yourself if you speak the languages, hire a freelance translator, or use any translation tools you prefer. The choice is yours.
One quick tip that’ll save you headaches: make sure your spreadsheet is set to use commas as separators, not semicolons. Some of your content might include HTML code with semicolons, and you don’t want that messing up your columns.
Step 3: Import and go live
Once your translations are ready, it’s time to make them live.
Back in Settings > Languages, click Import and upload your completed file. You’ll get a choice here: overwrite existing translations or just add the new ones. Pick what works for your situation.
Shopify will review your file and let you know if there are any issues. When everything checks out, your translated content goes live across your store. You’ll even get a confirmation email with details about what was updated.
Important considerations
There are some limitations to keep in mind. You can’t translate resource tags, product URLs stay in their original language, and if you change a product’s handle later, the language specific URL redirects won’t work. Also, if you’re using third party apps, check with their developers about multi language support.
Your store, your control
Translation apps have their place, but for store owners who want flexibility and control, the CSV method delivers exactly that. Your international customers are waiting. The only question is: are you ready to speak their language?
