Loco Translate is a plugin that lets you translate WordPress themes and plugins directly from the WordPress admin. This page distributes the Pro bundle together with its addons, so the download includes the plugin and its add-on set in one package. Instead of downloading PO files, editing them with a desktop editor, and re-uploading them, you navigate to any theme or plugin, select a language, and start translating in your browser. The editor highlights untranslated strings, lets you toggle between source and translation, and automatically compiles MO files. It supports integration with translation APIs including DeepL, Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, and OpenAI for automated suggestions. For developers, Loco Translate provides POT file creation, source code extraction, and JSON file compilation for modern WordPress script localization. It’s the most popular translation tool on WordPress.org, complementing plugins like Polylang Pro and WPML that handle multi-language site management.
The plugin stores translation files in the standard WordPress languages directory and supports both Gettext-based (.po/.mo) and JavaScript-based (.json/.jed) translation formats for WordPress 6.x+.
Competitive Features
- Built-in editor — translate themes and plugins directly in the WordPress admin with syntax highlighting
- API integration — DeepL, Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI for automatic translation suggestions
- POT file creation — generate translatable string templates from plugin and theme source code
- JSON compilation — compile JED files for WordPress JavaScript localization
- File management — create, edit, sync, and update PO and MO files
- Keyboard shortcuts — fast translation workflow with Ctrl+Enter, Ctrl+Arrow shortcuts
- Protected language directory — save custom translations outside plugin directories
Key Features
- Translation editor — PO file editor with source string reference, context, and translation input
- String extraction — extract translatable strings from PHP, JavaScript, and block.json files
- File compilation — auto-compile MO files on save for immediate use
- Source code references — clickable references to source code locations for context
- Multisite support — manage translations across network sites
- Backup and restore — automatic backups of PO files with diff and restore capability
- Custom locales — support for custom WordPress locale codes
Comparison with Competitors
Loco Translate vs Poedit
| Aspect | Loco Translate | Poedit |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | WordPress admin | Desktop app |
| Setup | No installation | Requires desktop install |
| API integration | DeepL, Google, OpenAI | DeepL |
| Source code extraction | Yes | Yes |
| JSON compilation | Yes | Yes |
Bottom line: Poedit is a desktop application with more advanced features. Loco Translate runs in the browser and doesn’t require any desktop software installation.
Recommended Stack: Loco Translate handles translation file editing. For multilingual site management, pair with WPML.
Official Changelog
Data sourced from WordPress.org plugin repository.
Version 2.8.8
Release Date: August 1, 2026
- Fixed CVE-2026-15066 in editor notes and error fields
- Updated compatibility to WordPress 7.0.2
- Identified one fix required for PHP 8.5
Version 2.8.7
Release Date: July 15, 2026
- Critical fix for Windows file paths
- Tested with WordPress 7.0
Version 2.8.6
Release Date: June 20, 2026
- Fixed Ace editor script reference
- Translator role only created when explicitly granted
- Fix for CVE-2026-15005
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Loco Translate free?
Yes. The core plugin is free and includes the translation editor, POT creator, and all file management features.
Can I translate any plugin or theme?
Yes. Loco Translate can find and translate any theme or plugin that uses standard WordPress gettext localization.
Does Loco Translate support automatic translation?
Yes. The plugin integrates with DeepL, Google Translate, Microsoft Translator, and OpenAI for machine translation suggestions within the editor.
Can I create POT files from my code?
Yes. Loco Translate includes a POT file generator that scans your source code for translatable strings.
Does Loco Translate work with multisite?
Yes. Loco Translate supports WordPress multisite with network-wide translation management.
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