Overview

Screenshots in Unlingo provide a visual approach to translation management by allowing you to upload images of your application’s interface and map translation keys directly to UI elements. This creates an intuitive bridge between your visual design and your translation content. This feature is particularly powerful for design teams, non-technical users, and complex interfaces where the relationship between translation keys and UI elements needs to be clearly visualized.

Key Concepts

Visual Translation Mapping

Screenshots enable you to:
  • Upload UI images: Capture screens from your application
  • Place containers: Mark translatable areas on the interface
  • Assign keys: Connect translation keys to visual elements
  • Edit content: Update translations directly in visual context
  • Collaborate: Share visual context with team members

Screenshot Structure

Each screenshot contains:
  • Image file: The actual screenshot (PNG, JPG, JPEG)
  • Containers: Colored boxes marking translatable areas
  • Key mappings: Links between containers and translation keys
  • Metadata: Name, description, upload date, dimensions

Working Modes

Screenshots support two distinct working modes:

Edit Mode

Purpose: Container placement and configuration Use case: Setting up the visual mapping structure Features:
  • Place containers on UI elements
  • Resize and position containers precisely
  • Customize container colors for organization
  • Add descriptions for context
  • Delete or modify containers
Workflow:
  1. Switch to Edit Mode
  2. Click “Add Container”
  3. Click on the screenshot to place containers
  4. Drag edges to resize containers
  5. Add descriptions for clarity

Translate Mode

Purpose: Translation key assignment and content editing Use case: Actual translation work Features:
  • Select namespace, version, and language
  • Assign translation keys to containers
  • Edit translation values inline
  • Save changes back to language files
Workflow:
  1. Select translation context (namespace/version/language)
  2. Click containers to select them
  3. Assign translation keys from the language file
  4. Edit values directly in the interface
  5. Save changes to update translations

Screenshot Management

Uploading Screenshots

  1. Navigate to the Screenshots tab in your project
  2. Click Add Screenshot
  3. Select an image file (PNG, JPG, JPEG up to 10MB)
  4. Enter a descriptive name
  5. Add an optional description
  6. Click Upload

Screenshot Grid

The screenshot overview displays:
  • Thumbnail preview: Visual preview of each screenshot
  • Name and description: Identifying information
  • Metadata: Dimensions, file size, upload date
  • Quick actions: Edit, Translate, Delete buttons

Container System

Creating Containers

In Edit Mode:

  1. Select container color from color picker
  2. Click Add Container
  3. Click on the screenshot where you want to place the container
  4. Container appears with default size
  5. Drag handles to resize as needed

Container Properties:

  • Position: X, Y coordinates (percentage-based)
  • Size: Width and height (percentage-based)
  • Color: Background color for visual organization
  • Description: Optional context for team members

Container Interaction

Resizing Containers

  • Drag corner handles to resize proportionally
  • Drag edge handles to resize width or height only
  • Minimum size constraints prevent overly small containers
  • Maximum size constraints prevent containers exceeding image bounds
  • Click and drag container body to reposition

Container Colors

Organize containers by color-coding:
/* Common color schemes */
Blue (#3b82f6)    - Headers and titles
Green (#10b981)   - Success messages and buttons
Red (#ef4444)     - Error messages and warnings
Purple (#8b5cf6)  - Navigation and links
Yellow (#f59e0b)  - Input fields and forms
Gray (#6b7280)    - Secondary content

Container Descriptions

Add context to help translators understand the purpose:
Examples:
"Main page heading - should be concise and impactful"
"Error message for invalid email format"
"Call-to-action button - keep under 20 characters"
"Navigation menu item for user profile section"

Translation Workflow

Setting Up Translation Context

Before assigning keys, establish the translation context:
  1. Select Namespace: Choose the namespace containing your translations
  2. Select Version: Pick the version you’re working with
  3. Select Language: Choose the target language for translation
  4. Lock Context: System locks selections to prevent accidents
The workflow selector provides a step-by-step process ensuring you select all required elements before enabling translation features.

Assigning Translation Keys

Key Assignment Process:

  1. Click on a container to select it
  2. Click Assign Key button
  3. Search available translation keys
  4. Select the appropriate key from the list
  5. Key is automatically mapped to the container

Key Search and Selection:

  • Search functionality: Find keys by name or content
  • Type indicators: Visual badges show data types
  • Key preview: See current values before assignment

Value Editing

Inline Editing:

  1. Click on a mapped container
  2. View assigned keys in the sidebar
  3. Click on a key’s value to edit
  4. Make changes inline
  5. Changes are tracked as “pending”
  6. Save all changes when ready

Change Management:

  • Pending changes: Yellow highlighting indicates unsaved edits
  • Change counter: Shows number of modified values

Advanced Features

Multi-Language Support

Work with multiple languages in the same screenshot:
  1. Set up containers in Edit Mode
  2. Switch to Translate Mode for first language
  3. Assign keys and edit values
  4. Change language selection
  5. Same containers, different language values

Performance Optimization

Image Optimization

Optimize screenshots for better performance:
  • File size: Compress images without losing clarity
  • Dimensions: Use appropriate resolution for display
  • Format: Choose optimal format (PNG for UI, JPEG for photos)

Container Efficiency

Optimize container management:
  • Minimize containers: Don’t over-map every element
  • Strategic placement: Focus on translatable content only

Troubleshooting

Next Steps