# Translation Preparation

There are several ways to fill up translations. One of them is using the [PoEdit](https://poedit.net/) platform. You can add translation via editing your **.po** file and at the end, **PoEdit** generates a **.mo** file for you. Then you need to upload ready translation files to primordial folder (wp-content/themes/companion/languages/).

The easiest way of translating the theme is by using the [Loco Translate](https://wordpress.org/plugins/loco-translate/) plugin. Loco Translate is a free plugin and can be installed from the default repository of WordPress.

Static strings are available in the **Companion** theme, as well as in such plugins as **Companion Configurations**, and **Companion Elementor Widgets** plugins. Therefore, in this manual, we will consider how to translate strings and keep translations up to date in these plugins.

{% hint style="success" %}
Also, it is possible to translate any other plugin with the help of **Loco Translate**.
{% endhint %}

## Install Loco Translate

To install the plugin, go to Dashboard and find the **Plugins** section from the left menu and choose **Add New.**

![](https://1186712708-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fe1Jo7DkgxZUy8C30NAXD%2Fuploads%2Fg96cMPw0KCEMriPNVV22%2FCompanion%20-%20Add%20Plugins.png?alt=media\&token=3488c3f0-6d5e-484c-9af9-3703d3825e12)

You need to search **Loco Translate**, install it, and activate it on the opened page.

![](https://1186712708-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fe1Jo7DkgxZUy8C30NAXD%2Fuploads%2FTCZX0X7iXT3XL09qs8Sf%2FCompanion%20-%20Add%20Loco.png?alt=media\&token=87381d6a-bb06-492f-8cd4-41bf168b73a9)

## Create Companion Theme Translate File

Go to **Loco Translate > Themes** and choose **Companion**. Here you can create your own language to translate the not editable content of the theme. Create a language by clicking **New language**.

![](https://1186712708-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fe1Jo7DkgxZUy8C30NAXD%2Fuploads%2F13iDYNMIaHqomeqKnEUh%2FCompanion%20-%20Add%20language.png?alt=media\&token=e321a8ca-35fe-471d-8b92-66bf6e41daab)

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Important!** 

It is required to store the translation file in the **“.../wp-content/languages/themes/”** folder to keep translation during the theme updates.
{% endhint %}

![](https://1186712708-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fe1Jo7DkgxZUy8C30NAXD%2Fuploads%2FCMp6IBIMftg9ftzmFmFx%2FCompanion%20-%20Loco%20start.png?alt=media\&token=15db6d5f-516a-4f62-a6f8-0d2a538c9fc0)

After clicking the **Start Translation** button, you will be directed to the Loco Translate editor where you can start translating the theme strings.

![](https://1186712708-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fe1Jo7DkgxZUy8C30NAXD%2Fuploads%2F4uyG5Zff1PxSj1kIi6Iv%2FCompanion%20-%20Loco%20sync%20translation.png?alt=media\&token=576daf9a-6d8f-42a0-81ae-80563f14f68a)

{% hint style="success" %}
You need to prepare for translations installed plugins like **Companion Configurations** and **Companion Elementor Widgets**. The process of plugin translation is very similar to the theme.
{% endhint %}