Shopify Store Set Up

How To Translate Shopify

Last modified: March 29, 2026

Updated March 29, 2026 Expert reviewed

To be able to improve revenues you might want to launch your site into other territories. Some might speak the same language as you, but others might not. Luckily there are some themes that include more than one language for pages like cart, checkout and other standard pages. However, the actual content on your site might not be translatable, unless you use a translation app.

To choose between the different languages available for your theme, you can follow these steps.

Key Takeaways

To translate your Shopify store simply follow this step: sign in and navigate to ‘Online Store’ then ‘Languages’.

Add new languages and customize store text to engage a global customer base effectively.

Review and adapt translations to maintain accuracy and local relevance

Step 1 - Login

Sign into your Shopify store admin using your store credentials.

Step 2 - Online Store

Go to the ‘Online Store’ then click on the ‘Themes’ action. Find the theme you’re using, or want to use, and then click on the ‘Actions’.

Step 3 - Language

Find the option that says ‘Edit Language’ and then click on the option that states ‘Change Theme Language’. A dropdown will appear that will display all the possible languages that are included with the theme. You can select any of themes you want from the list.

If the language is not available you will need to create a translation. You can start this by clicking on ‘Other Languages’.

Step 4 - Creating A New Language Option

If you need to create a translation, then you need to select ‘Other Languages’. From the second and third drop menus that appear, select a language and a region if applicable. Then click on ‘Custom’ to create a custom name for the version. Click on ‘Save’.

Then you can use the Language editor to enter in your translation for the theme text. The changes are automatically applied.

Step 5 - Changing Other Text

Other text might need to be altered as well. It’s really recommended that you download and use one of the translation apps that is available through Shopify Apps. One of the best ones to use is Langify.

Or, you can use another off this list of great Shopify Translation apps.

Recommended: 8 Best Shopify Translation Apps - 2026

#	Name	Image
1		Pluglin
2		Language Translate ‑ Transcy
3		Langify
4		Easy Language Translate
5		Translate Your Store - Weglot
6		LangShop - Language & Currency
7		Translate My Store
8		Translation Lab
Show More

FAQs

What are the best practices for SEO in a multilingual Shopify store?

For SEO best practices, ensure all translated pages have hreflang tags, meta tags, and URLs are localized. Use dedicated URLs for each language version of your site to improve search engine visibility and user experience.
How often should you update translations on your Shopify store?

Regular updates are necessary, especially when adding new products or changing content. Aim for a review cycle that aligns with your content update schedule to keep translations fresh and relevant.
How do you handle translation for unique brand terms or product names?

Maintain the original brand terms and product names where possible to keep brand consistency. Provide a glossary for translators to ensure these terms are used correctly across all languages.

Enhancing Your Shopify Store for Global Reach

Understanding Translation and Localization

Translating your store is more than word swaps. It’s about reaching new markets with respect for local nuances. Localization adapts your content to regional tastes, while transcreation may involve creative changes to resonate with the audience.

Choosing the Right Translation Tools

Apps like Weglot and Langify simplify translation. They support multiple languages and offer features like SEO translation. Yet, they differ in pricing and capabilities. Choose based on your store’s size and the languages of your target market.

Steps to a Multilingual Store

Start by planning what needs translation. Use software for consistency and speed. Set up a review process for accuracy. Remember, SEO in translation helps you rank globally. Consider an app or agency for a faster turnaround.

Maximizing International Sales

Benefits of a Multilingual Store

A multilingual store can boost sales by making your site accessible to more customers. It builds trust and brand recognition globally. It’s not just about translation but also about connecting with customers in their language.

Translation Apps Breakdown

Weglot offers a quick setup and automatic translations, including checkout. GTranslate uses Bing and Google services for over 100 languages. Langify requires manual translation but provides automatic language detection.

Decision Factors for Translation Solutions

Consider the languages offered, the balance between automatic and human translations, and the user experience. Check how the app integrates with your design and the level of customer support. SEO capabilities are crucial for visibility.

Store Management and Optimization

While translating your Shopify store is crucial for reaching global audiences, proper store management and optimization are equally important for providing a seamless experience to international customers.

Maintaining an organized product catalog by changing the order of products and deleting unnecessary tags can ensure a user-friendly browsing experience across all language versions of your store.

Optimizing store speed is particularly relevant when catering to international visitors, as slow load times can lead to high bounce rates and negatively impact conversions. Regularly searching for files on Shopify and compressing or optimizing media assets can help improve page load times.

Secure account management by changing your password periodically is a best practice, regardless of your store’s target market. However, it becomes even more critical when dealing with sensitive customer data from multiple regions.

Offering localized payment options, such as using a Shopify card reader, can streamline the checkout process and foster trust among international customers, leading to higher conversion rates for your translated storefront.

Finally, creating test orders in Shopify across different language versions can help identify and resolve any potential issues or inconsistencies before launching your multilingual store, ensuring a seamless experience for global customers.

Conclusion: How To Translate Shopify

If you need more help with your Shopify store, then why not read more on store settings, pages and admin set up.

And in summary, while translation is the foundation for reaching new markets, optimizing various aspects of your Shopify store’s management and performance is essential for delivering a cohesive, user-friendly experience to international audiences.

Written by:

Lindsey Perry

I have 5+ years of experience with Shopify and 15+ years of experiences on other eCommerce platforms. My theme reviews are designed to help store owners find the best theme for them.