Translate Storyline files in Smartcat

Overview

Smartcat supports native translation of Articulate Storyline files, letting you localize full packages without exporting and re-importing XLIFF files.

Instead of translating Storyline course content outside the original format, Smartcat lets you upload Storyline files directly into a project and translate them with slide preview context in the CAT editor. This helps translators and reviewers understand how content appears within the course while translating.

The workflow also supports translating images and videos, helping teams localize complete training experiences more efficiently.

This functionality reduces file import errors, avoids fragile tag handling, and shortens review cycles when localizing Storyline courses. The Smartcat Storyline preview helps you understand context and verify text placement for the translated content without switching between platforms.

Smartcat is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Articulate 360.

📌 Smartcat supports translation and review. Do structural edits such as creating new slides or scenes in Storyline.

https://www.loom.com/share/1b63f58e50a74d7fa8164e161de50f77

When to use it

Use Storyline translation with visual preview to:

• Translate Articulate Storyline courses into multiple languages

• Provide translators with visual slide context during translation

• Localize images or embedded videos within training content

• Reduce issues caused by XLIFF export/import workflows

• Improve review efficiency for complex interactive courses

How to use it

1. Select the Learning Content Agent in Smartcat

2. Create a Smartcat project

3. Upload your Articulate Storyline file to the project

4. Select the assets you want to translate:

5. Text segments

6. Images

7. Embedded videos

8. Open the file in the CAT editor

9. Translate the text while using the slide preview to see the content in context

10. If needed, translate images by using the slide preview to move between the slide and the CAT segments

11. Optionally translate subtitles or dubbing for videos

12. After translation and review are complete, export the translated file

13. Import the file back into Articulate Storyline for final adjustments and publishing

Your Storyline course is now translated and ready for final publishing in Storyline.

Requirements and limitations

Requirements

1. Articulate Storyline file

2. Access to a Smartcat workspace and project

3. Stable internet connection for previews and asset processing

Limitations

⚠️ Audio files inside Storyline are not supported yet. You must translate audio separately and reinsert it into the course manually.

FAQs

Why use native Storyline file translation instead of XLIFF?

Traditional XLIFF workflows can introduce fragile tag handling and provide limited context for translators. Native Storyline file support lets translators work with slide previews and assets directly, reducing errors and review cycles.

Why does the preview sometimes look different from Storyline?

Smartcat provides a static preview to give translation context. The final layout and animations are handled inside Storyline after export.