Install Drupal in another language

Last updated on
5 February 2018

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To install and use Drupal in a language other than English without additional module requirements, complete the appropriate section based on when you install additional languages:

Note: Ensure that there is a Drupal version is available in your language of choice at https://localize.drupal.org/. Not all languages are available for every version of Drupal, but if yours is available, follow these steps to install Drupal in your language.

Installing a language before installing Drupal

  1. Download the language file from the translation server.
  2. You will find a directory named translations inside the directory of the profile you will be using. Normally you use standard profile, so you can use profiles/standard/translations. Move the downloaded .po file inside this folder.
  3. Install Drupal as per usual by visiting http://[site_URL]/install.php.

Installing a language after installing Drupal

  1. Download the language file from the translation server.
  2. You will find a directory named translations inside the directory of the profile you will be using. Normally, you use standard profile so you can use profiles/standard/translations. Move the downloaded .po file inside this folder.
  3. Go to Modules, and then ensure that the Locale module is enabled.
  4. Go to Configuration, and then click Languages.
  5. Click Add languages, select your language, and then click Save configuration.
  6. After your language is added, you can make it default by selecting the language from the list, and then clicking Save configuration.

Automating installation and updates

After you start to add modules and themes to the site, downloading and keeping translations updated manually can be tedious. It's suggested that you use the Localization update module to import the translation files automatically.

Drupal language resources

For more useful materials on configuring a multilingual site in Drupal, see Resource Guide: Configuring a Multilingual Site.

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