8.1 Web-based PO editing
There are two ways to edit a PO file:
either through a web-based PO editor, in a browser,
or through a PO editor that you can install on your computer.
Which one you choose, depends on your habits.
Typically, the software project for which you want to provide translations
has set up a workflow that you, as a translator, have to follow.
- There are projects which use the Weblate
localization suite.
In this case, you have the choice between a
web-based PO editor
and a workflow
where you download the previous translation,
update it with your preferred PO editor,
and then upload it back.
- There are projects which offer you only a web-based PO editor, as only choice.
Since web-based tools restrict your freedom as a user – you cannot make
modifications on your own to that tool –,
you should complain to that project and claim the choice of using a locally
installed PO editor, because that is the only way that can guarantee
your freedom of choice and freedom to modify the software.
- There are projects which do not support web-based localizations.
In this case, pick a PO file editor as listed in the next few sections.
Examples for such projects are
the Free Translation Project,
as well as projects where you directly interact with the version control
system of the project.