The Multi-Language Management Tool (MLM) allows project designers to configure a project with multiple available languages without the need to create multiple instruments for each additional language. Designers would choose a language selection method which respondents can use to dynamically change the language of a single survey interface, or it would be forced through the use of the @LANGUAGE- action tags.
This article will focus on how to modify formatting of translations. If you have not read the Multi-Language Management Tool (MLM) - Basic System Settings article, please start there.
From the MLM, please navigate to the Forms/Surveys page. Locate the instrument you would like to translate and select "Translate".
As a reminder - on this page, you will see a checkbox list of the fields in the instrument, along with a text box labeled "Field label translation:". The checkbox can be used to mark the translation as completed in the case where a field may not need to be translated (ex: record_id may not need translated on most projects).
Please note that there is also a "Rich Text Editor" button beside the text box. You can use this Rich Text Editor in the same way you would use it when creating a field in the Designer.
However, if the field you are translating already has extensive formatting, you may wish to apply the same formatting to the translated text.
To do this, you will need to copy the source code from the original field. You can do this directly in the MLM by selecting the blue page button beside "Default text:" - see below:
Alternatively, you can also copy the source code from the field itself in the Designer. In either case, we would recommend learning more about source code, where to access it, and how to edit it before making modifications here. Please read the Source Code article and return to this walkthrough.
Once you have copied the source code, open the Rich Text Editor for the field in the MLM.
Open the source code.
Locate the pieces of text that will need to be replaced. If you have multiple lines or tables the field you are translating, then you may need to locate several strings of text that you can replace piecemeal so that the formatting is retained.
Save your changes. You will see the change reflected on the main page. These changes will still need to be saved by the system, so please select "Save Changes" often when it is yellow.
Next Up
If you haven't had the chance, learn to implement these translations through designated language fields and action tags in Multi-Language Management Tool (MLM) - Implementing Language Selection.