Keep Content Simple

Localization relies heavily on the original content being world-ready and culturally appropriate for translation. However, whether content is localized or not, it must be kept simple. Here are some guidelines to help you do so.

• Be as concise as possible. Choose words that are direct and to the point. This editorial approach benefits native speakers of your language and international readers.
• Use the active voice. This verb form shortens your sentences and is a more familiar construction for most international readers.
• Avoid using convoluted and long-winded adverbs and expressions. For example, do not use "in order to" when you can use "to," and do not use "entirely sold out" when you can use "sold out."
• Use simple verb forms. For example, use "click..." instead of "you should be clicking..."
• Choose single-word verbs over multiword verbs. For example, use "Lock the system" instead of "Lock down the system." Use "select" instead of "make a selection."
• Finally, make sure that you use correct grammar. For example, the spelling of the irregular possessive form is "its," not "it's" ("its features," not "it's features").