Translate the Skype User Interface into Other Languages

The Skype application was developed in English, but it was designed to allow people to change the language associated with the user interface. Users can choose a language other than English, if the appropriate language definition file has already been loaded into Skype, or translate the application into a language that is not yet available.

To change the Skype application user interfaces into an alternative language, choose Tools > Select Languages and then select the preferred language.

To translate the Skype application into a language that is not yet available, choose Tools > Edit Skype Languages File. A language UI Text Editor appears.

In the left comments column, the Skype application user interface item name to be translated is displayed. The middle column displays the original version. The right column displays the translated text, which you can edit.

The name of each item in the left column indicates where in the user interface the item will show up. Items that contain MENU, for example, are Skype application menu items; items that contain CAPTION appear in the title of the Skype application dialog boxes; and items that contain HINT provide information for mouseovers.

Some of the item names in the comments column might not be obvious or self-evident. You can apply your changes and see them displayed in the Skype application immediately, however.

Translating the Skype application user interface involves editing the entire right column into a new language. When you are done editing the language file, click Save As, and add the .lang extension to the file name. To make the language translation available in the Skype application, click the Load button, and select a file with the .lang extension.

Visit the Skype Forums at http://forums.skype.com for more information on translating Skype and loading user-defined languages.

Note

The About page does not need to be translated, because the Skype application does not load the legal text on the About page in other languages.