Translation modes

  • Release version: Australia
  • Updated March 20, 2026
  • 2 minutes to read
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    Summary of Translation modes

    The Localization Framework in ServiceNow provides several translation modes designed to streamline localization tasks. These modes include machine translation, integration with Translation Management Systems (TMS), sending translation content via email, and export/import of translation files. These modes facilitate automated translation processes, reducing manual effort for localization admins.

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    Localization admins configure these modes within the Settings [snlfsetting] table, specifically under the Translation Preferences tab. Proper setup—including enabling required services, file formats, and prerequisites—is essential before enabling these modes in workflows or translation requests.

    Translation Modes

    • Machine Translation: Powered by Dynamic Translation, this mode requires activating a supported translation service provider in your instance. It enables automatic machine translation of content.
    • Translation Management System (TMS): ServiceNow supports integration with third-party TMS platforms like RWS and XTM by default, with options to configure custom TMS solutions. Proper configuration is required, especially when using the Hub and Spoke architecture. Additionally, ZIP file attachments must be supported on the instance for handling translation files.
    • Send via Email: This mode allows sending translation requests via email with CSV or XLIFF files attached. If multiple items are requested, they are compressed into a single ZIP file. The instance must support the relevant attachment formats.
    • Export/Import: Enables exporting translatable content to a TMS service and importing translated content back into ServiceNow. Multiple files can be handled individually or as compressed ZIP files, with unsupported or unrelated files automatically skipped. Support for CSV or XLIFF file formats on the instance is required.

    Practical Considerations for ServiceNow Customers

    • Enable and configure translation modes in the Settings table before using them in workflows or translation requests.
    • Ensure that required services (e.g., machine translation providers, TMS integrations) and file formats (CSV, XLIFF) are properly set up and supported on your instance.
    • Understand that these modes support automated translation workflows, improving efficiency and reducing manual localization effort.
    • Review system attachment properties to ensure ZIP files and relevant formats are supported for email, export, and import translation processes.

    Localization Framework offers several translation modes for completing localization tasks. As a localization admin, you can select one or more of these modes when configuring the procedures for localization tasks.

    Overview of translation modes in Localization Framework

    Translation modes available to localization tasks include machine translation, translation management systems (TMS), send via email, and export/import. These modes apply to localization tasks that are not fulfilled manually, so they are described as Auto Translation.

    As a localization admin, you can configure these modes when configuring localization tasks in the Settings [sn_lf_setting] table's web form. The modes that you enable and configure in the Translation Preferences tab become options for selection in the Workflow Preferences tab, under Auto translation mode.
    • Before starting configuration of Translation Preferences in Settings, finish any applicable prerequisites such as setting up a machine translator service or TMS, enabling file formats for email, and so forth.
    • Complete Translation Preferences in Settings before configuring the next tab, Workflow Preferences.
    These translation modes also constrain the methods available to translation requests in Localization Workspace. Translation modes must be enabled in Localization Framework before they are available in the translation request wizard of Localization Workspace.

    Machine Translation

    Machine translation in Localization Framework is powered by Dynamic Translation.

    Activate the required translation service provider in the instance to machine translate the content. For information, see Integration with other translation services.

    Translation Management System

    Localization Framework integrates with third-party Translation Management Systems (TMS) to localize the content.

    RWS and XTM Translation Management Systems are supported by default and require configuration. For more information see, Configure RWS TMS in the Localization Framework and Configure XTM TMS in the Localization Framework.

    Alternatively, you can configure a custom TMS of your choice. For more information, see Create a custom translation management system.

    When the Localization Framework Hub and Spoke architecture is installed, the TMS must be configured accordingly. For more information, see Localization Framework Hub and Spoke architecture.

    Zip attachments must be supported on the instance. For details on attachment configuration, see Configure system attachment properties.

    Send via Email

    Localization Framework provides Send via Email as a translation mode that can be used to send content for translation.

    If you have more than one requested item in a task, then the requested CSV or XLIFF items are compressed into one ZIP file and attached to the email. Either the CSV or XLIFF attachment format must be supported on the instance. For details on attachment configuration, see Configure system attachment properties.

    Export/Import

    Localization Framework supports the following translation modes:
    • Export: Export the translatable content for translation to a TMS service. If you have more than one requested item in a task, the individual CSV or XLIFF files are compressed and downloaded as one zip file.
    • Import: Import the translated content from a TMS service. If you have more than one requested item in the task, you can import individual CSV or XLIFF files or in a ZIP format. Any files unrelated to the task are skipped.

    Either the CSV or the XLIFF attachment format must be supported on the instance. For details on attachment configuration, see Configure system attachment properties.