Speak like a local in any language Use globalization tools on the Now Platform for frictionless ServiceNow experiences worldwide. Watch Video
Localization Overview  Community FAQs Resources
Make localization your global superpower Improve the work experience for employees, reduce miscommunication, and comply with regulations on a global scale. Communicate with confidence Get step-by-step guidance to identify the right language platform teams, build accountability, and create an effective decision-making structure. Get Best Practices Be culturally relevant See our Globalization Guide for out-of-the-box languages, apps, and documentation supported across the platform. Get Guide Tap into our expertise Join experts on a learning path based on thousands of successful end-to end localization efforts. Explore Learning Path
WHAT’S NEW Introducing Localization Workspace Localization Workspace simplifies the translation management experience into a single interface. Learn more
Localization success from around the globe Multi-language portal increases self-service by 76% ServiceNow helps Mondelēz employees answer HR questions on their own in 16 local languages. Smarter portal transforms shared services for CCEP Coca-Cola European Partners gets out-of-the-box functionality across 13 countries—including localization support—to streamline services and improve efficiency. Siemens GBS enriches experiences across 180 countries Using AI and automation, Global Business Services has evolved from serving two departments into a multifunctional resource across 11 worldwide locations.
Community resources and insights We’ve gathered the localization and translation knowledge you need to maximize your ServiceNow investment globally. Internationalization and localization hub Need to translate a portal, a video, or 200 catalog items into multiple languages? Our community can get you started. In-platform language support guide Visit our one-stop shop for access to the latest localization updates and recent Now Platform releases offering additional languages. Community international localization articles Our team of localization experts digs deep into specific questions and provides innovative solutions you can apply to your efforts.
Globalization FAQs Get answers to your questions and support your language globalization with a well-planned and orchestrated localization. Expand All Collapse All What languages are available out of the box?
Currently ServiceNow Language Packs provide 24 languages including Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Czech, Dutch, Finnish, French, French Canadian, German, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, and Turkish.

Additionally, new Language Packs can become available as part of our twice-a-year Now Platform release.
What is a language pack?
A "Language Pack" is a plugin of all out-of-the-box UI translations in that given language. Typically, these are everything in the current Family release (e.g. Washington DC), which means all other plugins available in that Family release will also be included in a Language Pack.

For example, while HR or CSM plugins are not enabled on an instance, the plugins are contained in the Family release. When a Language Pack is installed, it automatically installs all of those translations rather than re-processing after each feature plugin activation.

It's important to note that some store apps are included using this method.

The Language Packs themselves populate the five translation tables with records for their given language in the following way:
sys_ui_message - scripted messages
sys_choice - drop down choices
sys_documentation - field labels
sys_translated - translatable fields
sys_translated_text - translated text/html  
More details of how the tables work can be found in blog post here.
When is the right time to consider a localization strategy?
Ideally, you want to determine your localization strategy as early as possible during your Now Platform implementation. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, you want to make sure that you build out a platform team with language leads who can support this effort. Secondly, you want to ensure that your build supports ServiceNow language plugins. Reach out to your ServiceNow account team for assistance if you’re already live or are in the middle of your implementation.
What is the difference between globalization, internationalization and translation?
Globalization (often abbreviated as g11n) is a broad term that represents all the tasks and activities associated with delivering an end-user experience in languages other than English.  

Internationalization (often abbreviated as i18n) ensures that a process or application works without a language or locale dependency. For example, an application to buy a laptop from IT will follow a work process agnostic to the purchaser's location.  

Localization (often abbreviated as l10n) includes adding elements to a process or application specifically for its region without impacting its intended functionality. Using the same laptop example, localization means offering this functionality in the purchaser’s language of choice, local currency, local date format, and local language knowledge base articles.
How much can a machine translation do?
When it comes to Translation, context is everything. This means the shorter the sentence (or string) the more complex it is for Machine Translation (MT) to perform. The levels of complexity increase when it comes to business-specific terms or phrases because the MT lacks context and meaning.  

When dealing with a training MT, you typically have language experts help define key "glossaries" and "style guides" defining how the target language is conveyed based on the source. This matters because no two languages are equal, there are potentially unique styles, different genders, different tones, and different needs per language pair. Which is to say, what might sound perfectly normal and grammatically correct in English might sound very odd in another language.  This is not to imply that all or even any Machine Translation is not good enough, but you should not expect it to be perfect straight away and have processes in place to mitigate the shortcomings.  
Why should you localize?
Localization makes sure that the ServiceNow experience is frictionless for users. When users interact in their language of choice, they have a better experience. They will comprehend and complete tasks faster, reducing miscommunication and improving outcomes. Additionally, some countries or regions enforce language regulations—typically within HR and Customer Service Management.  

For example, Articles 5 and 52 of the Charter of the French Language in Quebec require that users have the option of interacting in French. Others require externally facing content to be in the local language and some countries have unions or works councils that stipulate requirements in specific industries. Additionally, many companies require HR content to be offered in their employees’ local language.
How can ServiceNow help?

All localization resources are available on this Localization page.

  • Start by watching our six-minute video summarizing key concepts.
  • Use the Executive Briefing Deck to facilitate a customer conversation.
  • Read the Support Your Globalization With a Well-Planned Localization workbook and the ServiceNow globalization guide.
  • Take the Globalization Journey course on Now Learning.
  • Watch our globalization webinar on Now Community for insights into how to roadmap and test localization implementation.

In addition to our resources, ServiceNow’s Customer Outcomes group can assist in planning for and implementing your localization strategy. Contact your account executive for more information. 
Have a suggestion to improve our platform's multilingual user experience? Share your idea with us.
Go to the Idea Portal, and select "Create an Idea".  Select the appropriate product/service category (Localization Framework, Dynamic Translation, or Language and Translations), add your idea, and we will evaluate your suggestion.
Resources Support Email Us Directly Submit a localization idea Accessibility Documentation Language Translation and Localization Service by Specific Regions Download FAQs to Now Platform Language Implementations Webinars Localization in a Nutshell Breaking Language Barriers
Contact Us Get the answers to your questions and discover how ServiceNow can help you transform your business with a well-planned localization strategy. Get Started Breaking Language Barriers