Coming soon to Mozilla web L10n: WYSIWYG tool Pontoon

As the web grows, Mozilla seeks to uphold the standards and practices that keep it open for all. Through our latest open source projects, l20n and Pontoon, we are creating a new generation of technology that puts more power in localizers’ hands. As we’ve discussed in other posts, L20n enables localizers to reach higher levels of free linguistic expression by sharpening the divide between localization and application logic. Pontoon provides localizers with features never before seen in an open source localization tool: WYSIWYG context, real-time translation editing, and collaborative user review.

A first among open source, L10n tools, Pontoon will set a new standard for localizing web projects. Its features have never before been seen in an open source tool. With a highly anticipated release coming soon, here are some of the game changing features you have to look forward to:

Translating without visual context has been one of the primary L10n challenges for localizers. WYSIWYG functionality gives localizers visual context for the source strings they’re translating.

Pontoon let’s users select a page element containing text (even elements like buttons) within the page itself and replace the source text with their target translation. Localizers will be able to see exactly how their target strings affect the UI of the page while translating, instead of after hitting “Refresh.”

Leveraging from already translated materials and standardizing terminology across publications has always been a challenge. Especially when it comes to incorporating that functionality into a tool, instead of having it as a supplementary resource. Leveraging from the content database in Transvision, localizers have access to the largest Mozilla TM there is! Pontoon pulls in translated segments and terminology suggestions from Transvision, eliminating the need to move from resource to resource while localizing.

As most people know, post-edited translation is gaining popularity in the L10n industry. Pontoon makes no exception. Leveraging from some of the most advanced MT sources, localizers can use MT suggestions, or post-edit those suggestions for their web project.

Teams can now simultaneously work on a single web project without causing merge errors! To this point, teams must divide up the work into translation and reviews (i.e., only one translator and one review may work simultaneously), however, more simultaneous, real-time editing is soon to come.

Not only can localizers leverage their own previously translated content, but say you come across a source term that has you completely stumped as you search for an equivalent in your language. If your language shares similar terminology in another language, you can grab inspiration from that language within Pontoon! Pontoon can pull in suggested translations from other language teams that you might find useful.

Since Pontoon is open source, it needs your help! Voice your opinion on the mozilla.tools.l10n mailing list and Google Group or if you have the skills to help develop, download the source code and jump in!