Translation and localization

This page is part of the GenPy Ren'Py learning path. It focuses on practical Ren'Py 8.x production and links each concept back to the GenPy workflow.

Learning goals

• Know how Ren'Py translation files are generated.
• Plan fonts and text length for target languages.
• Keep localization work separate from core story logic.

Core syntax

• translate
• Generate Translations
• strings
• language
• fonts

Runnable example

translate schinese start_8e3jf2a1:
    # e "Hello, world!"
    e "你好，世界！"

Study outline

• Start with the smallest example for translation and localization.
• Test the key terms in a clean Ren'Py project: translate, Generate Translations, strings, language.
• Move the pattern back into your real project only after the example runs.
• Use GenPy docs and validation to keep the feature connected to story, assets, and export readiness.

Common pitfalls

• Test the smallest working script before layering on visual or UI complexity.
• Run Ren'Py Lint before release builds, even when the script appears to run locally.
• Keep examples in standard .rpy files so they remain editable outside GenPy.

Official references

• Ren'Py official reference: https://www.renpy.org/doc/html/translation.html

How this fits in GenPy

• Use GenPy translation and localization docs to keep multilingual production organized.
• Use export checks and preview for language-specific UI length.

Recommended GenPy docs:

• Export and download
• Publish
• Code editor