How to add a language to PrestaShop

What does adding a language do?

PrestaShop is free software for running an online shop. When you add a language, buttons and messages appear in that language. Examples are "Add to cart" and "Checkout". You still need to translate your own products and pages.

These steps follow PrestaShop 1.7 and 8. Menu names in other versions may differ a little.

Before you start

Take a backup of your shop files and database. This is a good habit before any change.

Step 1: Import the language pack

1. Log in to your PrestaShop admin panel.
2. Click International in the left menu.
3. Click Localization.
4. Click the Import a localization pack button, or open the Import area.
5. Choose your country from the list. The pack can add the language, currency and tax rules.
6. Tick Languages in the content list.
7. Click Import.

Be careful with the other boxes. Importing taxes or currencies may change your shop settings. Only tick what you need.

Step 2: Check the language

1. Go to International, then Localization, then Languages.
2. Find your new language in the list.
3. Check the status is enabled. Click the status mark to switch it on.

Step 3: Install the translations

1. Go to International, then Translations.
2. Find Add / Update a language.
3. Choose the language from the drop-down.
4. Click Add or update a language. PrestaShop downloads the translation files.

Step 4: Translate your own content

1. Open a product from Catalog, then Products.
2. Use the language drop-down near the name field to switch to the new language.
3. Type the name and description in that language.
4. Click Save.

Do the same for categories and pages.

Step 5: Let customers pick the language

Most themes show a language selector automatically when more than one language is on. Open your shop and look at the top of the page. If you do not see it, check your theme settings.

Quick recap

• Import a language pack under International, Localization.
• Make sure the language is enabled.
• Add or update translations under International, Translations.
• Translate your own products and pages by hand.