Localization
App Store Screenshot Localization for Small Teams
Localize App Store screenshots with a small-team workflow for source copy, layout expansion, right-to-left review, locale fallback, and final device checks.
Short answer
Localize the screenshot message and the visible UI together. Build a locale matrix, translate plain source copy, allow layouts to expand, review right-to-left screens independently, and upload each locale deliberately.
Start with a locale matrix, not duplicated files
Apple explains that new localizations can initially inherit screenshots from the primary language. That fallback is useful, but it is not evidence that an English screenshot serves a localized product page well.
| Locale | UI available | Caption reviewed | RTL | Screenshot set |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| en-US | Yes | Owner | No | Primary |
| he | Yes | Native reviewer | Yes | Separate |
| fr-FR | Partial | Translator | No | Wait until UI matches |
Prepare source copy for translation
- Use one sentence with one verb and one product object.
- Keep variables, product names, and non-translatable terms in a glossary.
- Explain the visible UI state so the translator can preserve meaning.
- Avoid idioms, wordplay, and claims that depend on English word length.
Design for expansion and RTL
| Risk | Review |
|---|---|
| Longer caption | Allow another line or reduce wording before shrinking type. |
| RTL reading order | Mirror sequence and directional affordances where meaning requires it. |
| Mixed numbers and Latin names | Check punctuation and isolate mixed-direction fragments. |
| Localized UI mismatch | Capture the actual locale instead of placing translated copy over English UI. |
Release one locale at a time
- Step 1
Capture
Use fictional content and the intended app locale.
- Step 2
Translate
Review meaning before fitting the design.
- Step 3
Inspect
Check line breaks, UI language, direction, and sequence on a phone.
- Step 4
Upload
Choose the exact App Store Connect language and display family.
Sources and verification
Product capabilities and changing requirements were checked against these primary pages. External pages can change after the verified date above.
Related App Store screenshot resources
Prepare captions before translation
Short, literal source copy gives translators a clearer starting point.
Prepare captions before translation