Localizing an Articulate Storyline course requires a structured workflow that addresses content, interactivity, audio, and visual layout simultaneously. Our process starts with a thorough project analysis where we inventory all slides, layers, states, triggers, and variables to understand the full scope of translatable content and any technical dependencies.
For text extraction, we export translatable strings from the Storyline file using Articulate's built-in translation export feature, which generates a Word document with slide-by-slide text. Our translators process this document in their CAT tools to leverage translation memory and terminology databases. However, this export does not capture all translatable elements — text in embedded images, alt text, accessibility labels, notes fields, and some player-level strings require separate extraction and handling. We catalog these during preflight so nothing is missed.
After translation, our Storyline DTP operators import the translated text back into the project file and begin the layout adjustment phase. This is where specialized expertise matters most. Text expansion (often 20-40% for European languages, or dramatic character count changes for CJK languages) affects text box sizes, button dimensions, motion path endpoints, and the visual balance of every slide. Our operators resize and reposition elements to maintain the original design intent while accommodating the translated content.
We then address interactive elements: quiz question layouts, drag-and-drop interactions, hotspot regions, dial and slider labels, and scenario branching text. Each interaction type has specific layout constraints that must be verified in the target language. We test every slide in Preview and Review modes, checking all states and layers.
For courses with narration, we synchronize the translated audio with slide animations, adjusting cue points and timeline durations as needed. The final QA pass includes a complete playthrough of the published course in each target language, verifying navigation, scoring, and completion tracking.
English
Bulgarian
French
German
Spanish
Italian
Dutch