Discover the new XLIFF 2.2: Join Us for an Interactive Webinar on October 7!

By Lucía Morado, OASIS XLIFF TC Co-Chair

XLIFF 2.2 is the new version of the OASIS XLIFF (XML Localisation Interchange File Format). Developed by the OASIS XLIFF Technical Committee, XLIFF is the main bilingual bitext format in the localisation industry. This interoperability standard defines a normative method for storing and exchanging localisable data across the various stages of the localisation process. This new version (XLIFF 2.2) introduces valuable enhancements while remaining backward compatible with the previous ones (XLIFF 2.1 and 2.0). 

XLIFF 2.2: What’s New?

One of the main changes of the new version is the new presentation structure of its specification. XLIFF 2.2 is now available in two formats:

• XLIFF 2.2 Core: Contains only the essential information needed to create a valid XLIFF file.
• XLIFF 2.2 Extended: Includes the XLIFF Core as well as all the additional modules.

For those unfamiliar with our terminology:

XLIFF Core is the minimal set of XML elements and attributes that allows to define a set of translation units organised by source and target language. If a tool developer wishes to claim support for XLIFF 2.2, they must implement XLIFF Core.

XLIFF Modules offer additional set of XML elements and attributes that allow the inclusion of  (potentially useful) information about specific processes. For example, the Size and Length Restriction Module provides a mechanism to annotate possible constraints on content size and length. Tool developers may choose to support the modules that are most relevant for their specific use cases. XLIFF 2.2 includes 9 modules: Translation Candidates, Glossary, Format Style, Metadata, Resource Data, Size and Length Restriction, Validation, ITS,and Plural, Gender and Select.

By introducing a simplified version of the specification (XLIFF Core), which contains only the essential information needed to implement XLIFF, we aim to facilitate adoption among developers who are primarily interested in supporting the core functionality of the standard.

The other major change in XLIFF 2.2 is the release of the new Plural, Gender and Select Module. This module, which was proposed by Mihai Nita (Google), provides a method to store information required to represent and process messages with variants, such as plural forms or gender distinctions.

Upcoming Webinar

On October 7, members of the OASIS XLIFF TC will host a free webinar to present XLIFF 2.2. This event will cover the aforementioned key changes introduced in this new version, along with other minor enhancements. The main presentation will be followed by a live Q&A session, offering attendees the chance to engage directly with the experts behind the standard.

This is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in this influential localisation standard to learn about its latest developments, from the people maintaining and developing it. Do not miss it!

For those unable to attend live, a recording of the webinar will be made available on the official OASIS XLIFF TC website after the event.

We also encourage everyone who wishes to share comments or suggestions about the standard with the OASIS XLIFF TC to use the official public mailing list, which is open for community feedback.