Storefront locale files are JSON files with a `.json` file extension. They host translation strings for content displayed on the storefront throughout the theme. These translations can be accessed by merchants through the [Shopify Language Editor](https://help.shopify.com/manual/online-store/themes/customizing-themes/language/change-wording#overview-of-the-language-editor). > Note: > Shopify provides [checkout and system message translations](#checkout-and-system-messages) through the Shopify Language Editor. However, this data is stored by Shopify outside of storefront locale files. Rather than hard-coded text strings, theme layouts, templates, snippets, and [Liquid assets](/docs/storefronts/themes/architecture#assets) can reference these translations with the Liquid [translation filter](/docs/api/liquid/filters/translate) (`t` filter). This returns the appropriate translated string from the locale file for the [active language](https://help.shopify.com/manual/online-store/themes/customizing-themes/language/translate-theme#choose-a-language-for-your-theme). When using the `t` filter, you can [interpolate](#interpolation) and [pluralize](#pluralize-translations) translations, as well as [localize any dates and times](#date-and-time-localization). ## Location Storefront locale files are located in the `locales` directory of the theme: ```text └── theme ... ├── config └── locales ├── en.default.json ... ``` ## Schema Storefront locale files need to follow a specific [naming structure](#name-structure). They also follow a basic organizational structure: - **Category**: The top-level category of your translations. - **Group**: The second level grouping of translations within a category. - **Description**: The third level, which represents the individual translations.
1st level | 2nd level |
---|---|
general |
404, breadcrumbs, search (results page and blank slates), pagination |
blogs |
article, article comments, blog sidebar |
cart |
cart contents, updates, notes, link to checkout |
collection collection, collection loop |
|
products |
product, product loop, related products |
layout |
general field titles and identifiers |
customer |
account, orders (list and details), account activation, addresses, login, password, registration |
contact |
contact form, form errors |
home_page |
blank slate, featured, help |
gift_cards |
title, usage terms |