How do I use XLIFF files to translate my video scripts?

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How do I use XLIFF files to translate my video scripts?

Learn how to export your video script as an XLIFF file, translate it in your TMS, and re-import it to create a multilingual video.

📌 This feature is only available to our Enterprise plan customers. To upgrade your plan, book a demo with our sales team.

What is XLIFF?

XLIFF (XML Localisation Interchange File Format) is the industry-standard XML format for exchanging translation data between localisation tools. It's purpose-built for localisation workflows and is supported by virtually all major Translation Management Systems (TMS) and CAT tools.

XLIFF files:

Store translatable text separately from structure
Preserve metadata, context, and inline markers
Enable round-trip translation workflows without breaking formatting
Make it easier to automate and scale localisation pipelines

Step-by-step: Translating videos using XLIFF in Synthesia

Step 1: Export your video as an XLIFF file

To begin the translation process:

Open your video project in Synthesia.
Select the three-dot menu next to the video title.
Select Download video as XLIFF.
Save the XLIFF file to your computer.

Step 2: Translate the XLIFF file using a TMS

Use your preferred Translation Management System (TMS) to translate the script:

Upload the XLIFF file to your TMS (for example, Phrase, Crowdin, or Lokalise).
Translate the content using either machine translation or human translators.
Once complete, export the translated XLIFF file in the same format as the original.

✍️ Before re-importing, confirm your translated file meets Synthesia's requirements: it must use XLIFF version 1.2, include a target-language attribute on the file tag (for example, target-language="de"), contain only one target language per file, and use a language code from Synthesia's supported languages list.

Step 3: Import the translated XLIFF file into Synthesia

To generate the translated video:

Open the original video in Synthesia.
Select the Translate button.
In the Translate modal, select Upload XLIFF files.
Choose the translated XLIFF file and select Translate.
Synthesia generates a new video with the translated script.

✍️ If you edited the source video after exporting the XLIFF file, Synthesia checks for that change before generating the translated video.

If the change is cosmetic — for example, an updated avatar look or backdrop — Synthesia automatically uses the current version of the video. You do not need to re-export the XLIFF file.
If the change is structural — for example, an added or removed scene or on-screen element — Synthesia rejects the import and shows a message explaining why. Export a new XLIFF file from the updated video, and then repeat the translation process.

💬 FAQs

Why does my translated XLIFF file show as invalid when I import it?

This usually means the file doesn't meet Synthesia's requirements. Check that it uses XLIFF version 1.2, includes a target-language attribute on the file tag, contains only one target language per file, and uses a supported language code. If the file meets all of these and still fails, contact Synthesia support with the exact error message you see.

📚 To learn more, check out How do I translate a video and How do I use the Glossary to manage translations and pronunciations.

📚 For downloading videos generally, visit How do I download my Synthesia video.