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Glossary · Translation memory

What is a TMX file?

A TMX file (Translation Memory eXchange, .tmx) is translation memory in an open XML format: a list of source texts with their translations into one or more languages. Translation tools export it so earlier translations can be reused in another tool, by another translator, or in the next project.

Format
XML, usually TMX 1.4b
Holds
Source and translations, sentence by sentence
Does not hold
Where a text belongs, or its status
Used for
Reuse between tools and projects

What is inside a TMX file.

Each translation unit (tu) holds one variant (tuv) per language, and each variant one segment (seg) of text.

<tmx version="1.4">
  <header srclang="en-US" datatype="plaintext" segtype="sentence"
          creationtool="..." creationtoolversion="..." adminlang="en-US" o-tmf="..."/>
  <body>
    <tu>
      <tuv xml:lang="en-US"><seg>File saved.</seg></tuv>
      <tuv xml:lang="de-DE"><seg>Datei gespeichert.</seg></tuv>
    </tu>
  </body>
</tmx>

Because it is plain XML, any text editor opens a TMX file. To use it, load it into a translation tool's memory: a CAT tool, or a software localization tool such as Lingobit Localizer.

TMX or XLIFF?

Both are XML and both carry translations, but for different jobs.

TMXXLIFF
IsA memory of finished translationsA work file for one task
KeysNone: matched by textEach string has an ID
StatusNoneTranslated, needs review, final
LanguagesMany in one fileOne target per file
Typical useReuse old translations, switch toolsSend strings to a translator and back

Professional and higher

Reusing a TMX file for software.

A TMX from an agency or an earlier tool can fill a software project before anyone translates. In Lingobit Localizer, Import Matching Translations takes from the file only what matches strings in your project:

  • Choose how close: Exact 100%, High 95%, Broad 80%, or your own threshold.
  • Many files at once: a folder of TMX files or a ZIP archive.
  • Long texts: segmented on import, so sentences match sentences.
  • The other way: export the project's translations as TMX for a CAT tool or another team.
XLIFF and TMX guide Download free trial

Questions.

How do I open a TMX file?

Any text or XML editor shows its content. To use the translations, import it into the memory of a translation tool; Lingobit imports the entries that match your project.

Which TMX version should I use?

TMX 1.4b is the version most tools read and write. Ask for it when you request a memory from an agency.

Does a TMX file keep where each text was used?

No. It keeps pairs of texts, so a tool matches them by text. To send strings out and get them back to the same places, use XLIFF; see XLIFF and TMX.