Welcome! This guide will help you start translating the slickSDDM login theme.
SDDM is the login screen (display manager) that appears when you start your computer. This theme makes it look beautiful and professional!
- Go to: https://www.transifex.com/signup/
- Sign up with your email or GitHub account
- Verify your email address
- Visit: https://www.transifex.com/ubuntu-budgie/slicksddm/
- Click "Help Translate slicksddm"
- Select your language
- Click "Join team" and wait for approval (usually within 24 hours)
- Once approved, click on your language
- Click "Translate" next to "translations"
- You'll see a list of English strings on the left
- Click each string and type your translation on the right
- Click "Save Translation" when done
Some strings have special parts that must not be translated:
❌ WRONG:
English: "Select user {name}"
Spanish: "Seleccionar usuario nombre" ← {name} was removed!
✅ CORRECT:
English: "Select user {name}"
Spanish: "Seleccionar usuario {name}" ← {name} kept!
The login screen has limited space. Try to keep translations similar in length to English:
✅ Good: "Iniciar sesión" (13 chars) for "Login" (5 chars)
Here's what each string means and where it appears:
| English String | Where You'll See It | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| "Press any key" | Lock screen, center of screen | Very visible, keep it short |
| "Username" | Login input field placeholder | Single word is best |
| "Password" | Password input field placeholder | Single word is best |
| "Login" | Button to log in | Short action word |
| "Logging in" | Shows while logging in | Present continuous tense |
| "Caps Lock is on" | Warning below password field | Important warning! |
| "Select user {name}" | Tooltip when hovering over user | Keep {name} placeholder! |
| "Suspend" | Power menu option | Action: put computer to sleep |
| "Reboot" | Power menu option | Action: restart computer |
| "Shutdown" | Power menu option | Action: turn off computer |
This is a professional login screen. Use:
- Formal tone for professional contexts
- Simple words everyone understands
- Clear instructions
If you use Ubuntu Budgie, you can test your translations:
# Download your translation
# Copy to: /usr/share/sddm/themes/ubuntu-budgie-login/translations/
# Restart SDDM to see itIf you translate "Login" as "Acceder", don't use "Entrar" elsewhere. Consistency helps users!
Not sure about something? Use the Transifex comments:
- Click the comment icon 💬 next to any string
- Ask your question
- Other translators and maintainers will help!
You can see how complete your language is:
- 0-30%: Just getting started
- 30-70%: Good progress!
- 70-90%: Almost complete!
- 90-100%: Excellent! Ready for release!
Aim for at least 70% complete before the translation is included in releases.
Before marking your translation as complete:
- All strings are translated
- Placeholders like
{name}are preserved - No spelling mistakes
- Consistent terminology throughout
- Strings fit the UI context
- Tone is appropriate for a login screen
Q: I made a mistake. Can I fix it?
A: Yes! Just find the string and edit your translation. It will update automatically.
Q: Someone else translated my language. Can I improve it?
A: Yes! You can suggest a better translation, and reviewers will choose the best one.
Q: My language isn't listed. Can I add it?
A: Yes! Contact the project maintainers to request your language be added.
Q: How long until my translation appears in the theme?
A: Translations are pulled weekly and included in the next release, usually within 1-2 weeks.
- Transifex questions: Use comments on strings
- Technical issues: GitHub Issues
- General questions: discourse.ubuntubudgie.org
Your translations help make slickSDDM accessible to users around the world. Every string you translate helps someone use their computer in their native language.
Happy translating! 🌍 🎉
For more detailed information, see TRANSLATIONS.md