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localization-macos

Localize macOS 26+ apps using String Catalogs, FormatStyle, and RTL layout.

1|Updated Jun 5, 2026
Search Tags:#accessibility#localization#macos#string catalogs#formatstyle#rtl layout#nslocalizedstring
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/LaughingJackalope/macos-skills --skill localization-macos
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: localization-macos
Source: https://github.com/LaughingJackalope/macos-skills/tree/main/localization-macos
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/LaughingJackalope/macos-skills --skill localization-macos

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill eliminates the tedious, error-prone manual work of localizing macOS apps, removing guesswork around String Catalogs, right-to-left layout support, plural rules, and legacy NSLocalizedString migration workflows.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Modern String Catalog Management: Handle .xcstrings files with plural variations, named substitutions, and translator comments, replacing legacy .strings and .stringsdict workflows.
  • Locale-Aware Formatting: Use FormatStyle for type-safe, thread-safe date, number, and currency formatting that respects user locale preferences.
  • RTL Layout Support: Implement correct right-to-left layout for Arabic, Hebrew, and other RTL languages, including macOS-specific quirks for layout direction handling.
  • Legacy Migration & System Integration: Incrementally migrate existing NSLocalizedString code to modern catalogs, localize menu items, accessibility labels, and app names in Info.plist.
  • Use Case: For example, if you are updating a legacy macOS productivity app to support 12 new languages, this Skill guides you through migrating old localization files, implementing RTL layout, and localizing all user-facing strings and menu items without breaking existing functionality.

Quick Start

Use the localization-macos skill to add full Arabic and Hebrew localization support to your existing macOS document editing app, including RTL layout, pluralized item count strings, and localized menu bar items.

Frequently Asked Questions about localization-macos

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I migrate legacy NSLocalizedString files to String Catalogs in a macOS app?▼

Implement right-to-left layout for macOS apps by configuring layout direction handling to support Arabic and Hebrew languages. This process addresses macOS-specific quirks for RTL languages, ensuring correct text rendering and interface mirroring for global audiences.

How does FormatStyle handle locale-aware formatting for dates and currencies on macOS?▼

FormatStyle handles locale-aware formatting by providing type-safe, thread-safe formatting for dates, numbers, and currencies that respects user locale preferences. This modern Apple platform approach replaces manual formatting logic with native localization tools.

Can I localize menu items and accessibility labels using String Catalogs?▼

Yes, you can localize menu items and accessibility labels using String Catalogs. This includes localizing application metadata and app names in Info.plist, ensuring all user-facing strings and system integrations meet production requirements for macOS applications.

What is the best way to handle plural rules in macOS app localization?▼

The best way to handle plural rules in macOS app localization is using String Catalog management within .xcstrings files. This modern approach handles plural variations and named substitutions natively, replacing legacy .stringsdict workflows for accurate multi-language support.

Does macOS localization support pseudolanguage testing for String Catalogs?▼

Yes, macOS localization supports pseudolanguage testing for String Catalogs. This testing mechanism verifies that locale-aware FormatStyle implementations, RTL layout configurations, and localized accessibility labels meet production requirements before global deployment.

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