Glossary

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is the visual layer of a software application that allows users to interact with digital systems through elements such as buttons, icons, menus and dialogue boxes. It replaces command-line input with intuitive, screen-based navigation.

Description

In software localization, the GUI is one of the most visible and sensitive components to translate and adapt. Every on-screen element – from labels and tooltips to error messages – must be localized accurately while preserving usability and layout integrity.

Because space is limited, localized text often needs resizing or reformatting to fit the interface. This requires close collaboration between linguists, UI designers and localization engineers. Consistent terminology management and tone are also crucial, as the GUI shapes how users perceive a product’s quality and ease of use. RWS’s software localization teams use specialized tools within Trados and custom engineering workflows to manage GUI localization efficiently. This process combines linguistic precision, visual QA and technical validation to ensure that every interface looks and feels native to its target market.