Localization testing
Description
Localization testing is where technology and language meet Quality assurance. It ensures that localized versions of a product not only look correct, but also behave correctly – from software buttons and forms to multimedia elements and mobile interfaces.
The goal is to deliver a seamless user experience (UX) for every audience, regardless of language or locale. Functional testers check that interactive elements, navigation and workflows perform correctly. Linguistic testers review the translated text in context, verifying grammar, meaning and cultural relevance. Together, these two components validate that nothing was lost or broken during localization (L10n). Localization testing also includes layout checks for text expansion, encoding validation and region-specific settings such as currencies, date formats and character display. In short, it’s the final checkpoint before a localized product goes to market – ensuring it performs, reads and feels as intended, everywhere it’s launched.
Example use cases
- Software: Validate localized builds for both functionality and linguistic quality.
- Web: Confirm that navigation, forms and UI elements display correctly in all languages.
- Ecommerce: Check pricing, checkout and customer-facing content for accuracy and usability.
- Marketing: Ensure visuals and messages align with local cultural expectations.
- Platforms: Test multilingual systems for formatting, integration and compliance.
Key benefits
RWS perspective
At RWS, localization testing is more than a final check – it’s a vital quality gateway between production and release. We bring together expert testers, in-country linguists and intelligent automation to ensure that localized products and content perform flawlessly across markets.
Our approach integrates functional and linguistic testing within a single QA framework, ensuring both technical precision and cultural authenticity. Supported by advanced automation, AI-powered validation and human linguistic expertise, RWS ensures that your products not only translate correctly – they work beautifully, everywhere.