# Translate the user interface

> Translate windows, fields, menus and messages of iDempiere, keep the translations through upgrades, and override texts for one Tenant.

How to translate windows, fields, menus and messages. Applies to iDempiere 11 and later. Checked in October 2026.

:::tip[In short]

- Log in as System Administrator. Changes apply to all Tenants.
- Translate the element, not the field.
- Use the System Translation Check window to work through one language.

:::

## Where to translate

| Text | Window => tab |
| --- | --- |
| Field labels, help | Element => Translation |
| Window, tab, field names | Window, Tab & Field => Window, Tab or Field Translation |
| Menu entries | Menu => Translation |
| Processes and parameters | Report & Process => Report Translation, Parameter Translation |
| Messages and buttons | Messages => Translation |
| Drop-down values | Reference => List Translation |
| Info windows | Info Window => Window Translation, Column Translation |

The System Translation Check window shows all these tabs for one language.

A language appears on the login page only when Login Locale is selected. See [Language flags](/docs/translation-localization/how-translation-works#language-flags).

## Translate the element, not the field

Most fields are Centrally Maintained: they take their label from the element. [Synchronize Terminology](/docs/translation-localization/how-translation-works#processes) copies element translations to fields, process parameters, info columns, print format items and menus.

:::warning

Every upgrade runs Synchronize Terminology. A translation typed on a centrally maintained field is lost. To give one field its own label, clear Centrally Maintained first.

:::

## Other tasks

- **Override a message for one Tenant:** see [Messages at Client Level](/docs/new-features/v9/messages-at-client-level).
- **Find untranslated texts:** filter a translation tab on Translated = No, or run the [coverage query](/docs/translation-localization/how-translation-works#measure-the-coverage-of-a-language). It counts messages, elements, fields and menus; add other `_Trl` tables the same way.
- **See your changes:** run Cache Reset, then log in again.
- **Plug-in texts:** translate them in the same windows. To deliver them, see [Ship translations](/docs/translation-localization/ship-translations).