How to start using GNOME's translation system

First steps

GNOME uses the translation collaboration web tool called Vertimus (Damned Lies).

In order to contribute with translations you have to do following steps first:

1.        Create an account on GNOME’s translation page (Damned Lies)

2.        Subscribe to the translation team of your language (after the login go to your personal page by clicking on your name, "Join a team", select a team and then "Join")                                          

3.      Visit your Translation Team page and join your team’s mailing list.

4.      At this point it would be useful to install and adjust a translation tool (a detailed post regarding PO file editors will follow), although it is optional, since translations can be made with a simple text editor. Also you should read if available the translation guide and tips provided by your team (if any they can be found at your Translation Team’s webpage stated at the top of the page) or ask your team members for directions.  

Find a translation to work on

At your team’s main page you can choose the “Release” and either its user interface or documentation.

Each package displays the percentage of translated string and the graph next to it shows the number of translated string, the number of fuzzy (uncertain translation) strings, and the number of untranslated string. At the end of each package you can see the status if any (Translating, Translated, To review, Proofreading, To commit).

If there is no status, and of course it’s not a 100% completed one, it is a free package to reserve and work on.

Reserve and download a translation package

After selecting the package, you have to reserve and download the translation file.

Download the PO file. 

To Reserve the translation so that no one can make changes on it while you are translating choose New Action → Reserve for translation, leave a comment (optionally)   → Submit.

Upload the new translation

When the PO file is translated and saved, go to the same page you reserved it earlier (you have to login first) and upload it back.

Choose New Action → Upload the new translation, leave a comment (optionally), select Browse and find the saved PO File → Submit.

The suggested translations will be reviewed and then committed by other team members.

For more details you can visit the GNOME Translation Project Wiki page.