How to add custom translations

You have 3 different methods to add or change a translations in Magento:

1) Inline Translation :

The translations will be placed in the database (core_translate table). You can enable the Inline Translation for frontend or backend separately. To do it: System -> Configuration -> Developer -> Translate Inline. Also, you can use the Inline Translation method to add a new translation to the Default Config (all stores) or to the specific store view.

2) Theme translation :

It allows you to add a translation only to a specific theme. All changes will be placed in the CSV file in this path: app/design/{area}/{package}/{theme}/locale/{language_code}{country_code}/translate.csv

3) Module translations :

This kind of translation is used for Default Config (all stores). It is stored within: app/locale/{language_code}_{country_code}/{namespace}_{module}.csv

Wich one is better : ?

• Inline Translation :

Plus: This method is easy and non-technical.

Minus: When you need to add a lot of changes, you have to be ready to spend considerably more time.

• Theme translation :

Pluses and minuses depend a lot on your needs: It can be applied just to the theme where changes are added. The best solution is to make changes only in a current theme. And the worst course of events is when you have several themes and you need to add the same changes to all of them.

• Module translation :

Plus: Adding a translation file to your own/core/ third party module is considered as a good method.

Minus: However, it is much more difficult than the Inline Translation.