XLIFF, TMX, and TBX: Translation File Formats Explained

Understand the key file formats used in professional translation, when to use each one, and how they improve your translation workflow.

If you work in professional translation, you'll encounter specialized file formats designed to make translation workflows more efficient. Here's what you need to know about the most common ones.

XLIFF (XML Localization Interchange File Format)

XLIFF is the standard format for exchanging localization data between tools. It wraps source and target text segments in a structured XML format that any CAT tool can read.

When to use it: Exchanging translation work between different tools or teams
File extension: .xliff or .xlf
Key benefit: Tool-agnostic — works with any CAT tool

TMX (Translation Memory eXchange)

TMX stores pairs of source and target segments — your translation memory. When you translate "Save changes" as "Guardar cambios" in one project, TMX lets you reuse that translation in future projects. To fix segments without a CAT tool, open the file in a TMX editor, or convert it to Excel to review it as a spreadsheet.

When to use it: Sharing translation memories between projects or tools
File extension: .tmx
Key benefit: Preserves your translation work for reuse, improving consistency and speed

TBX (TermBase eXchange)

TBX is the standard for exchanging terminology databases. It stores terms, definitions, and usage notes in a structured format.

When to use it: Sharing glossaries and terminology databases across teams
File extension: .tbx
Key benefit: Ensures consistent terminology across all translators on a project

Other Common Formats

PO (Portable Object): Used in open-source software localization
SDLXLIFF: Trados-specific variant of XLIFF
MQXLIFF: MemoQ-specific variant of XLIFF
JSON/YAML: Used in web and app localization

Why Formats Matter

Using standard formats ensures your translation work is portable and reusable. If you switch CAT tools or change translators, standard formats prevent vendor lock-in and protect your investment in translation memories and glossaries.

TraduQ supports all major translation file formats for task file uploads, so you can share source files and deliverables in whatever format your workflow requires.

Tools for this

TMX editor — Edit target segments with memoQ-style tags, delete units and save a TMX.
TMX and XLIFF converter — TMX, XLIFF, SDLXLIFF and PO to Excel or CSV, and back.
Translation QA checker — Check numbers, tags, spaces and consistency in bilingual files.

How to QA Check XLIFF Files Before Delivery (Free) — Check SDLXLIFF, MQXLIFF, XLIFF and TMX files for number, tag, terminology and punctuation errors before delivery, step by step, with a free QA checker.
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