Language-dependent graphics

Overview

This article discusses how to handle language-dependent graphics in multilingual survey projects using EFS (Enterprise Feedback Suite). It provides various methods to manage and implement graphics that vary based on the language of the survey.

Information

When working with multilingual projects, graphics in questions may need to change depending on the language. This guide offers solutions to manage this process efficiently and clearly.

• Direct Method: Using Language Editor
• Export/Import Method
• File Naming Convention
• Placeholder Method

Direct Method: Using Language Editor

This method involves directly editing the text and graphics in the Language Editor.

Step 1

Navigate to Questionnaire Editor → Language Editor → Text Elements.

Step 2

Translate the text and change the graphics in their HTML code.

Step 3

Ensure you know the exact name of the graphic. A list of graphic names can be helpful, especially for external translators.

Export/Import Method

This method uses the export and import functionality for easier translation.

Step 1

Go to Questionnaire Editor → Language Editor → Export / Import.

Step 2

Export all texts into an Excel document.

Step 3

Translate the text and modify graphics references in the Excel document.

Step 4

Import the translated Excel document back into the system.

File Naming Convention

This method suggests a standardized naming convention for graphics files to simplify the translation process.

Step 1

Name graphics files with a uniform base name plus a language-dependent abbreviation or number.

Step 2

Example: Use "product_lowfat_1.jpg" for German, "product_lowfat_2.jpg" for English, "product_lowfat_3.jpg" for French, etc.

Step 3

When translating, only change the number in the HTML code to reference the correct language version of the graphic.

Placeholder Method

This method uses placeholders in the source code to automatically load the correct language-specific graphic.

Step 1

Follow the file naming convention as described in the previous method.

Step 2

In the questionnaire editor, replace the language number with the placeholder #language# or #u_language#.

Step 3

Example: Use "product_lowfat_#language#.jpg" in the HTML code.

Step 4

The placeholder will be automatically replaced by the correct language ID, loading the appropriate graphic.

FAQ

When does the placeholder method not work?

The placeholder method does not work if there is no language selection variable, i.e., if the participant can select their language exclusively via the language selection of the "Internal organization" (Survey menu Project properties Internal organization: Language selection in the survey: display for all participants).

What EFS version was this guide tested with?

This guide was tested with EFS Winter 2018 = 18.4 / EFS_18.4_0149.